Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Acid Reflux And Depression
Question: Hi,
I am 40 years old. I have a history of acid reflux from an early age. When I was in my 20s I had a fundoplication and hiatus hernia correction procedure which stopped my reflux for about 10 years. In my mid 30s the reflux came back a little so I've been on occasional 20mg nexium since. The complication is I've also suffered depression relating to childhood trauma and sexual abuse and more recently the loss of both parents within a close period of time, which has in turn has given me a dependancy on alcohol throughout my mid to late 30s. Obviously alcohol (especially regularly and heavily) does not mix well with someone with chronic stomach issues. The last scope I had was in late 2014/early 2015 and showed evidence of mild reflux disease but no other issues and all biopsies clear of anything dangerous.
The for last few years I have been indulging in alcohol too much and for the last year I have been cutting back quite substantially and abstaining for 4 days a week. However, for the last few weeks in the lower oesophagus / top of my stomach Ive had a consistent gnawing pain, quite dull but regularly coming and going but not going completely going. This soreness doesn't feel like actual acid reflux (as Im on 80 Mg of Nexium now) more a soreness ranging from the throat down to the stomach with an emphasis on my lower oesophagus/upper stomach. It seems to ring true to symptoms of Gastritis or Stomach ulcer but my BIG fear is obviously oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer or similar. s Ive had this for weeks (4-6) and it not going Im getting more and more down, paranoid and upset about it all. I went to the doctors yesterday but I didn't feel he listened properly to me and he gave me a blood test paper to test for a few things and a stool sample. I just need some reassurance if at all possible.
My mother had a lot of health anxiety and before she died she had years and years of doctor visits and tests. As a result i also stress greatly about health matters and often feel my anxiety makes the symptoms worse so some words that my rule out sinister possibilities would be extremely, extremely welcomed.
Thank you. XXXXXXX
I am 40 years old. I have a history of acid reflux from an early age. When I was in my 20s I had a fundoplication and hiatus hernia correction procedure which stopped my reflux for about 10 years. In my mid 30s the reflux came back a little so I've been on occasional 20mg nexium since. The complication is I've also suffered depression relating to childhood trauma and sexual abuse and more recently the loss of both parents within a close period of time, which has in turn has given me a dependancy on alcohol throughout my mid to late 30s. Obviously alcohol (especially regularly and heavily) does not mix well with someone with chronic stomach issues. The last scope I had was in late 2014/early 2015 and showed evidence of mild reflux disease but no other issues and all biopsies clear of anything dangerous.
The for last few years I have been indulging in alcohol too much and for the last year I have been cutting back quite substantially and abstaining for 4 days a week. However, for the last few weeks in the lower oesophagus / top of my stomach Ive had a consistent gnawing pain, quite dull but regularly coming and going but not going completely going. This soreness doesn't feel like actual acid reflux (as Im on 80 Mg of Nexium now) more a soreness ranging from the throat down to the stomach with an emphasis on my lower oesophagus/upper stomach. It seems to ring true to symptoms of Gastritis or Stomach ulcer but my BIG fear is obviously oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer or similar. s Ive had this for weeks (4-6) and it not going Im getting more and more down, paranoid and upset about it all. I went to the doctors yesterday but I didn't feel he listened properly to me and he gave me a blood test paper to test for a few things and a stool sample. I just need some reassurance if at all possible.
My mother had a lot of health anxiety and before she died she had years and years of doctor visits and tests. As a result i also stress greatly about health matters and often feel my anxiety makes the symptoms worse so some words that my rule out sinister possibilities would be extremely, extremely welcomed.
Thank you. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
You can definitely improve to the fullest.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, Young man.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
To discuss about the salient points:
I can understand the plight you must be going through and these acting as wither instigating or enhancing factors.
You were one of the luckiest to have successful fundoplication and repair of hiatus hernia that made you symptom-free for 10 years as not all operated patients get so much benefit. Why would you like to disrupt the best results you have got with
the surgical correct.
You are only 40 and have to go a long way ahead.
Proper care now and the best life in future.
Since you had endoscopy showing only mild reflux in late 2014 or early 2015, the likelihood of turning the changes to cancer are very low and would not have been there is you would have no alcohol intake.
Stress - stress - stress and anxiety are one of the most important instigating or enhancing factors. Your present GERD like symptoms indicate these.
The good news was abstinence from alcohol for 4 days a week.
Why not 7 days a week.
There are so many other things other than alcohol to get solace with. You are 40 an not an adolescent and you can understand what I mean by.
You can have so many better options, to name a few are:
Rejuvenation of childhood hobbies without thinking what people will say. XXXXXXX in the sense of helping others who really need it and give back the greatest of pleasure which is priceless.
This can be in the very small gestures, you do not need to be on donating spree.
Outing with good friends, I mean those who do not have addictions like alcohol or smoking for example.
Try to go away to the most beautiful places where the water is glowing or on hill-tops, hiking, and so on.
Make a list of the factors that give you anxiety and stress. Just avoid them at any cost and believe me , you do not loose anything else other than the stress and anxiety.
Medications:
You are already taking Nexium
Antacids when you are on empty stomach.
Soft bland diet.
Small frequent meals.
Domperidone acts as prokinetic and helps motility and gastric emptying- needs a prescription.,
Anxiolytic medications better be avoided as they have addiction liability.
Alternative therapies like Yoga and any naturopathy has the biggest healing potential - out medications just assist you in the natural process.
And to discuss about your question:
Why would you get lower esohageal or stomach cancer?
Cancers are usually asymptomatic and you have symptoms so do not worry.
Obviously the only definite answer is:
Upper GI Endoscopy and biopsy/ Endo US and CT scan only if your Doctor orders for.
Get an appointment as negative results will add as a treatment in itself.
I hope this answer helps you in taking positive steps and I am sure you will give me feedback in future about the de-addiction, symptom-free and great life.
By the way, please give me some information if you feel so:
Are you married? If yes, have kids?
How cordial are your relations with friends and family?
At work-place?
What do you do?
What are the most relaxing things in your life in past - childhood/adolescence?
Any other information you would like to share.
You can definitely improve to the fullest.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, Young man.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
To discuss about the salient points:
I can understand the plight you must be going through and these acting as wither instigating or enhancing factors.
You were one of the luckiest to have successful fundoplication and repair of hiatus hernia that made you symptom-free for 10 years as not all operated patients get so much benefit. Why would you like to disrupt the best results you have got with
the surgical correct.
You are only 40 and have to go a long way ahead.
Proper care now and the best life in future.
Since you had endoscopy showing only mild reflux in late 2014 or early 2015, the likelihood of turning the changes to cancer are very low and would not have been there is you would have no alcohol intake.
Stress - stress - stress and anxiety are one of the most important instigating or enhancing factors. Your present GERD like symptoms indicate these.
The good news was abstinence from alcohol for 4 days a week.
Why not 7 days a week.
There are so many other things other than alcohol to get solace with. You are 40 an not an adolescent and you can understand what I mean by.
You can have so many better options, to name a few are:
Rejuvenation of childhood hobbies without thinking what people will say. XXXXXXX in the sense of helping others who really need it and give back the greatest of pleasure which is priceless.
This can be in the very small gestures, you do not need to be on donating spree.
Outing with good friends, I mean those who do not have addictions like alcohol or smoking for example.
Try to go away to the most beautiful places where the water is glowing or on hill-tops, hiking, and so on.
Make a list of the factors that give you anxiety and stress. Just avoid them at any cost and believe me , you do not loose anything else other than the stress and anxiety.
Medications:
You are already taking Nexium
Antacids when you are on empty stomach.
Soft bland diet.
Small frequent meals.
Domperidone acts as prokinetic and helps motility and gastric emptying- needs a prescription.,
Anxiolytic medications better be avoided as they have addiction liability.
Alternative therapies like Yoga and any naturopathy has the biggest healing potential - out medications just assist you in the natural process.
And to discuss about your question:
Why would you get lower esohageal or stomach cancer?
Cancers are usually asymptomatic and you have symptoms so do not worry.
Obviously the only definite answer is:
Upper GI Endoscopy and biopsy/ Endo US and CT scan only if your Doctor orders for.
Get an appointment as negative results will add as a treatment in itself.
I hope this answer helps you in taking positive steps and I am sure you will give me feedback in future about the de-addiction, symptom-free and great life.
By the way, please give me some information if you feel so:
Are you married? If yes, have kids?
How cordial are your relations with friends and family?
At work-place?
What do you do?
What are the most relaxing things in your life in past - childhood/adolescence?
Any other information you would like to share.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you fro your response.
I have had about 7 endoscopes in my life so to have another one would be possible but not a nice option.
Can I ask are there any medications that actually promote healing of an inflamed stomach? (other than nexium or other PPIs)
I have had about 7 endoscopes in my life so to have another one would be possible but not a nice option.
Can I ask are there any medications that actually promote healing of an inflamed stomach? (other than nexium or other PPIs)
Brief Answer:
Follow the principles
Detailed Answer:
I can understand.
Follow the line of ''management'' mentioned above and the healing will be promoted and complete.
Follow the principles
Detailed Answer:
I can understand.
Follow the line of ''management'' mentioned above and the healing will be promoted and complete.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
To answer your questions:
I am married, 2 small kids (5,6)
Work is self employed I am trying to grow a small private music school.
Relations are ok.
I am married, 2 small kids (5,6)
Work is self employed I am trying to grow a small private music school.
Relations are ok.
Brief Answer:
Stress-free life is by choice.
Detailed Answer:
Oh, Music school.
A man with music background can achieve this very well.
Two small kids, OK relations - all together should help you recover easily.
Life is tough for everyone but the happiness and having stress-free life is by choice.
Take care.Have change in all the things mentioned above.
You may also share your thoughts.
Stress-free life is by choice.
Detailed Answer:
Oh, Music school.
A man with music background can achieve this very well.
Two small kids, OK relations - all together should help you recover easily.
Life is tough for everyone but the happiness and having stress-free life is by choice.
Take care.Have change in all the things mentioned above.
You may also share your thoughts.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
