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Suggest Treatment For Abdominal Pain And Heartburn Caused By GERD

Posted on Sat, 30 Apr 2016

Question: I have had acid reflux/GERD for about 7-8 years. I used to be able to control it with Prilosec. Over time it quit working and I would either try something else or just stop taking it. The past few years my heartburn has gotten worse. I found myself taking Tums or Gaviscon almost every day and at bed time instead of every few days. I still drank coffee which would seem to trigger it, especially if I don't eat with it. I stopped the coffee a few weeks ago. I have bad anxiety issues too and I don't respond to SSRIs well... I get bothersome side effects. I also believe I might have a hiatal hernia because of the pain in my upper abdomen/ sternum area that seems to flare up when I lift heavy objects. I'm going in for an endoscopy tomorrow to get my esophagus and stomach checked out. I'm worried that I might have something bad like Barrett's Esophagus or worse. Should I be worried?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing to be worried.....

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!

You are reporting to have heartburn for many years and you have used Prilosec and now gaviscon and tums.
There is nothing to be worried for some reasons:

1. You have treated your acid reflux with PPI's like Prilosec. It's true that coffee aggravate the symptoms of reflux and anxiety issues.
2. even if you have Barret's esophagus recently with the new endoscopic procedures it is well treated and there is nothing to be worried.

With regards to have an issue more than Barret's esophagus your symptoms are no suggestive for anything more serious than acid reflux.

Hope it was helpful.
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (10 minutes later)

Thank you for responding. I shouldn't be worried even if I continued to have heartburn while on Prilosec? I seem to be taking antacids and using baking soda every day. In the afternoon and in the evening. I'm just very worried they will say I have Barrett's... I've taken a lot of pain meds for migraines and neck aches over the years as well. My father has suffered from GERD for the past 30 years as well but I also smoked for years. 2-3 packs a MONTH for about 5 years then about a pack or two a month for the past two. I finally quit back in October. I have anxiety issues as well and ALWAYS fear/focus on the worst.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please follow....

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
First of all patients like you with acid reflux suffer for all their life from acid reflux some times better and some times worse.
They continue PPI for some time, stop for some time and than restarts again.
Second you are reporting to suffer from anxiety issues. These issues worse acid reflux symptoms.
Anxiety and stress aggravates acid reflux.
These is why I suggest first of all to control your anxiety and stress.
With regards to Barret's esophagus as I said you before it is curable in recently times.
Hope it was helpful to you.
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (43 hours later)

You were right! I only had some irritation. Thank you for giving me some peace of mind before my procedure. My anxiety gets the best of sometimes.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Glad to know that it is only irritation...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back

I am glad to know that you have only esophageal irritation. It is nothing serious issue.

Wish you fats recovery.

Enjoy your life.
Dr.Klerida

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar