It all started 10 weeks ago when i went to the doctor, he thought i was suffering from a chest infection and gave me antibiotics and steroids, got no better and started bringing up food in my throat, he thought the steroids were to blame and said i had reflux. Since then ive had 8 weeks of hell, he treated me for h pylori (without doing a test i may add) to no avail. Ive had a whole load of symptoms that i wouldnt have even thought possible with reflux. Pins and needles and muscle spasms throughout body, adrenaline rushes, eye strain that causes weird feeling in my head, dry mouth, white foam, difficultly breathing, lump in throat, rancid bowel movements, i could go on. Ive been to get an endoscopy last week, and they said i had an inflammed stomach, gastritis and 2 polups that theyve taken biopsies from. I feel so down, this isnt me anymore, i lost over a stone and everytime i go to the doctor they just say its anxiety (which ive never suffered from before). Im convinced theres something wrong at the top of my chest that theyre missing, sounds weird but im getting funny feelings throughout my body when i swallow and struggle when breathing in. I feel like im going out of my mind, i feel no one is listening to me and im really scared. Looking to here for a bit of support. Any advice and reassurance would be gratefully received. Sounds silly but i really feel like im goin to die sometimes :-( colleen
First off I want to say I'm sorry that you have to go through this. I've recently been through severe anxiety and currently going through acid reflux. I sometimes got so depressed that I never left the house, but with the right treatment there is always hope in getting better. I've been through 5 different forums reading a bunch of posts of people going through terrible symptoms for years, but eventually they get better! Are you getting any medication that gives you relief?
Colleen it happens to all of us refluxers. I can only imagine how terrible you are feeling . Don't worry, just stay strong and keep as healthy as possible. If your doctor isn't helping you change doctors and change your diet too. What have you been put on? Any meds that give you relief?
hi lewis thanks for your reply, im currently on lansaprozole which im really not sure is working or not. I get so much pressure when i eat and find it difficult to swallow that half the time i have to bring my food up. The anxiety thing im finding hard to deal with as ive never been like this before and think my family is struggling also. I just dont understand how i got here eh. 10 weeks ago i was fine :-(
hi tamsyn, thanks for your reply. I just dont understand it. How can acid reflux give you all these symptoms and anxiety? Ive been put on lansaprozole and a nasal spray and antihistomine. The last 2 just yday. Did all this happen to you? No one has advised me on diet, any advice? I feel the doctors think im crazy with all these things i tell them. I changed docs last week as my previous one was really quite nasty to me, im hoping these new ones will help. colleen
Hi Colleen,
I'm so sorry you've been through the medical meat grinder. It's one of the most horrific experiences of my life to be treated with such disrespect from these Doctors. I can't give you answers but I can give you support. First off, it's not in your head and it's not "mind gut". When the medical doctors can't find exactly what's wrong or how to treat you they go right to the "mind gut" prognosis, it's horrible! I have been to seven GI doctors and many other specialists. The last doctor finally found bile but doesn't know why. Meaning my Galbladder is supposedly working right. I have other issue that came along with it... Horrible throbbing salt burning, I call it frying, in my tummy, chest, throat, and my mouth. My heart has never been the same since they put me on high doses of acid blocker and nerve drugs which only made me sicker, know one wanted to listen. I also have really bad back pain. And now muscle and joint pain. I went from 150lb to 107lb and I'm 5'9. I've managed to put 20 pounds back on but it has been a lot of work because of the burning.
I am still searching after 19 month for some kind of reliefs, help. It's been the hardest most excruciating thing I've ever been through. I've never had these issues my whole life. I am not giving up, especially when I see so many others with similar issues. Never the same as mine, but some similarities. I figure we're all in this together and we somehow got to blaze a trail for what I'm seeing to be a huge medical trend!! You are not alone, not at all. I wish I had the answer to help you feel better and get on with your life. Xxx's
Hi there shell, thanks for your reply. My heart seems to race also, its scary. Im crying all the time, i have 3 boys and theyre distressed seeing me like this. I honestly dont know what the tablets are doing to me, are these causing things? Theyve had me on anti depressants (which i ended up in a+e with, nearly collapsing) valium (which i took for a couple of nights and stopped) I just feel something isnt right, i feel as if im not control of my own body, light headed, brain fog. I really am at the stage i dont want to eat but know i have too. Ive never been so scared. You sound like youve been through the mill, thats awful youve been suffering for 19 months, surley there is something they can do. I just find the whole process so slow, no wonder people go private xx
My only suggestion I can make is to see other doctors as other doctors generally have different opinions. Also, change your diet and your lifestyle. Daily exercise really helped with my anxiety! If it is gastritis it will get better with the proper meds or atleast give you relief! How long have you been on the lansaprozole? It took me about a week to start feeling some improvements for my PPIs.
I completely understand how you are feeling. My heart goes out to you and your children. In sending you a loving hug. My body reject all medication. I can't even take anything for the pain. It only makes everything else worse. I've gone to a private doctor at Stanford but couldn't afford to keep going. I've tried many different modalities. Still search as we speak. There just has to be a way!! It been my motto the whole time. Don't give up. Start writing down everything that is happening and when. It will help you keep it all in order so it doesn't sound so jumbled when your trying to tell your story. Don't give up. Keep going forward no matter what. I hope you have support of family. It's hard for people to wrap their heads around something like this. They want to help but don't know how. Do your best to ride out the worst times... I know, it's easier said than done. Blessing to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prays. Hugs. Please let me know how your doing.
Oh, and yes... I two have cried a river of tears and been frightened. Who would be! Your whole life changes in an instant and you can't find help or relief. I pray there are answers and healing around the corner. Hugs
Since last friday lewis, just got the endoscopy on thurday. No one has spoke to me about diet, any advice?
aww thank u so much, this group might just be what i need, i might not feel so alone. Yeah my family are very supportive, mind you i dont think they understand it all though xx
so do i, im not this person, nor do i want to be xx
Wow I am surprised your doctor hasn't talked to you about a diet! There are many trigger foods that can irritate your stomach even further! Stay away from hot and spicy foods, high fatty foods, and dairy. Basically, just eat healthy. If you search online I am sure you can find a list of foods that you should stay away from. The diet can be boring and bland, but it will be worth it in the end! Stay strong Colleen!
no he hasnt, they havent been much use at all. Ill do some research, mind u im finding i really dont want to eat, too scared. thank u for your advice, this group might just be what i need.
Geez Colleen I am so sorry. What has worked for me is a clean vegetable diet, raw vegetables are really good for reflux. Try this for a week and see if it will help. You need to have your veggies fresh for smoothies at breakfast and crunchy salads at lunch.
You're welcome! This group helped me when I was in need as well. If you have any more questions or problems don't be shy to keep posting until you get an answer. I know eating is hard for you right now, but you need to stay healthy and strong. By the way, if your medicine isn't working, go back to your doctor and tell him about your symptoms. He may prescribe you something stronger or more doses throughout the day, but I say give it at least a week to see if it kicks in!
Those have been my exact words, Colleen..
We will find a way. Warm hugs, honey <3
thank u lewis. i seem to get different symptoms everyday. the last few days its been like i have a numb chest and throat, today i appear to have a bit brain fog, not control of my own body feeling. could that be my meds?
and hugs to you :-) x