Chronic discomfort

Posted by dawnsdc @dawnsdc, 19 hours ago

In 2022 I had a globus sensation near the sternal notch and went to a GI doctor. An endoscopy was performed and I was informed that I had Barrett's esophagus. I was placed on a PPI, but it did not make the sensation go away, even after being on it for 3 months. Nor have I ever experienced reflux. They did a repeat endoscopy and informed me that I had H pylori and I received treatment. I was retested and it came back negative. I was told I would have to be on PPIs for the rest of my life due to the Barretts, even though the 2nd endoscopy did not detect it. And still, the PPI's did not help, while the entire length of my esophagus, became more irritated over time, with a few periods of reprieve. Since then I've been to NYU Langone Health and Columbia Presbyterian where they did all the common tests and suggested that I have a Toupee fundaplcation due to a small hiatal hernia. Also, two subsequent endoscopies, done at each of these facilities, did not detect Barretts--3 endoscopies in all. Since then, I have had esophageal discomfort almost daily and it has become worse. In 2024, I developed chronic liquid diarrhea and they did a colonoscopy and informed me that I probably had irritable bowel syndrome and would have to go on a FOD map diet, which I adhered to 100%. It seemed to help for the first 3 weeks, but then the diarrhea began again. I decided to go to a gastroenterologist here in Connecticut, where I live. He placed me on an antibiotic, Xifaxan, which seemed to help for about a month, at which point he suggested another colonoscopy where they found Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). I was placed on Zithromax for three days and the diarrhea subsided. During this time I started developing increased stomach discomfort and another colonoscopy was performed. They found a 10 cm ulcer and placed me on Protonix 40 mg twice a day. The ongoing problem with the esophageal discomfort has not improved and is worsening. My doctor stated that we should wait three months and perform another endoscopy, but I am in much discomfort. (I plan on calling him tomorrow). The reason I'm posting this info. is that I'm wondering if anyone has experienced anything of things, or anything similar? Also, if anyone with a medical background reviews these postings, do you have any suggestions? I'm not sure what to do at this point. I hope this isn't too much information to share here. Thank you in advance. Unlike

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laura1970 | @laura1970 | 10 hours ago

Barrett’s esophagus is typically caused by reflux, which can be asymptomatic. It is considered a precancerous condition, I think 5% of Barrett’s patients go on to develop esophageal cancer (notoriously difficult to treat, a bad cancer to have). So it is quite serious.

Other risk factors include being male (can’t change that risk factor), and obesity. So if you’re overweight you could seek the help of a dietitian or trainer or physical therapist to help restore your ideal body weight.

You are on PPI therapy but given the ulcer (I realize you were h. Pylori positive) and ongoing esophageal pain, it is reasonable to assume (Imho) that reflux is ongoing. This will worsen your Barrett’s. Have you been on a GERD diet? You can put a 4x4 piece of wood under the head of your bed to let gravity help move stomach contents into your small intestine. Have u quit alcohol and tobacco? Fundiplication is an option but I don’t have enough information to advise for or against it.

There are quite a few options for refractory GERD. here are just a few to discuss with your doctor

Adding a H2 blocker such as Pepcid at night.

Testing for gastroparesis, where your stomach doesn’t properly pump its contents to the small intestine. There are meds to treat this.

Meds that keep the sphincter at the bottom of your esophagus from relaxation, thus keeping stomach contents in the stomach

I hope this helps