Acid reflux, GERD etc -opinions pls

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I posted earlier but did not get a response. About 2 yrs ago I had sharp shooting chest pains that felt like they were coming from my heart. After tests my dr figured it was gerd or some sort of reflux. I had an upper endo, it was fine, my GI dx me with NERD (non errosive gerd). Well, I was on aciphex for quite awhile, over a yr. On and off I would go off it for a wk or so to test the waters, well when I would go off, the pains came back. Well I have been off it for about 5 months now, the chest pains have subsided. However, now I get a burning feeling where I think my pancreas is. Does anyone else have this? Also, does anyone else have their GERD come back when they go off their meRAB for a wk even though you have been on them for a very long time?

The reason I ask is my dad recently passed from pancreatic cancer. I was told GERD is often mistaken for PC and also is a symptom. My blood test for PC was SLIGHTLY elevated. My dr says not to worry but others that have relatives say I should get further tests...which I will, I am going to get another blood test to see if its elevated more.

In the meantime, feedback on my questions above REALLY appreciated!
 
I'm sorry to hear your Dad passed away from pancreatic cancer. My Dad passed away from esophageal cancer, which is also a digestive cancer. That's partly the reason I was so worried when I began experiecing symptoms of acid reflux. The chest pain you described is quite a common symptom of acid reflux. And yes, going off your medicine for even a few days can bring on a new attack of acid. The meRAB keep the acid in your stomach lower than normal. When you go off the meRAB, the stomach acid rises again and the symptoms that put you on the meRAB in the first place often recur.
I've had an endoscopy too that showed no damage, thankfully. I've also had other tests -- 24 hr Ph monitoring, mamonetry, chest x-ray -- that all came back fine too. I also did have an abdominal ultrasound, where they can check your gallbladder, kidneys, liver, pancreas. Maybe you should ask for one of these so you can have your abdominal organs checked. I also asked for a CT scan, but my GI doctor didn't think this was necessary, and mentioned the radioactive exposure you are subjected to.
I'm not sure there is a blood test specific to pancreatic cancer, otherwise wouldn't that cancer be detected much sooner, instead of being a silent killer? I would try for some other diagnostic tests, given your family history.

Kassie
 
Thanks Kassie, sorry for your loss...

I had a USound of my ab organs but read that it is not served as a good detection. I also had the CA 19 blood test for PC which was slightly elevated though my dr said it was of no concern. My GI said we could run another blood test and if its elevated even more then we should look into it.

Do you get the burn type of feeling at the top of your stomach? That is what is of most concern.

I think if your endo was good, then you should be fine in terms of esph cancer, you should then I believe get it tested again in 3 to 5 yrs.

How long have you been on meRAB? I was on aciphex for over a yr for it to calm down....I thought it usually resolved in 8 wks?
 
I've been on meRAB for almost a year and a half now. If you are unlucky enough to have chronic GERD then you may have to be on medicine indefinitely. I did have burning at the top of my stomach area and all up to my throat area when this all started. Those symptoms largely went away after about 4 or 5 months on the medication. My main symptom now is a sore, irritated throat and scratchy voice, and sometimes back or chest pain. The ENT I saw said this is called LPR and is when the reflux goes so high that it hits your throat. He is the one who said I'd likely need to be on a PPI med for life. I'm not too thrilled with that, but know I get worse again when I don't take them.
I too sometimes worry that it is something other than "simple acid reflux". When I heard Patrick Swayze discussing his indigestion issues before being diagnosed, it made me wonder about PC too. I wish I could have a CT scan done, just so I'd know that my abdomen was thoroughly checked. Are you going to request a CT scan?
Kassie
 
Yes, exactly the whole Swazye thing scared me and I have read of others w pc having this feeling. The burning is RIGHT in that area. When my gerd started 2 yrs ago it was the chest pains and feeling like I could not swallow-always worse at night. Now that I have burning I am paranoid since my dad just passed of PC and it is hereditary.

I did not have a CT scan. However, I had 2 ultra sounRAB this summer which were fine (thought they are not very sensitive) and a CA 19 blood test which was slightly elevated which scares me too. My primary said no worries back in sept when I had the test but others who have had PC said their 19 was only slightly elevated too while others can be very high. SO I emailed my GI and he said he thinks I am fine but said another blood test could be run as its really used as a marker not a diagnositic test....ie-if its higher there is concern, if not, I am fine.
 
I also had a burning sensation in that area for awhile (I don't anymore). I think it's caused by having uncontrolled acid reflux. Mine is being controlled now by prescription strength Prilosec. I think if it was anything serious it would be getting worse instead of better.
 
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