View Full Version : Regurgitation/Possible Achalasia/Esophageal Cancer
I have been dealing with instances of food getting stuck in my esophagus and unable to go down so I have to throw it up, on and off for several years now. It is getting worse and I have been having chest pains as well as a constant feeling like I have to burp. I was diagnosed with GERD and erosive esophagitis almost two years ago, however I am incredibly worried that I have achalasia that has been misdiagnosed as it often takes up to 5 years for a correct diagnosis and is frequently misdiagnosed as GERD.
Achalasia causes an increased risk of esophageal cancer as well as the fact that esophageal cancer can mimic achalasia.
This is all compounded by the fact that I cannot tolerate PPIs or H2 blockers at all so I have been treating this supposed GERD by taking antacids only.
I can barely function I am so afraid. I am 29, single mother, and supposed to start university for a new career on Monday but the pain and discomfort has prevented me from sleeping much and my mental state is so terrible that I don't know that I am going to be able to attend at all.
Also, this regurgitation started before my health anxiety developed so I cannot believe that anxiety is the cause.
Achalasia causes an increased risk of esophageal cancer as well as the fact that esophageal cancer can mimic achalasia.
Thank you Dr. Google for helping Missb diagnose herself with a very rare ailment!
Positive thoughts
Thank you Dr. Google! for helping Missb diagnose herself with a very rare ailment!
Positive thoughts
I have less and less patience with this anymore .. googling (and in any other form like scouring medical books at the library) is a beast I am beating down every day, it's hard but doable. I'm kind of a wimp when it comes to HA so I seriously believe if I can avoid googling, anyone can.
Most I read here don't even try.. and it's super frustrating to have to reassure someone when the panic is self-inflicted - over and over and over and over.
Considering I’ve had the regurgitation before the panic I’m not sure these rude comments are warranted. I’m in pain and suffering physically and mentally, barely hanging on. I am in counseling and trying to get help.
Achalasia causes an increased risk of esophageal cancer as well as the fact that esophageal cancer can mimic achalasia.
Did your Dr tell you this?
I also hadn’t posted on here in 5 months and was doing better before this all got so out of hand. I thought this website was for support, but it seems to be for kicking others who are already at rock bottom.
Can you answer me please?
Considering I’ve had the regurgitation before the panic I’m not sure these rude comments are warranted. I’m in pain and suffering physically and mentally, barely hanging on. I am in counseling and trying to get help.
Being forthright is being rude? Reflux/GERD is aggravated and prolonged by anxiety. Feeding the dragon with Dr. Google is in fact, self-inflicted :lac:
Positive thoughts
Did your Dr tell you this?
No, I did google. I know that it wasn’t wise of me. But something has been wrong with my GI system and I feel like I’ve been misdiagnosed. I’m going to try to see the GI doctor ASAP. Again, I had been doing really well despite losing my best friend at age 31 to breast cancer May 10th. Although after losing her so young and so quick, things being “rare” don’t really comfort me as much.
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It’s not just a “feeling” of something getting stuck in my throat. It actually gets stuck and gurgles around in there and I can’t get it down so then I have to vomit it back up. That seems a little bit more severe than acid reflux.
I have been dealing with instances of food getting stuck in my esophagus and unable to go down so I have to throw it up, on and off for several years now. It is getting worse and I have been having chest pains as well as a constant feeling like I have to burp. I was diagnosed with GERD and erosive esophagitis almost two years ago, however I am incredibly worried that I have achalasia that has been misdiagnosed as it often takes up to 5 years for a correct diagnosis and is frequently misdiagnosed as GERD.
Achalasia causes an increased risk of esophageal cancer as well as the fact that esophageal cancer can mimic achalasia.
This is all compounded by the fact that I cannot tolerate PPIs or H2 blockers at all so I have been treating this supposed GERD by taking antacids only.
I can barely function I am so afraid. I am 29, single mother, and supposed to start university for a new career on Monday but the pain and discomfort has prevented me from sleeping much and my mental state is so terrible that I don't know that I am going to be able to attend at all.
Also, this regurgitation started before my health anxiety developed so I cannot believe that anxiety is the cause.
I just had a quick look and the NHS website (about as reputable as it gets google wise) says there is a very slight increase in risk of O cancer due to achalsia BUT only when it is untreated long term. So you’d have to have it a long time and be ignoring it and even then the risk is very small. Have you spoke to your GP about your concerns? There are tests they can do to confirm or rule it out if needs be such as endoscopy and barium swallow.
I just had a quick look and the NHS website (about as reputable as it gets google wise) says there is a very slight increase in risk of O cancer due to achalsia BUT only when it is untreated long term. So you’d have to have it a long time and be ignoring it and even then the risk is very small. Have you spoke to your GP about your concerns? There are tests they can do to confirm or rule it out if needs be such as endoscopy and barium swallow.
I am calling on Monday.
I work in a care home, I think every single person who's in my care. Has every single type of acid issues you can think of under the sun. I know of three men who have Achalasia and have had for years! Like one gentlemen was only told this last year. They are still kicking and don't have any big issues from it!
I know myself it isn't when you have these worries, it can over-rule your mind in every way. Especially when you've had something hard happened to you.
The most frustrating thing is that I know that I have acid reflux too but I cannot tolerate any of the PPI’s or H2 blockers because they all give me insomnia and crazy skin crawling agitation. So there is nothing effective for me to take to help with this. If the results come back that it is not achalasia then I am seriously going to have to consider reflux surgery.
WiseMonkey
18-08-18, 23:44
Achalasia is a motility disorder but there are other motility disorders beside that.
The best thing to do is have an endoscopy to see what's going on (if anything), then report back. If it's achalasia it will be easily seen with the scope. Have you had one before and do you have any autoimmune issues?
Achalasia is a motility disorder but there are other motility disorders beside that.
The best thing to do is have an endoscopy to see what's going on (if anything), then report back. If it's achalasia it will be easily seen with the scope. Have you had one before and do you have any autoimmune issues?
I believe barium swallow and pH test are required for Achalasia. I had a scope December 2016 which showed erosive esophagitis.
I do have an autoimmune skin condition.
WiseMonkey
18-08-18, 23:59
I believe barium swallow and pH test are required for Achalasia. I had a scope December 2016 which showed erosive esophagitis.
I do have an autoimmune skin condition.
I just wondered as many people with autoimmune stuff are prone to flares of motility disorders. If you were diagnosed with erosive oesoghagitis, then a scope would be a good idea, just to check things out.
Lots of people can't tolerate PPI's but are ok on H2 antagonists. I'm like this. There are various types, this could be sorted out by your specialist.
I just wondered as many people with autoimmune stuff are prone to flares of motility disorders. If you were diagnosed with erosive oesoghagitis, then a scope would be a good idea, just to check things out.
Lots of people can't tolerate PPI's but are ok on H2 antagonists. I'm like this. There are various types, this could be sorted out by your specialist.
The only H2 blocker I’ve tried is Pepcid AC and it gave me insomnia and feeling like I’m crawling out of my skin. I tried it on two separate occasions in on a day when I was not particularly anxious at all just to make sure that it wasn’t anxiety about taking the medicine itself, but it still happened. So now I am afraid to try anything else. Ever since going through a benzodiazepine withdrawal I find that I am incredibly sensitive to medications. And that they rev up any central nervous system symptoms.
WiseMonkey
19-08-18, 00:10
You could try a low dose Zantac, cut it i half and take in the morning. Does your Dr know about your drug withdrawal?
Autoimmune conditions can also rev up the central nervous system.
Lots of people can't tolerate PPI's but are ok on H2 antagonists. I'm like this. There are various types, this could be sorted out by your specialist.
That's a good point and raises the question if Missb addressed the med reaction with her doctor (did you?) and if so, why the doctor didn't explore other treatment options (did he?). It makes sense since the erosive esophagitis was essentially untreated for a period of time and anxiety over the symptoms amplifying them.
Positive thoughts
That's a good point and raises the question if Missb addressed the med reaction with her doctor (did you?) and if so, why the doctor didn't explore other treatment options (did he?). It makes sense since the erosive esophagitis was essentially untreated for a period of time and anxiety over the symptoms amplifying them.
Positive thoughts
I didn’t follow up with the G.I. doctor but my general doctor thinks that it is only my anxiety causing me to think the medications are affecting me negatively, and will not believe that the medications can cause the negative side effects. Actually, several doctors have scoffed at the idea that PPIs or H2 blockers can cause anxiety even though I’ve read tons of anecdotal reports.
I didn’t follow up with the G.I. doctor but my general doctor thinks that it is only my anxiety causing me to think the medications are affecting me negatively, and will not believe that the medications can cause the negative side effects. Actually, several doctors have scoffed at the idea that PPIs or H2 blockers can cause anxiety even though I’ve read tons of anecdotal reports.
I would have to side with the medical professionals on this one as insomnia is not listed as a side effect.
Positive thoughts
I would have to side with the medical professionals on this one as insomnia is not listed as a side effect.
Positive thoughts
Yes, it is. On multiple websites.
---------- Post added at 23:43 ---------- Previous post was at 23:42 ----------
https://www.rxlist.com/pepcid-side-effects-drug-center.htm#
Yes, it is. On multiple websites.
---------- Post added at 23:43 ---------- Previous post was at 23:42 ----------
https://www.rxlist.com/pepcid-side-effects-drug-center.htm#
Ok... My quick peek didn't see that. It is one possible side effect for Pepcid. My wife and I take a PPI and many people I know take them with no ill effects. So besides Pepcid what other PPIs or acid reducers have you tried?
Positive thoughts
Ok... My quick peek didn't see that. It is one possible side effect for Pepcid. My wife and I take a PPI and many people I know take them with no ill effects. So besides Pepcid what other PPIs or acid reducers have you tried?
Positive thoughts
Omeprazole. Again, I appreciate that the side effects of insomnia and agitation can be rare, but I am extremely sensitive to medications. This has created fear in me to try anymore, and I am just beside myself with fear of being unable to treat the condition due to this.
It is currently 7 PM where I am and I have just now summoned the ability to take a shower and I need to go pick up my daughter. I have spent the entire day pacing my house and crying because I feel so terrified and distraught. I am so sick of this fear ruining my life.
Hey, I do feel for you and undetstand to an extent what you're going through. I have a reflux problem and sometimes I feel that the PPI isn't working and this sends me into a depression thinking I'll need surgery and that it will be like this forever. I then step back a realise that I've going through stressfully events in my life and as hard as it seems, managing and identifying the stress is key .... I also need to take my own advice as I've posted about a reflux problem too, I know this, but maybe the act of posting I'm hoping for some kind of reassurance? But we all know that is short lived and only feeds the dragon, so to speak.
I really think you should give the medication another go, you've developed a negative relationship with it as you're now convinced you're going to feel a certain way ... So you look out for it. Try it in small doses and also there are various types of ppi and h2.
My advice? CBT, manage stress and try a different med along with a GP appointment.
WiseMonkey
19-08-18, 07:21
Also your autoimmune skin disorder could be drug induced (as a result of being on the benzos). These drugs can do all sorts of weird things to your system.
Also your autoimmune skin disorder could be drug induced (as a result of being on the benzos). These drugs can do all sorts of weird things to your system.
I’ve has the skin condition prior to benzos, it’s chronic unfortunately. I’m lucky that I have only a minor case as it can become pretty disfiguring.
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I'm in a bit of a better place today. I would still like to talk to the GI doctor about the pain, and my concerns with my inability to tolerate the medications because I am afraid that I have caused further damage. Maybe they will have another option? I am still considering the surgery as well because I would rather not be dependent on medications for the rest of my life, but there is a lot to consider.
I can see now that my true worry is obviously getting cancer, either from GERD or achalasia, and I had convinced myself yesterday that I had already had the cancer from it. I'm a bit more rational today, after a good night of sleep.
I was reading through some threads here and saw where someone said their father told them "Yes, there may be something really physically wrong with you. But what's causing your suffering is the panic." I know this to be true, but in the middle of my panic I can't seem to let anything rational cut through.
As I mentioned, my best friend of 13 years recently died of metastatic breast cancer. She did panic, sometimes, but most days despite constant pain and uncertainty she held it together better than I do. It makes me feel ashamed to think of how much suffering she underwent, and still was stronger than me. I miss her so so much. I feel like the reality that she's gone is really starting to hit me, and maybe it's a part of what is setting this off for me so badly.
Missb... It seems you have to make some decisions. It's apparent to me that nothing sinister is going on but I do understand, with the diagnosis you do have, that you're having symptoms and the condition needs treatment. Some way, some how, you have to treat it.
What does that leave? Well... for one, finding a med that you can tolerate and will help. Two... look into the FODMAP (https://www.ibsdiets.org/fodmap-diet/fodmap-food-list/) diet, keep a strict diary of everything you eat and eliminate foods that aggravate your reflux.
Finally, and you know this is coming... Continue to treat your anxiety as it's just aggravating your existing physical symptoms and condition.
Positive thoughts
Missb... It seems you have to make some decisions. It's apparent to me that nothing sinister is going on but I do understand, with the diagnosis you do have, that you're having symptoms and the condition needs treatment. Some way, some how, you have to treat it.
What does that leave? Well... for one, finding a med that you can tolerate and will help. Two... look into the FODMAP (https://www.ibsdiets.org/fodmap-diet/fodmap-food-list/) diet, keep a strict diary of everything you eat and eliminate foods that aggravate your reflux.
Finally, and you know this is coming... Continue to treat your anxiety as it's just aggravating your existing physical symptoms and condition.
Positive thoughts
I am going to try lifestyle changes and weight loss as well as reach out to the GI for any alternatives. I think because I actually have several diagnosed health conditions that can increase my risk of cancer, it's really easy to let my health anxiety carry it away vs someone who has had tons of tests but have all come back normal. I just never feel physically well.
Passing_for_human
19-08-18, 19:04
Was your benzo withdrawal managed by a medical professional and how high a dose were you on? Only reason I ask is that I had longer-term effects from benzo withdrawal including insomnia, skin-crawling sensations and also restless legs.
The other thing is that acid reflux or GERD are really frightening and honestly are enough on their own to have the symptoms you're describing unfortunately.
Was your benzo withdrawal managed by a medical professional and how high a dose were you on? Only reason I ask is that I had longer-term effects from benzo withdrawal including insomnia, skin-crawling sensations and also restless legs.
The other thing is that acid reflux or GERD are really frightening and honestly are enough on their own to have the symptoms you're describing unfortunately.
I was only on .5 mg, and for a short amount of time, but the withdrawal was absolute hell. I initially cold-turkeyed and landed in the hospital, so I did a slow taper of a year that was still pure hell. It's been two years since Ive been off of benzos.
I'm suffering from a serious depression now, because it seems like I can have an okay couple weeks or a month, go to therapy, think I'm making some progress, and then fall right back down into a deep hole of panic and doubt like nothing positive ever happened.
I'm 29 years old, and I'm so scared/depressed at the thought of having to fight my own brain for the rest of my life because it seems like this will never go away. I'm so exhausted in every way possible, and I can't be a good parent or focus on my future because I keep convincing myself that I won't even have one.
Passing_for_human
20-08-18, 11:14
I was only on .5 mg, and for a short amount of time, but the withdrawal was absolute hell. I initially cold-turkeyed and landed in the hospital, so I did a slow taper of a year that was still pure hell. It's been two years since Ive been off of benzos.
I really empathise with that. I was on a much higher dosage. At that level there wouldn't be any longer-term effects after coming off so that's good. I still have symptoms years later unfortunately (insomnia mainly), but as I said that was a MUCH higher level. It's so difficult though isn't it as I find I never know whether symptoms are the result of meds, my anxiety or something else. I guess maybe you need another endoscopy for a definitive diagnosis and then perhaps it'll be weighing up for you the pros and cons of side affects of different meds. Some you might decide are worth it and others not. x
I really empathise with that. I was on a much higher dosage. At that level there wouldn't be any longer-term effects after coming off so that's good. I still have symptoms years later unfortunately (insomnia mainly), but as I said that was a MUCH higher level. It's so difficult though isn't it as I find I never know whether symptoms are the result of meds, my anxiety or something else. I guess maybe you need another endoscopy for a definitive diagnosis and then perhaps it'll be weighing up for you the pros and cons of side affects of different meds. Some you might decide are worth it and others not. x
I feel like I still have some symptoms two years out, but I can attribute this to the fact that it wasn’t my only time on benzos and that I abused them recreationally when I was a teenager going on binges with Xanax. How long have you been off of them?
I'm at the end of my rope. I'm so nauseous I can barely eat. The chest pains under my right breast are so severe, and my body is in full panic mode so I can't sleep. The GI doctor wants to do an endoscopy/colonoscopy on the 14th. I'm so afraid to not be able to tolerate the medicine to treat my esophagitis.
My GERD so bad that if I eat even a moderate sized meal I regurgitate the food up into my throat for hours. And those medicines only help to decrease the acid, they don't prevent the regurgitation because that happens when the spincter is too compromised.
I think I am going to have to drop out of school which isn't good because I'm a single parent and we are paying our rent with student loans because we were living with my parents but had to get out because my dad is verbally/mentally abusive and I'm so scared to have to move back in with them.
I can't stop crying today I feel SO hopeless, and I'm so scared to be alone. I am so tired of fighting this anxiety. I just want to be able to function. It's ruining my life.
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