Complications of Reflux Disease*

[The_OPA]

In addition to producing a wide range of symptoms, reflux disease can lead to potentially serious complications including:

Oesophagitis (Inflammation that can damage the tissue of the oesophagus)

Stricture (Narrowing of the oesophagus)

Barrett’s Oesophagus (Pre-cancerous changes to the tissue lining the oesophagus)

Oesophageal cancer (in rare cases)*

In people with reflux disease, the lower oesophageal sphincter is weak or relaxes inappropriately, allowing acid and bile to flow back from the stomach into the oesophagus.

[Notknowmuch]

My husband has stage 2b (T2 N1 M0)Barrett’s esophagus cancer. Just completed chemoradiation therapy today. Next 6 weeks is recovery period to be ready for a major surgery. He tolerated the therapy well with minimal side effects.

I am anxious with the upcoming surgery because I understand that it is a risky operation. Where the Barrett’s esophagus is located, it will be removed and the stomach joins to replace what’s cut out.

[Nesbo]

I have been advised I am likely suffering from reflux/GORD and possible hiatal hernia and am waiting to see a gastroenterologist. I was prescribed Lansoprazole which had a significantly adverse effect on my symptoms, considerably worsening them over a period of several weeks. I was advised by 111 duty doctor to immediately stop taking them and after 6 days my symptoms have greatly improved. Consequently I am not a fan on this particular PPI.

I am looking into alternative means of affecting a change in my reflux (nocturnal) symptoms whilst awaiting full evaluation at the hospital. My question to you is do you know of any UK/NICE research into the effectiveness of the Swedish IQoro neuromuscular training device? Are you aware of the Swedish research carried out on this product? I would be interested to hear if anyone has trained with the device and what their experience has been with it and any benefits or otherwise on their reflux symptoms.

Thanks

[diww1 in reply to Nesbo]

Did you get any information on the benefits of the Swedish IQoro I am tempted to try it but need to know if it's worth the Investment .. I replied to another of your posts too and wonder if it's helped you x

[Nesbo in reply to diww1]

It’s difficult to say whether it’s helped or not. I’ve been using it regularly and was somewhat underwhelmed when it arrived, but I’m willing to try anything to avoid taking PPIs if I can after my earlier experience. What I can tell you is my reflux is so much better now. I’ve had problems since last year and had almost daily chest pain, burning, sore throat and coughing, but have seen a marked improvement since taking matters into my own hands. I think losing weight has made a big difference, as has cutting out a lot of trigger foods, although I’ve reintroduced some, like cooked onion, garlic and peppers, with no adverse effects. Also the odd small glass of wine. For me, the wedge pillow and the licorice has really worked well, but I am able to tolerate it, and I check my blood pressure regularly, and all’s fine. I take 1 tablet 20 mins before meals. It’s hard to evaluate whether the iQoro has contributed to my feeling so much better, but I’d say it has combined with everything else. I’ve also upped my exercise as I’ve not been able to go to the gym. Mostly walking and cycling. Not planning to go back for the time being as feel it’s still too risky.

I’m sorry I didn’t see your previous reply to my post. Can you resend as I can’t find it.

Hope the above helps. I figured the iQoro was the cost of a couple of meals out, and as that was off limits for the foreseeable future, I had nothing to lose. Worth it if you’ve stuck to all of the above and it’s not helped.

[diww1 in reply to Nesbo]

I am glad what you're doing is helping .. I very very obese and that isn't helping hiatus hernia and reflux at all .. I can't exercise at all due to other health issues I can't stand for more than a few seconds and I can barely walk now

I can't do core muscle based exercises so I am sadatory so I can only loose weight by diet

My other answer was in another section of this forum x

[Nesbo in reply to diww1]

Thanks for your honesty. I was overweight too. It had crept up on me over the years and I’m sure this is why I was suffering from acid reflux in the first place. Previously I could eat and drink anything with no adverse effects.

Losing weight is the very first place you must start. Without that, you cannot heal and improve your symptoms. Excess weight causes acid reflux and it won’t get better without a lifestyle change. I bought Dr Jonathan Aviv’s ‘The Acid Watcher Diet’ online from Amazon. I stuck to the diet religiously for 3 months and am still following many of the recipes. I’ve lost over two stone and combined with everything else, my reflux is much, much better.

I’m afraid losing weight is your key to better health.... sorry to be so blunt but you have to do it to even start feeling well. . And do you know what, once you have the right mindset you CAN do it. I’d never dieted in my life, but I stuck to this one as I knew in my heart I absolutely had to for my long term health. You can too. You will see a huge difference I am sure if it. I wouldn’t buy an iQoro until you’ve lost some of the excess weight as I don’t think you would benefit until you have.

[diww1 in reply to Nesbo]

I thank you for your honesty too .. I am convinced my weight is my problem it doesn't help a hiatus hernia at all and that can contribute to reflux ... I know I need to loose weight

There is so much I cant eat due to warfarin too and I don't do the cooking I can't my husband does everything but he has health problems too .. so he isn't one to stand and cook so I am eating as explained early so it's easy for him

I don't mind as long as I loose weight and it helps I am DOUBLE the weight I should be

I am 5ft 2" and 17 stone 6lb

So it's terrible.. I eat healthy meals what did it was what I ate in-between .. we never fry have skimmed milk and steam or slow cooker

But we used to eat so much junk between meals sweets chocolates cakes biscuits crisps and over the years the weight piled on my husband is a type 2 diabetic

So basically we are reaping what we sowed for years

I know my weight is killing me which is sad but I now want to do something and suceed xx

[Nesbo in reply to diww1]

It’s so easy to reach for a quick fix when your feeling lousy. Everyone does it, but for AR sufferers it just makes everything worse as it’s all the foods we should be avoiding. It’s not easy to change your habits and even harder if you aren’t able to cook. But it would help your husband too if he’s a diabetic so well worth him getting on board. In fact it’s vital.

The meals in the book are pretty tasty actually and although you have to go without some things, you get a result very quickly if you stick to it like I did. I waivered sometimes, but ultimately I value good health more than a choccie biscuit and it was easier than I thought it would be once I set my mind to it.

Your head space is so important to success.

You have to ask yourself if you want to feel as you are feeling now or do you want to feel a whole lot better. You may not be able to cure your AR but you can improve things. You just have to find the strength to do it. I do hope you can. To lose weight consistently you need to be eating more regularly not less, but the right things and in the right portion sizes. 3 smaller meals and 2 healthy natural mini-meals a day. Lots of plain water, no alcohol or fizzy drinks.

Start today! There’s loads of stuff online to help you lose the pounds. Don’t go for gimmicky expensive dietary aids, go for what works. Plan your menu for the week and only buy what you need for it. Cut out trigger foods and only eat natural stuff in the right quantities. Get the book, or something similar, there are others out there, and stick to the advice they give. Things will start to improve for you. You just have to have faith in yourself and resist those snacks! If you’re in the UK have a look at the healthy eating plans on the BBC site, they are very useful once you know what your trigger foods are, and the recipes can easily be adapted.

bbc.co.uk/food/articles/los...

Hope all this helps. Good luck with it and keep me posted as to how you get on. A bit of mutual support always helps 😁 x

[diww1 in reply to Nesbo]

Thanks so much I totally agree with you on all points .. I’ve already started when I stopped the last H2 medication .. I’ve got one of the books you recommended on kindle and I will certainly do all I can .. I have to and so does my husband thanks so much for all your time and advise I truly value it x

[uptight23 in reply to diww1]

im on 40gm 2x a day and i have started useing the IQoro device and changed eating habitsi feel more positive now due for a 2nd Endoscopy in september