I"ve already had 2 upper endoscopies with dilation because stricture keeps happening. I am taking Nexium to help with the acid reflux, almost gluten free(still working on it) don't lay down right after eating
I don't eat huge meals. I don't know what else to do. I am already having trouble swallowing pills again, they are getting stuck in my throat. I can swallow food fine as long as I have a drink.
The pills won't go down no matter how much water I drink and I have to have a bite of food to help it go down.
Posted by WPinVA (Member # 33581) on :
Hi - strictures can be caused by a condition called "eosinophilic esophagitis." It can sometimes be managed by determining and avoiding trigger foods.
More info here: www.apfed.org Posted by marypart (Member # 27012) on :
I agree completely with WPinVA.
I had horrific reflex that got better with H.Pylori treatment and Lyme treatment.
But what really helped with the eosinophilic esophagitis was 2 Benedryl every night before bed. Knocks down the allergic processes.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
If it's not that, it could be Sjogren's.
Posted by BuffyFan (Member # 34679) on :
Thank you everyone. I had a biopsy done at my second endoscopy and on the report it just said consistent with acid reflux. I did not see anything about eosinophils in the report. I will have my GI doc do another biopsy for that.
I was tested for H. Pylori and don't have it. Benedryl gives me terrible headaches.....What if it does turn out to be EE and I find out/avoid trigger foods but it's not enough? I've read they treat with steroids?
I will also check into Sjogren's. Thanks again, this is getting frustrating, not too mention I haven't been able to pay my bill from last time. Posted by marypart (Member # 27012) on :
EE often doesn't show up on endoscopy. Even a low level can cause poblems.
Can you take another anthistamine like claritin, zyrtec, or allegra?
Have you treated for parasites?
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
I had EE severely on Endoscope..70 cells per area - normal = less than 15. My gastro said it doesn't cause many issues and didn't seem concerned. Never re-scoped at all.
I was told the only symptom adults can experience is trouble swallowing. It's only a problem if children have it.
I've had NO luck finding the cause via food allergy testing. I've done it extensively. It's a real pain. Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
LDN has been very helpful to the GI tract for many with severe cases. Strongly suggest looking into this. Many LLMDs are knowledgeable about it as it helps about half of those with lyme who have tried it.
But see the great results for those with all kinds of GI tract issues. To start:
GMO foods that can harm &/or even destroy the entire GI Tract; Gluten; Dairy. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Nexium can cause severe magnesium deficiency. This can be counterproductive & dangerous. Other choices to soothe the GI tract tissue can be found up in the H. Pylori thread.
Topic: MAGNESIUM LINKS sets -
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
What is eosinophilic esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory condition in which the wall of the esophagus becomes filled with large numbers of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell.
Both my sister and I have had esophageal spasms since our teens. Hers got much worse, and she has difficulty eating and a number of autoimmune problems.
I still get esophageal spasms occasionally, but last fall I got the bright idea to use the SOTA Magnetic Pulser on my sternum when it happens. Wow, what a relief!
Now that I've read through that article about eosinophilic esophagitis, I can see that my symptoms resemble that.
It is related to inflammation and possible allergy reactions. I can see that this is probably related to Lyme Disease.
I have been trying to increase my magnesium, and that may be why I've had fewer spasms of the esophagus. I don't get hiccups or tics any more. Low mag causes muscle spasms.
After I began taking Berberine, I noticed that I had less gastric reflux, and I could stop taking d-limonene or Pepzin GI. I do not wake up any more with stomach contents in my throat or the worry that I will inhale it.
If I get an esophageal spasm, it always happens if I'm eating too quickly and gulping my food. The pressure in the center of my chest, behind the sternum, is intense, and I have to wait it out.
In my teens, the spasm passed in thirty seconds. In my 40's and 50's, it can last for five to ten minutes. If I apply the Magnetic Pulser to the area, it subsides almost immediately. I did try the LightWorks on it, but it took longer for relief, so now I go right to the Magnetic Pulser.
The Magnetic Pulser reduces inflammation and relaxes muscle spasms. It helps the cells to work better and speeds healing.
Because of this, they are researching pulsed magnetic therapy for cancer. I don't know what kind of machine they use for that, but the SOTA Magnetic Pulser is great for home use.
You may be able to use this to reduce the inflammation of your esophagus and heal the damaged cells.
Supplemental magnesium will help to reduce inflammation. Fish oil will help reduce inflammation too. Taking both of these will help your body to heal.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Consider parasites and/or candida and/or mold in the environment as one potential cause.
My DH has EE and EG, and from reading support group info, I have observed that some people with these eosinophilic conditions improve (sometimes dramatically) when they get rid of mold in their house, or if they treat parasites.
Posted by Judie (Member # 38323) on :
"I was tested for H. Pylori and don't have it."
How were you tested?
I had a stool test and blood test the same week for it. Stool test was negative, blood was crazy high positive.
The breath test is most accurate.
Licorice tincture diluted in a little water may help or DGL if you have high blood pressure.
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I am already having trouble swallowing pills again, they are getting stuck in my throat. I can swallow food fine as long as I have a drink.