RE: EGD and bad digestive tract

September 14, 2008

Despite negative blood tests (please read my response to Yvette)

your and your mother's symptoms scream celiac. I strongly recommend

the enterolab test: www.enterolab.com

Also, flour alone is not the only source of gluten - it's in

virtually any processed food product, as well it's hidden in

supplements, Rx medicines (in particular the generics - I just got

zapped by this last week and I've been dealing with this for 5

years), natural flavorings and it's not a listed ingredient if flour

is used in the processing on the equipment or as an ingredient to

preventing caking. For example, while Frito Lay lists their

products as GF, they are produced on the same line as wheat

containing products and the cleaning of the lines is very subject to

human error (folks have found the wheat chips in corn chip

packages). Also, a local nutritionist spoke to the Frito Lay guy in

charge of the manufacturing and he was oblivious to the cross

contamination issue.

Also, anytime you eat out, unless you do a 3rd degree interrogation

of the wait staff and talk to the cook, you are likely consuming

gluten. Also, I don't recommend following a GF diet until after

testing, otherwise your trial of the GF diet ends up being very,

very subjective. I know many, many people that have " tried " the GF

diet or think they're on a GF diet (or think occasional gluten is

okay) and are very likely celiac or gluten intolerant - your

symptoms likely will not resolve unless you follow a strict GF diet

AND it can take years (not months) for all the gluten antibodies to

be eliminated - they're stored in tissue, etc. Also, you'll get

cross contamination in your own kitchen unless you have dedicated

equipment (e.g., toaster, plastic bowls and utensils) and wash your

hands everytime after you handle a gluten containing ingredient.

B.

>

> Hoping to hear from those in the know since I have to wait over a

week to

> get answers.

>

> History:

>

> Hiatal hernia diagnosed in 1998.

>

> Hashimotos diagnosed in Feb 2007 (had it for many years

undiagnosed)

>

> Saw Cardiologist in May 2007 for Chest Pains (Hashi on rampage)

>

> Had EGD in May 2007 to check to see if Hiatal Hernia had gotten

worse and

> could be causing chest pains

>

> -No problem found in esophagus, Hiatal Hernia the same, stomach had

> gastritis brought on by severe food poisoning the week before scope

>

> Total Thyroidectomy in Nov 2007 due to rapid growth of thyroid,

nodules and

> compression almost unbearable

>

> Switched to Armour in Feb 2007

>

> May 2008 started having chest pains again only worse and fatigue is

> unbearable (I have even lost 30 lbs doing the South Beach Diet)

>

> August 2008 finally saw Cardiologist

>

> Yesterday I had another EGD to see if my Hiatal Hernia again was

getting

> worse or if I suffered damage to my esophagus during my TT since

they had to

> put a tube down my throat to because my thyroid was wrapped around

it. My

> Cardiologist thought I might be having esophageal spasms that

could be

> causing my chest pain.

>

> Well my doctor instead found the following: Grade 2 esophagitis (2

> biopsies, Polyp in the stomach (did a polypectomy) and multiple

ulcers in

> the antrum (biopsy).

>

> Questions:

>

> 1. Can Iodine cause this? My doctor said that since I no

longer have a

> thyroid my Hashimotos is a mute point and that Iodine would help

other

> issues I have. I've taken it for just over two months.

> 2. Has anyone tried the Matula Herbal Formula to cure Ulcers

verses the

> " Triple method " doctors use?

> 3. Could this be another autoimmune disease? My celiac blood

work has

> come back negative multiple times and I have been doing the South

Beach Diet

> and not really adding any flour based products at all.

>

> Any advise would help me right now since my mother can only tell

me that her

> mom only had ¼ of her stomach left when she died but cannot tell

me anything

> reason other than, " She was always sick. "

>

> Thanks,

>

> Penny

>

September 14, 2008

Hi Penny,

Do you have constant acid reflux?

-

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups From: pennyrosen@...Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:55:24 -0500Subject: EGD and bad digestive tract

Hoping to hear from those in the know since I have to wait over a week to get answers.

History:

Hiatal hernia diagnosed in 1998.

Hashimotos diagnosed in Feb 2007 (had it for many years undiagnosed)

Saw Cardiologist in May 2007 for Chest Pains (Hashi on rampage)

Had EGD in May 2007 to check to see if Hiatal Hernia had gotten worse and could be causing chest pains

-No problem found in esophagus, Hiatal Hernia the same, stomach had gastritis brought on by severe food poisoning the week before scope

Total Thyroidectomy in Nov 2007 due to rapid growth of thyroid, nodules and compression almost unbearable

Switched to Armour in Feb 2007

May 2008 started having chest pains again only worse and fatigue is unbearable (I have even lost 30 lbs doing the South Beach Diet)

August 2008 finally saw Cardiologist

Yesterday I had another EGD to see if my Hiatal Hernia again was getting worse or if I suffered damage to my esophagus during my TT since they had to put a tube down my throat to because my thyroid was wrapped around it. My Cardiologist thought I might be having esophageal spasms that could be causing my chest pain.

Well my doctor instead found the following: Grade 2 esophagitis (2 biopsies, Polyp in the stomach (did a polypectomy) and multiple ulcers in the antrum (biopsy).

Questions:

Can Iodine cause this? My doctor said that since I no longer have a thyroid my Hashimotos is a moot point and that Iodine would help other issues I have. I’ve taken it for just over two months.

Has anyone tried the Matula Herbal Formula to cure Ulcers verses the “Triple method” doctors use?

Could this be another autoimmune disease? My celiac blood work has come back negative multiple times and I have been doing the South Beach Diet and not really adding any flour based products at all.

Any advice would help me right now since my mother can only tell me that her mom only had ¼ of her stomach left when she died but cannot tell me anything reason other than, “She was always sick.”

Thanks,

Penny See how Windows Mobile brings your life together—at home, work, or on the go. See Now

September 14, 2008

I’m not really sure. I know when I lay

down sometimes I start getting sick to my stomach and that’s after I’ve taken

my Zantac.

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Caldwell

Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2008

10:41 AM

To:

texas_thyroid_groups

Subject: RE:

EGD and bad digestive tract

Hi Penny,

Do you have constant acid reflux?

-

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

From: pennyrosenverizon (DOT) net

Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:55:24 -0500

Subject: EGD and bad digestive tract

Hoping to hear from those in the know since I have to wait

over a week to get answers.

History:

Hiatal hernia diagnosed in 1998.

Hashimotos diagnosed in Feb 2007 (had it for many years

undiagnosed)

Saw Cardiologist in May 2007 for Chest Pains (Hashi on

rampage)

Had EGD in May 2007 to check to see if Hiatal Hernia had

gotten worse and could be causing chest pains

-No problem found in esophagus,

Hiatal Hernia the same, stomach had gastritis brought on by severe food

poisoning the week before scope

Total Thyroidectomy in Nov 2007 due to rapid growth of

thyroid, nodules and compression almost unbearable

Switched to Armour in Feb 2007

May 2008 started having chest pains again only worse and

fatigue is unbearable (I have even lost 30 lbs doing the South Beach Diet)

August 2008 finally saw Cardiologist

Yesterday I had another EGD to see if my Hiatal Hernia again

was getting worse or if I suffered damage to my esophagus during my TT since

they had to put a tube down my throat to because my thyroid was wrapped around

it. My Cardiologist thought I might be having esophageal spasms that

could be causing my chest pain.

Well my doctor instead found the following: Grade 2

esophagitis (2 biopsies, Polyp in the stomach (did a polypectomy) and multiple

ulcers in the antrum (biopsy).

Questions:

Can Iodine cause this? My doctor said that

since I no longer have a thyroid my Hashimotos is a moot point and that

Iodine would help other issues I have. I’ve taken it for just over

two months.

Has anyone tried the Matula Herbal Formula to

cure Ulcers verses the “Triple method” doctors use?

Could this be another autoimmune disease?

My celiac blood work has come back negative multiple times and I have been

doing the South Beach Diet and not really adding any flour based products

at all.

Any advice would help me right now since my mother can only

tell me that her mom only had ¼ of her stomach left when she died but cannot

tell me anything reason other than, “She was always sick.”

Thanks,

Penny

See how Windows Mobile brings your life together—at home, work, or on

the go. See Now

September 16, 2008

I ask because constant acid reflux or GERD can cause esophageal problems. I had a hiatal hernia and had the Nissen Fundoplication surgery back in 2003 to correct it. It has fixed all of my reflux/GERD problems. I still have "tummy" issues that are similar to IBS, but I have not had the time or the money to do further testing for things like Celiac Disease, food allergies, etc. Acid reflux will cause "chest pain." Before I found a doctor that didn't have his head up his butt (for lack of a better expression), I was made to believe that I was having heart trouble at 18 when all along it was reflux. There are MANY people who go to the ER thinking they are having a heart attack when it's their first case of severe reflux.

Are you on any kind of antacid? If so, what kind? Is it prescription or OTC? Have you had any other gastro testing done besides the EGD?

-

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups From: pennyrosen@...Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:05:11 -0500Subject: RE: EGD and bad digestive tract

I’m not really sure. I know when I lay down sometimes I start getting sick to my stomach and that’s after I’ve taken my Zantac.

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of CaldwellSent: Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:41 AMTo: texas_thyroid_groups Subject: RE: EGD and bad digestive tract

Hi Penny, Do you have constant acid reflux? -

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups From: pennyrosenverizon (DOT) netDate: Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:55:24 -0500Subject: EGD and bad digestive tract

Hoping to hear from those in the know since I have to wait over a week to get answers.

History:

Hiatal hernia diagnosed in 1998.

Hashimotos diagnosed in Feb 2007 (had it for many years undiagnosed)

Saw Cardiologist in May 2007 for Chest Pains (Hashi on rampage)

Had EGD in May 2007 to check to see if Hiatal Hernia had gotten worse and could be causing chest pains

-No problem found in esophagus, Hiatal Hernia the same, stomach had gastritis brought on by severe food poisoning the week before scope

Total Thyroidectomy in Nov 2007 due to rapid growth of thyroid, nodules and compression almost unbearable

Switched to Armour in Feb 2007

May 2008 started having chest pains again only worse and fatigue is unbearable (I have even lost 30 lbs doing the South Beach Diet)

August 2008 finally saw Cardiologist

Yesterday I had another EGD to see if my Hiatal Hernia again was getting worse or if I suffered damage to my esophagus during my TT since they had to put a tube down my throat to because my thyroid was wrapped around it. My Cardiologist thought I might be having esophageal spasms that could be causing my chest pain.

Well my doctor instead found the following: Grade 2 esophagitis (2 biopsies, Polyp in the stomach (did a polypectomy) and multiple ulcers in the antrum (biopsy).

Questions:

Can Iodine cause this? My doctor said that since I no longer have a thyroid my Hashimotos is a moot point and that Iodine would help other issues I have. I’ve taken it for just over two months.

Has anyone tried the Matula Herbal Formula to cure Ulcers verses the “Triple method” doctors use?

Could this be another autoimmune disease? My celiac blood work has come back negative multiple times and I have been doing the South Beach Diet and not really adding any flour based products at all.

Any advice would help me right now since my mother can only tell me that her mom only had ¼ of her stomach left when she died but cannot tell me anything reason other than, “She was always sick.”

Thanks,

Penny

See how Windows Mobile brings your life together—at home, work, or on the go. See Now Want to do more with Windows Live? Learn “10 hidden secrets” from . Learn Now

September 16, 2008

I think the expression you were searching for might be "craniorectal impaction" caused by repeated voluntary attempts to perform an allegedly impossible act, as opposed to congenital craniorectal juxtaposition in which said doc has been born with his @$$ where his brains should be.

>> > I ask because constant acid reflux or GERD can cause esophageal problems. I had a hiatal hernia and had the Nissen Fundoplication surgery back in 2003 to correct it. It has fixed all of my reflux/GERD problems. I still have "tummy" issues that are similar to IBS, but I have not had the time or the money to do further testing for things like Celiac Disease, food allergies, etc. Acid reflux will cause "chest pain." Before I found a doctor that didn't have his head up his butt (for lack of a better expression), I was made to believe that I was having heart trouble at 18 when all along it was reflux. There are MANY people who go to the ER thinking they are having a heart attack when it's their first case of severe reflux.> > Are you on any kind of antacid? If so, what kind? Is it prescription or OTC? Have you had any other gastro testing done besides the EGD? > > -

September 16, 2008

Thanks . I actually got my results

back unexpectedly yesterday. The polyp was benign, my hiatal hernia unchanged

but the biopsy of my esophagus showed precancerous cells and Grade II

esophagitis. I am taking Levsin under the tongue ever 6 hours and Prilosec

twice a day instead of once a day and will follow up with Dr. Mehta on the 29th.

I had been taking Prevacid or Zantac over the years for digestive issues. Dr.

Mehta does believe that the chest pains where caused by my stomach (has ulcers

and a polyp) and esophagitis.

I plan on talking to Dr. Mehta about the

Nissen Fundoplication so I’ll also be hitting you up as that time draws closer.

Thanks for being there,

Penny

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Caldwell

Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008

12:08 AM

To:

texas_thyroid_groups

Subject: RE:

EGD and bad digestive tract

I ask because constant acid reflux or GERD can cause

esophageal problems. I had a hiatal hernia and had the Nissen

Fundoplication surgery back in 2003 to correct it. It has fixed all of my

reflux/GERD problems. I still have " tummy " issues that are

similar to IBS, but I have not had the time or the money to do further testing

for things like Celiac Disease, food allergies, etc. Acid reflux

will cause " chest pain. " Before I found a doctor that didn't

have his head up his butt (for lack of a better expression), I was made to

believe that I was having heart trouble at 18 when all along it was

reflux. There are MANY people who go to the ER thinking they are having a

heart attack when it's their first case of severe reflux.

Are you on any kind of antacid? If so, what kind? Is it

prescription or OTC? Have you had any other gastro testing done besides

the EGD?

-

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

From: pennyrosenverizon (DOT) net

Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:05:11 -0500

Subject: RE: EGD and bad digestive tract

I’m not really sure. I know when I

lay down sometimes I start getting sick to my stomach and that’s after I’ve

taken my Zantac.

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

[mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ]

On Behalf Of Caldwell

Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2008

10:41 AM

To: texas_thyroid_groups

Subject: RE:

EGD and bad digestive tract

Hi Penny,

Do you have constant acid reflux?

-

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

From: pennyrosenverizon (DOT) net

Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:55:24 -0500

Subject: EGD and bad digestive tract

Hoping to hear from those in the know since I have to wait

over a week to get answers.

History:

Hiatal hernia diagnosed in 1998.

Hashimotos diagnosed in Feb 2007 (had it for many years

undiagnosed)

Saw Cardiologist in May 2007 for Chest Pains (Hashi on

rampage)

Had EGD in May 2007 to check to see if Hiatal Hernia had

gotten worse and could be causing chest pains

-No problem found in esophagus,

Hiatal Hernia the same, stomach had gastritis brought on by severe food

poisoning the week before scope

Total Thyroidectomy in Nov 2007 due to rapid growth of

thyroid, nodules and compression almost unbearable

Switched to Armour in Feb 2007

May 2008 started having chest pains again only worse and

fatigue is unbearable (I have even lost 30 lbs doing the South Beach Diet)

August 2008 finally saw Cardiologist

Yesterday I had another EGD to see if my Hiatal Hernia again

was getting worse or if I suffered damage to my esophagus during my TT since

they had to put a tube down my throat to because my thyroid was wrapped around

it. My Cardiologist thought I might be having esophageal spasms that

could be causing my chest pain.

Well my doctor instead found the following: Grade 2

esophagitis (2 biopsies, Polyp in the stomach (did a polypectomy) and multiple

ulcers in the antrum (biopsy).

Questions:

Can Iodine cause this? My doctor said that

since I no longer have a thyroid my Hashimotos is a moot point and that

Iodine would help other issues I have. I’ve taken it for just over

two months.

Has anyone tried the Matula Herbal Formula to

cure Ulcers verses the “Triple method” doctors use?

Could this be another autoimmune disease?

My celiac blood work has come back negative multiple times and I have been

doing the South Beach Diet and not really adding any flour based products

at all.

Any advice would help me right now since my mother can only

tell me that her mom only had ¼ of her stomach left when she died but cannot

tell me anything reason other than, “She was always sick.”

Thanks,

Penny

See how Windows Mobile brings your life together—at

home, work, or on the go. See Now

Want to do more with Windows Live? Learn “10 hidden secrets” from

. Learn Now

September 16, 2008

Just got power back (I'm in Houston) and am so glad to see this

message. I knew there was someone on here who had the surgery but

couldn't remember what it was called to search for it. I am reaching

the point where my GERD cannot be controlled with drugs (and don't tell

me to take enzymes as that does not work for me), so I am interested in

the surgery.

- can you tell me the name of the doctor and where sh/he is

located? I would travel...

Marti

> I ask because constant acid reflux or GERD can cause esophageal

> problems. I had a hiatal hernia and had the Nissen Fundoplication

> surgery back in 2003 to correct it. It has fixed all of my

> reflux/GERD problems. I still have " tummy " issues that are similar to

> IBS, but I have not had the time or the money to do further testing

> for things like Celiac Disease, food allergies, etc.

September 16, 2008

I don't think I've specifically mentioned this, but GERD is a red

flag for celiac/gluten intolerance. The pre-cancerous lesions are a

result of the GERD (obviously). My mother has those and I have no

doubt she is an undiagnosed celiac (I got my gene from her).

Here's an excellent article on the topic:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Heartburn-and-Celiac-Disease:-Gluten-

Sensitivity-as-a-Reversible-Cause-of-Gastroesophageal-

Reflux & id=315638

tinyurl: http://tinyurl.com/2v43wr

There's quite a few articles in pubmed, but the above is far easier

to read. Here's one such article where the full text is available

for free:

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?

tool=pubmed & pubmedid=12631661

tinyurl: http://tinyurl.com/6q5p3g

As usual, this research is not U.S. based, where the medical

researchers typically are not funded to figure out ways for folks

not to need medication (or surgery).

As I've noted before (and as this GI doctor mentions in that first

article), blood tests are not always accurate for the most part for

celiac/gluten intolerance and even an endoscopy only typically

catches the end stage. Symptoms and damage occur well before that

point, along with of course, the host of autoimmune issues many of

us have.

Personally, if I was faced with surgery vs a dietary change, I'd go

for the diet. It's not easy at first, but after 6 months it does

become second nature. It forces you to forgo " grab and go " eating

out, but that's typically far healthier. And, for the sake of

health, far more places are offering healthy alternatives, so things

are getting easier.

While the complete enterolab costs $349, that would be less than

what I would pay as a co-pay for meds for acid reflux for one year.

In addition, I would think the cost is far less than what one pays

out of pocket for surgery and pre/post surgical doctor appts, as

well as addt'l appts for other unresolved GI symptoms. And,

unfortunately, the docs that might do the surgery aren't likely to

be objective in terms of considering the celiac/gluten intolerance

connection with your health issues (their neither trained nor is it

a good business decision to do so).

Be well,

.

>

> > I ask because constant acid reflux or GERD can cause esophageal

> > problems. I had a hiatal hernia and had the Nissen

Fundoplication

> > surgery back in 2003 to correct it. It has fixed all of my

> > reflux/GERD problems. I still have " tummy " issues that are

similar to

> > IBS, but I have not had the time or the money to do further

testing

> > for things like Celiac Disease, food allergies, etc.

>

September 16, 2008

Does evidence of gluten intolerance show up on colonoscopies?

Marti

>

> As I've noted before (and as this GI doctor mentions in that first

> article), blood tests are not always accurate for the most part for

> celiac/gluten intolerance and even an endoscopy only typically

> catches the end stage. Symptoms and damage occur well before that

> point, along with of course, the host of autoimmune issues many of

> us have.

September 17, 2008

Nope. For the gluten reaction, they're looking for damage to the small

intestine. But, again, if they don't capture the right samples (or

look at the samples - sometimes they don't visually see anything, so

they don't even bother), then the test can quite easily be negative as

is very subject to human error.

The enterolab test is looking for antibodies in the stool, thus it's a

direct reflection of whether your body has an immune reaction to

gluten versus a measure of the damage. Although, the enterolab test

also measures malabsorption (something not typically done when they

diagnose celiac) and dairy allergy (50% of folks with celiac/gluten

intolerance are allergic to dairy.

.

> >

> > As I've noted before (and as this GI doctor mentions in that first

> > article), blood tests are not always accurate for the most part for

> > celiac/gluten intolerance and even an endoscopy only typically

> > catches the end stage. Symptoms and damage occur well before that

> > point, along with of course, the host of autoimmune issues many of

> > us have.

>

September 17, 2008

Thanks. I will ask for that test.

I didn't improve as to GERD while I was on the yeast-free diet, so I

suspect that my problem is NOT gluten, but I will certainly

investigate.

Marti

> Nope. For the gluten reaction, they're looking for damage to the small

> intestine. But, again, if they don't capture the right samples (or

> look at the samples - sometimes they don't visually see anything, so

> they don't even bother), then the test can quite easily be negative as

> is very subject to human error.

>

> The enterolab test is looking for antibodies in the stool, thus it's a

> direct reflection of whether your body has an immune reaction to

> gluten versus a measure of the damage. Although, the enterolab test

> also measures malabsorption (something not typically done when they

> diagnose celiac) and dairy allergy (50% of folks with celiac/gluten

> intolerance are allergic to dairy.

>

> .

>

>>>

>>> As I've noted before (and as this GI doctor mentions in that first

>>> article), blood tests are not always accurate for the most part for

>>> celiac/gluten intolerance and even an endoscopy only typically

>>> catches the end stage. Symptoms and damage occur well before that

>>> point, along with of course, the host of autoimmune issues many of

>>> us have.

>>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

September 17, 2008

You took the words right outta my mouth You have a great sense of humor and a way with words, Jan!

-

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups From: texasthyroid@...Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:25:03 +0000Subject: Re: EGD and bad digestive tract

I think the expression you were searching for might be "craniorectal impaction" caused by repeated voluntary attempts to perform an allegedly impossible act, as opposed to congenital craniorectal juxtaposition in which said doc has been born with his @$$ where his brains should be.

>> > I ask because constant acid reflux or GERD can cause esophageal problems. I had a hiatal hernia and had the Nissen Fundoplication surgery back in 2003 to correct it. It has fixed all of my reflux/GERD problems. I still have "tummy" issues that are similar to IBS, but I have not had the time or the money to do further testing for things like Celiac Disease, food allergies, etc. Acid reflux will cause "chest pain." Before I found a doctor that didn't have his head up his butt (for lack of a better expression), I was made to believe that I was having heart trouble at 18 when all along it was reflux. There are MANY people who go to the ER thinking they are having a heart attack when it's their first case of severe reflux.> > Are you on any kind of antacid? If so, what kind? Is it prescription or OTC? Have you had any other gastro testing done besides the EGD? > > - Want to do more with Windows Live? Learn “10 hidden secrets” from . Learn Now

September 17, 2008

With the precancerous cells and Grade II esophagitis, it's my personal opinion that you should talk to your doctor and ask if an antacid that is some sort of proton pump inhibitor, such as Nexium, would be right for you. Nexium will help heal some of the damage done over time. I was actually upset that Nexium had only been on the market for a month when I had my surgery...it was a life saver for me. Nothing else worked. I had a esophageal manometry and a 24-hour PH capsule test. I am glad your polyp was benign! If you have any questions about the surgery, let me know. I don't regret it at all, and there is a lot more information out there about it now than there was even 5 years ago.

What city are you in?

-

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups From: pennyrosen@...Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:02:58 -0500Subject: RE: EGD and bad digestive tract

Thanks . I actually got my results back unexpectedly yesterday. The polyp was benign, my hiatal hernia unchanged but the biopsy of my esophagus showed precancerous cells and Grade II esophagitis. I am taking Levsin under the tongue ever 6 hours and Prilosec twice a day instead of once a day and will follow up with Dr. Mehta on the 29th. I had been taking Prevacid or Zantac over the years for digestive issues. Dr. Mehta does believe that the chest pains where caused by my stomach (has ulcers and a polyp) and esophagitis.

I plan on talking to Dr. Mehta about the Nissen Fundoplication so I’ll also be hitting you up as that time draws closer.

Thanks for being there,

Penny

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of CaldwellSent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 12:08 AMTo: texas_thyroid_groups Subject: RE: EGD and bad digestive tract

I ask because constant acid reflux or GERD can cause esophageal problems. I had a hiatal hernia and had the Nissen Fundoplication surgery back in 2003 to correct it. It has fixed all of my reflux/GERD problems. I still have "tummy" issues that are similar to IBS, but I have not had the time or the money to do further testing for things like Celiac Disease, food allergies, etc. Acid reflux will cause "chest pain." Before I found a doctor that didn't have his head up his butt (for lack of a better expression), I was made to believe that I was having heart trouble at 18 when all along it was reflux. There are MANY people who go to the ER thinking they are having a heart attack when it's their first case of severe reflux. Are you on any kind of antacid? If so, what kind? Is it prescription or OTC? Have you had any other gastro testing done besides the EGD? -

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups From: pennyrosenverizon (DOT) netDate: Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:05:11 -0500Subject: RE: EGD and bad digestive tract

I’m not really sure. I know when I lay down sometimes I start getting sick to my stomach and that’s after I’ve taken my Zantac.

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of CaldwellSent: Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:41 AMTo: texas_thyroid_groups Subject: RE: EGD and bad digestive tract

Hi Penny, Do you have constant acid reflux? -

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups From: pennyrosenverizon (DOT) netDate: Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:55:24 -0500Subject: EGD and bad digestive tract

Hoping to hear from those in the know since I have to wait over a week to get answers.

History:

Hiatal hernia diagnosed in 1998.

Hashimotos diagnosed in Feb 2007 (had it for many years undiagnosed)

Saw Cardiologist in May 2007 for Chest Pains (Hashi on rampage)

Had EGD in May 2007 to check to see if Hiatal Hernia had gotten worse and could be causing chest pains

-No problem found in esophagus, Hiatal Hernia the same, stomach had gastritis brought on by severe food poisoning the week before scope

Total Thyroidectomy in Nov 2007 due to rapid growth of thyroid, nodules and compression almost unbearable

Switched to Armour in Feb 2007

May 2008 started having chest pains again only worse and fatigue is unbearable (I have even lost 30 lbs doing the South Beach Diet)

August 2008 finally saw Cardiologist

Yesterday I had another EGD to see if my Hiatal Hernia again was getting worse or if I suffered damage to my esophagus during my TT since they had to put a tube down my throat to because my thyroid was wrapped around it. My Cardiologist thought I might be having esophageal spasms that could be causing my chest pain.

Well my doctor instead found the following: Grade 2 esophagitis (2 biopsies, Polyp in the stomach (did a polypectomy) and multiple ulcers in the antrum (biopsy).

Questions:

Can Iodine cause this? My doctor said that since I no longer have a thyroid my Hashimotos is a moot point and that Iodine would help other issues I have. I’ve taken it for just over two months.

Has anyone tried the Matula Herbal Formula to cure Ulcers verses the “Triple method” doctors use?

Could this be another autoimmune disease? My celiac blood work has come back negative multiple times and I have been doing the South Beach Diet and not really adding any flour based products at all.

Any advice would help me right now since my mother can only tell me that her mom only had ¼ of her stomach left when she died but cannot tell me anything reason other than, “She was always sick.”

Thanks,

Penny

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September 17, 2008

My gastroenterologist is Dr. Marc Kudisch in Houston, TX. He is on the southwest side of town in the Memorial Southwest Hospital (59 & Beltway 8 South area) medical office buildings. The last address I have for him is 7737 SOUTHWEST FREEWAY, SUITE # 965, HOUSTON, TX 77074. Phone is . He was talking about moving his office, but the number should stay the same. His nurse's name is , she is really nice. He is on staff with Physician's Endoscopy Center, and they regularly schedule scopes and things on Saturdays to accomodate those who work during the week. He takes most insurance. He was the only one who really listened and actually figured out what was wrong with my stomach. I have always told him before I met Dr. that I wish he would do family practice. He was in Houston's Top Docs magazine list. I've been a bad patient and haven't gone back to have a check up EGD and colonoscopy to make sure everything is ok still. I would like to see him when I'm able to, and ask him if he would be open to food allergy testings, etc.

My surgeon was Dr. Guillermo Ponce De Leon, who is in the same medical business building. It was done laparascopically, and I have had no complications or horror stories that you read about on the internet.... I can eat and drink whatever I want and have no problems burping or with bloating =o). I can find his information if you want, but I asked Dr. Kudisch to send me to the best surgeon he knew.... but it was 5 years ago.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

-

> To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:46:27 -0500> Subject: Re: EGD and bad digestive tract> > Just got power back (I'm in Houston) and am so glad to see this > message. I knew there was someone on here who had the surgery but > couldn't remember what it was called to search for it. I am reaching > the point where my GERD cannot be controlled with drugs (and don't tell > me to take enzymes as that does not work for me), so I am interested in > the surgery.> > - can you tell me the name of the doctor and where sh/he is > located? I would travel...> > Marti> > > > > I ask because constant acid reflux or GERD can cause esophageal > > problems. I had a hiatal hernia and had the Nissen Fundoplication > > surgery back in 2003 to correct it. It has fixed all of my > > reflux/GERD problems. I still have "tummy" issues that are similar to > > IBS, but I have not had the time or the money to do further testing > > for things like Celiac Disease, food allergies, etc. > > ------------------------------------> >

September 17, 2008

It would be my opinion that Dr. Kudisch would be open to suggestions for testing for allergies, looking for intestinal damage, etc. I am not sure what he would think about Enterolab's testing, but he did mention stool testing for me but it was for something else.

-> To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:47:28 -0500> Subject: Re: Re: EGD and bad digestive tract> > Thanks. I will ask for that test.> > I didn't improve as to GERD while I was on the yeast-free diet, so I > suspect that my problem is NOT gluten, but I will certainly > investigate.> > Marti> > > > > Nope. For the gluten reaction, they're looking for damage to the small> > intestine. But, again, if they don't capture the right samples (or> > look at the samples - sometimes they don't visually see anything, so> > they don't even bother), then the test can quite easily be negative as> > is very subject to human error.> >> > The enterolab test is looking for antibodies in the stool, thus it's a> > direct reflection of whether your body has an immune reaction to> > gluten versus a measure of the damage. Although, the enterolab test> > also measures malabsorption (something not typically done when they> > diagnose celiac) and dairy allergy (50% of folks with celiac/gluten> > intolerance are allergic to dairy.> >> > .> >> >> > > >>>> >>>> >>> As I've noted before (and as this GI doctor mentions in that first> >>> article), blood tests are not always accurate for the most part for> >>> celiac/gluten intolerance and even an endoscopy only typically> >>> catches the end stage. Symptoms and damage occur well before that> >>> point, along with of course, the host of autoimmune issues many of> >>> us have.> >>> >> >> >> > ------------------------------------> >> >

September 17, 2008

,

Thanks for all the information you gave in

the postings after this one. I live in Flower Mound which is located just

north of DFW. I use to live in Katy and have friends in the Houston area I could stay with. I am not at

all opposed to traveling to get the right care. I went to Austin to have Dr. Rosendahl perform my TT

last November. Since my EGD last Friday the burning and pain are almost

constant and the Levsin is the only thing to really help but it’s giving me

major migrains and making me sluggish. I will ask my Doctor when I see him on

the 29th about Nexium. He plans on doing a EGD in 6 weeks but I am

also going to suggest the colonoscopy too since I have been positive for

Chrohns going back as for as 1992 so I bet my lower half is all messed up again

too.

Thanks for your wealth of information,

Penny

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Caldwell

Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008

11:31 PM

To:

texas_thyroid_groups

Subject: RE:

EGD and bad digestive tract

With the precancerous

cells and Grade II esophagitis, it's my personal opinion that you

should talk to your doctor and ask if an antacid that is some

sort of proton pump inhibitor, such as Nexium, would be right for you.

Nexium will help heal some of the damage done over time. I was actually

upset that Nexium had only been on the market for a month when I had my

surgery...it was a life saver for me. Nothing else worked. I had a

esophageal manometry and a 24-hour PH capsule test. I am glad your polyp

was benign! If you have any questions about the surgery, let me

know. I don't regret it at all, and there is a lot more information out

there about it now than there was even 5 years ago.

What city are you in?

-

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

From: pennyrosenverizon (DOT) net

Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:02:58 -0500

Subject: RE: EGD and bad digestive tract

Thanks . I actually got my

results back unexpectedly yesterday. The polyp was benign, my hiatal

hernia unchanged but the biopsy of my esophagus showed precancerous cells and

Grade II esophagitis. I am taking Levsin under the tongue ever 6 hours

and Prilosec twice a day instead of once a day and will follow up with Dr.

Mehta on the 29th. I had been taking Prevacid or Zantac over

the years for digestive issues. Dr. Mehta does believe that the chest

pains where caused by my stomach (has ulcers and a polyp) and esophagitis.