I'm scheduled for an endoscopy at 8 a.m. in the morning. (We have to be there at 7:30 a.m.) I've had GERD for almost a year and a half now, and my new PCP wants to know why. I've never had an endoscopy, though I have had a colonoscopy. I'm so glad that I didn't have to go through that prep, and though I'll be put to sleep during the procedure, I wont mind that either.

If nothing else is found that could be causing the GERD, then could it be neurologically related?

Glad you are getting this done, Lisa. Good to know what's going on inside our bodies.

Let us know how it turns out, K?

I very much doubt that anything neurological would be to blame Shashi. When we have a neurological condition, it's all too easy to blame everything on that.

Most likely you will find that you have some gastric or oesophageal reflux, or even a hiatus hernia. Both of which can be uncomfortable, and both of which can cause your symptoms.

The test should be a breeze, and you shouldn't even remember anything about it. Let us know how you get on.

I have GERD quite bad, and it's one reason I do not enjoy eating. If I eat within 2 - 3 hrs of laying down, even for a nap, I will not be able to sleep unless I take a few Gaviscon . . . or it will wake me till I take them.

"This can occur when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly after eating, allowing stomach acids to leak back, or reflux, into the oesophagus.

The presence of digestive juices in the oesophagus cause burning sensations in the chest or throat called heartburn, or acid indigestion. Heartburn which occurs more than twice per week can be considered as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

In multiple sclerosis, this may be brought about by demyelisation, or lesion, of the medulla oblongata in the Vagus Nerve, or 10th Cranial Nerve."

http://www.mymultiplesclerosis.co.uk...al-reflux.html

"In multiple sclerosis, gastroesophageal reflux is often caused by a lesion in the medulla oblongata region of the brainstem where the 10th cranial nerve arises.

Gastroesophageal reflux is usually diagnosed from a history of signs and symptoms. A barium meal or pH probe can help to confirm a diagnosis."

http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/gastro...ealreflux.html

GERD can occur for many reasons though, as Koala pointed out. It's is not a symptom which is indicative of MS in any way, but is sometimes attributed to MS once we have the dx.

Cherie

Hi everyone,

I'm back from my endoscopy. It didn't take long, they did put me totally to sleep (and I didn't really want to wake up because I didn't get much sleep last night.) My throat is very sore and a bit swollen right now.

My doctor found a hiatal hernia, irritation and redness in my lower esophagus consistent with gastritis (she did a biopsy of that area), and she dialated my esophagus too.

She also found some food left in my stomach from my last meal which was 12 hours before the test. She said I have slow gastric emptying and has set me up for a test to see how quickly my food moves through my stomach. (I've had a problem with this for several years, but have never had it checked out.) My doctor told me that this problem could be a result of my neurological problems. Has anyone else heard of this or experienced it?

Oh, and thanks everyone for the information and support. You're the best!

When I had my operation they sure stuck that tube down my throat.....I could barely talk for a week!! I think it may have been a garden hose? I dunno I was sleeping .

Prayers for you Shashi

PJAMES,

I've had two surgeries (out of six) where I woke up with a horrendous sore throat. Like you, I thought they'd stuck a garden hose down my throat.

My throat feels a bit better today. No soreness, but I'm still hoarse. I had to teach a class this morning, and it was difficult. The good thing is, my next class isn't until next Monday, so maybe I'll have my "real" voice back by then.

Lisa