Worsening upper GI symptoms - worried

Hi all new here. I've had GERD/reflux for many years, had a Gastroscopy in 2006, diagnosed with gastritis, then in 2011 a further scope showed stomach erosions. In 2016 I had a gastroscopy (mild inflammation in oesophagus) and colonoscopy, where I had colon polyps removed (benign). Since then, my reflux has been chronic and persistent. I have spoken with my GP on many occasions over the past 5 years and have just been prescribed different PPIs, none of which seem to be very effective. H Pylori tests always negative. I don't smoke, hardly drink alcohol, avoid spicy foods/most of the trigger foods. 

Over the past 2 - 3 years, I have been experiencing left sided abdominal pain (intermittent), with left sided reflux symptoms, regurgitation of foods, burning sensation, bloating, feeling of heaviness in left abdomen and left side of esophagus, tiredness. No abnormalities in blood tests apart from ESR our of range (but not extremely high). The past few months, all my symptoms have worsened as has the fatigue/weakness. I have gone off/can't stomach certain foods which I previously liked (chicken, vegetables), meaning I'm eating more 'junk'/high sugar foods, as I feel I can tolerate these. I did 2 FIT tests, which came back positive, so GP has referred me for a colonoscopy and gastroscopy under the 2ww, which I'm due to have on 2nd September.

I know only a medical professional can diagnose me, but I can't help worrying about the possibility of cancer, especially as symptoms have been chronic over many years and have recently worsened, plus with the fatigue and positive FIT tests. It's on my mind all the time. Also frustrated that GPs haven't been listening to me over the years re PPIs not helping my condition. Not sure what I want from this, but just felt the need to vent. 

  • Hi, sorry your going through this, I know it's worrying when you have symptoms that are chronic and worsening - you just want answers as soon as possible. I have a lot of symptoms but no weight loss. Thankfully my tests went well, although I'm still waiting on biopsy results (from stomach and oesophagus - to check for inflammation).

    I hope all goes well for you and that you get to have your tests soon

  • Hi, I had my endoscopy and colonoscopy on Friday just gone - all went well, thank you for asking. The registrar said 'no signs of polyps, inflammation or cancer' (colon) and all was normal in oesophagus and stomach, but he took samples for biopsy. Although I'm relieved, I'm surprised there were no polyps or inflammation, given my ongoing symptoms, really bad fatigue and history of polyps - to be honest, I worry they may have missed something, as the bowel prep was 'adequate' and the Terminal Ileum wasn't visualised, but might just be me overthinking things. Then again, the small intestine hasn't been checked (think that would be MRI). 

    Well I'm back to square 1, as I still have symptoms daily, so will have to go back to my GP and ask for a referral to Gastro!