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I certainly never expected to post on this subject, but I’m posting this simply as a warning to others to not dismiss indigestion as just a bit of gas resulting from eating too much, or too spicy. If you have indigestion for more than a couple of days, get to a doctor and get tests done, it may just save your life.

My story probably goes back about about 18 months ago when I felt something wasn’t right in the stomach region. I had a little indigestion, but nothing major, anyhow I had blood tests etc, but nothing was shown, and it seemed to clear. However I continued with ongoing blood tests and had a Colonoscopy Oct ‘09 which found a 3mm sessile polyp which was removed on the spot and everything else was fine; it’s a pity they didn’t do an Endoscope at the same time, cause they might have found this shit earlier.

Anyhow a bit over 2 months ago I started getting some bad indigestion again, so off to the doctor, more blood tests. while waiting for results he put me on Nexium 40 which was supposed to reduce bile production, but a week and a half later I was still suffering and taking a pack of Quikeze each day as well as Nexium. The blood test came in and showed the presence of H. Pylori bacteria, but to see if it was active or not, an Endoscope was required. Unfortunately I had to go on the public waiting list; 6 weeks have passed and there’s still 3 to 4 months to go … but we’ve bypassed that now.

I went to my Naturopath, and without telling him anything, took one look in my eyes said ‘bacteria’ and preceded to open a book on the gastric section; I said H. Pylori, he nodded. So after a brief discussion he advised gluten free, sugar free, and yeast free for a month to allow the bacteria to go back to it’s proper levels. Within 3 days my stomach settled and it was then I became aware that the indigestion had been masking something else.

Through these on going digestive problems (not being able to get food down or not keep it down) over the past 5 weeks I’ve lost 17 kg (12 kg over 2 & 1/2 weeks) … warning bells ringing, but no bloody help from my doctor (I’ve since seen him since being discharged and he’s as surprised as me). I was doing lots of research and it all pointed to a Hiatal Hernia (stomach has moved partially up through the diaphragm causing gastric reflux). I was so washed out Saturday week ago my brother took me to Armadale Kelmscott Hospital,where their opinion was the same, and as I was so dehydrated they pumped 3 ltrs of saline into me and arranged an Endoscope at Charlie Gairdner for Sunday morning. I went home for the night and into Charlies early Sunday.

The doctors there thought it might be the Hernia as well. The scope didn’t take place till the afternoon where they informed me they couldn’t get into the stomach due to a Mass blocking the way. Monday they tried a Paediatric Endo, with the same result. So on Tuesday it was general anaesthetic and in with a nasal feeding tube

The bad news continued; it turns out it was Oesophageal Cancer, and it was malignant and had spread to several lymph nodes. Anyhow, this coming Wednesday I should be in Oncology under the first of several Chemo sessions and then followed by Radiation treatment. Once I have some shrinkage of the tumour, I’ll be able to ‘eat’ again; and also start taking various complimentary/alternative herbs etc; the doctors are ok with that, but first Chemo and shrinkage, then food and other treatments – I’ll beat this fucker, too much to do, and places to go; I’m still saving for next years month long trip over east and down to Tasmania.

Sorry the story is so long, but I just wanted to explain some details/symptoms of this disease – hopefully to help prevent anyone else going through this shit – don’t dismiss indigestion as just gas, it could be much worse!