GERD Questions

Hi All!

I am new to HealingWell, have multiple health problems including GERD and asthma or COPD, depending on the doctor. I was on proton inhibitors twice a day for years beginning December 2004 for treatment for reactive gastropathy after having had a colonoscopy and EGD. Eventually my insurance company refused to allow me to get 60 pills a month, but last November I saw an ENT about chronic hoarseness and I am back on proton inhibitors twice a day because my larynx was swollen but showed no sign of disease. The doctor suspected my reflux might be causing the problem.

When I was on the suck in powder spiriva and advair I would become so hoarse that I could not talk. In time several doctors noticed that I wheezed when I breathed out when doing lung functions and when they were plain old listing to my chest and considered that my problem was in my larynx.

Prior to that visit we elevated the head of our bed and started eating dinning at 6pm or earlier. I was thin in 2004 and now am over weight . . . fat. I have have a serious reflux twice since last November but when I am laying down I can still feel liquid traveling up my esophagus and I can hear a rattle in my larynx as I breathe out. In 2004 I was diagnosed with a Hiatal hernia.

When I was at the internist recently I studied the posters of the GI system, but for some reason I have trouble processing what I am seeing and reading. I do not understand anything between the stomach and the mouth.

I was supposed to follow up with the GI doctor months ago but haven't because I had to pick and choose which health problem seems worse and needs attention first because of money.

My hoarseness is worse. I was switched to the Advair puffer when that came out, but continued with the Spiriva until last fall when I was changed to take only the Dulera puffer.

So, where are my questions?

Has anyone here had a swollen layrnx and hoarsness from GERD that has not cleared up. If the problem is not corrected am I looking at more serious problems?

And I get soars in my nose, mouth and where my right tonsil used to be, but was removed with I was 5. I am 61 now. Can these soars be from GERD?

Thank you for your time.

Hello Bumpercar
I could almost have been reading my story when I read yours. I am 62 and I am 13 weeks post op of having the Nissen Fundoplication.. this surgery has been a wonder for me.. it does not work for everyone the way it has worked for me, but I am so thankful I had it.. I too had terrible 'asthma' I had to carry a rescue inhaler always. If I got a slight cold, within a day it would turn into a bad upper respiratory infection. My doctors PA didn't understand how I could get so sick so quickly. Right before I had my surgery (within 6 weeks) I was on steroids because I was wheezing so bad. Since my surgery I no longer carry the inhaler, I don't need it and I seldom cough except to clear my throat. My last couple of months b4 the surgery, I also had sores in my nose, never thought about it until I read your post.I haven't had any problems like that since my Nissen. I also had a hiatal hernia. It had gotten to where it would slide into my chest and when I laid back, it would slide back. An awful feeling.
You and your doctor have to decide which course of treatment is your best choice. I can say though that if the surgery is decided on, this surgery demands an experienced surgeon.. check it all out before you decide.
I wish you the very best and I hope you find out what path will help you the most and very soon for your sake..
Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. If you have questions in the search for relief, come to this forum.. everyone will be happy to help you any way they can.. ;-)
Sandi

It takes time to develop the cancer, but you still don't want acid washing over your esophagus all the time. See if it's okay with your doctor for you to take protein pump inhibitors or H2 blockers over the counter.