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Don't let your GERD last too long!

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 4/25/2012 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
Today I found out because I let my Gerd last too long (10 years before my surgery) I have cause irrepairable damage to my epiglottis (sp?). smhair

My epiglottis does not function properly causing me to choke on my saliva and foods now. skull

If I had gone and gotten my GERD treated more aggressive sooner I would not be in the fix I am in now. I'm having to learn how to eat, chew, and swallow a new way which is very hard to do. mad

So please! Please! Please folks, Don't let the reflux eat up your epiglottis and damage your esophagus.

I did find out today my Fundoplication is functioning perfectly after 2 1/2 years.

Posted 4/26/2012 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
Joy-
That's not the kind of news I Liked to hear from you. You sure don't need any more issues piled on. Who is helping you re learn this? I pray you can re learn this quickly.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 4/26/2012 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Joy,

I'm afraid I might be in somewhat the same situation.  Recently I've noticed that I'm choking more often.  In December I aspirated some food/beverage and threw my lungs into an asthma issue that took quite some time to calm down.

I also noticed that there have been times when I'm eating too fast that I can start choking. 

Also, I have to be careful when I drink water on the treadmill.  If I'm walking fast it gets me coughing for that same reason.  (Of course my wrap does hold some water back at the wrap site, and it spashes up, but still...it shouldn't be getting past my epiglottis.) 

I went far too long without treating my GERD as well.  I never attributed the choking problem to that, though.  Interesting information.

Glad to hear your wrap is working just fine.  I'm not surprised.  Those asthma docs just don't trust our wraps, do they?

Thanks for posting the warning.  It's an important one.

Denise

Posted 4/26/2012 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
I had a modified barium swallow where they totally focused on my throat. As I swallowed the food pools on top of my windpipe opening instead of sliding off.
I have to eat smaller bites, chew very well, press my chin to my chest and do a forceful swallow twiced before eating a second bite.
When I drink I have to sip the water, hold it, press my chin down and do a forceful swallow twice.
A Special swallow therapist did the the test with food and drinking. Then she sat down with me and told me what was going on as we watched the video. She showed me what I needed to do to prevent the pooling.
She also told me to stop my throat clearing. It was not helping my choking feeling. I was to do the forceful swallow thing when I felt the need to clear my throat.
Posted 4/26/2012 12:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Joy,

It sounds like your situation is much more severe than mine.  I'm guessing I have a mild version, so will remember your swallowing therapist's message, just in case.  Hopefully your swallowing responds well to your new technique. I would guess that it's a big contributor to your lung struggles.

Hope you have a good day!

Denise

Posted 4/26/2012 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning Joy,

I am sorry to hear of your new problem. I know how hard it is to make decisions about our health especially when the treatments feel like they are so aggressive that we want to hold off.  It is a fine line to decide which road to choose sometimes and I do hope your Dr. can help you with your  epiglottis problem. 

Good to know your Fundoplication is working perfectly.  I am here for you and be good to yourself.  Sending healing hugs.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 4/26/2012 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Joy,

I appreciate your advice as I am a new GERD sufferer and struggling to decide whether I should take the path of surgery or try to tough it out and see if things improve.

Were you taking PPI's regularly throughout the 10 years that you developed these issues with the epiglottis? I'm on PPI's now and they control my symptoms somewhat, but not completely, so I wonder if I am at risk for developing something similar over time.

Best of luck to you with your rehab and thanks for sharing your thoughts and advice.
Posted 4/26/2012 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
SG, I was on tums for four of those years, then low dose Nexium, then high doses of nexium and zantac the last three years. I never felt managed with my symptoms at anytime.

Please don't "tough" it out, It's still eating at you.
Posted 4/26/2012 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
Do you know if your problem is common? What percentage of those with Gerd develop this problem after 10 years?
Posted 4/27/2012 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
The therapist acted like it was very common with long term GERD.
I don't know the percentages.
Posted 4/28/2012 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
Gosh Joy, I'm sorry!! Can a scope cause damage to the epiglottis? I'm asking because my future father in law has gerd. He went in for a scope and ever since has trouble eating or drinking without coughing, like to the point his face turns red and almost vomits.
Posted 4/28/2012 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know if the scope can cause damage. I'm sure it's possible, but not positive.
Tell him to get the modified barium swallow test. It's very informative.
Also tell him about the methods I mentioned and see if it helps him.
Posted 5/4/2012 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
joy,

you have always been a trusted and helpful comrade. I hope things will get better for you. Hugs from here too
Posted 5/12/2012 1:03 AM (GMT 0)
bump from me
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