My story, please read!

Thanks for all the input about this topic on this site. Reading lots about the linx procedure too. I am new to the site. It's good to know I will have options in the future if need be. There are a few people on the board that really stand out to me.....thanks for all the info you post here!

I was just recently diagnosed with gerd. I do also have anxiety although I try to keep that to myself at doc appointments because they have the tendency to fall back on that alot. For as long as I can remember I have always had phlegm in my throat and a constant clearing of my throat along with popping of the ears.

In the last 6-8 months I have had quite a few sore throats and I would strain a little to swallow. I also started noticing food getting stuck in my chest. Go to an ent for the food in chest problem along with a neck pain I couldnt get rid of and he prescribes me prednisone for my neck and sends me for a barium swallow.

During that visit he notes my throat is red and I have granules on my throat. I never had heartburn. Well i dont know if it was coincidence or it was the prednisone but it brought out my reflux.....chest pains..my ears had an ache in them...my nose on the inside was red and a little bloody...sharp shooting pains in my throat and a nasty taste in my mouth, with prickly feeling at the top of my throat.

I go back for results...and thats when he says test showed gerd. I did mention then about the phlegm i have always had. I never knew it had anything to do with something bigger and never brought it up to any doctor before. It was towards the end of the visit I mentioned it(phlegm).

He sent me home with prilosec, taking it twice a day for 6 weeks. Although I don't feel the chest pains or the sharp shooting pains in my throat most everything else is still lingering. My neck confuses me to because along side my throat I still feel tightness and twinges It's frustrating to have that taste in my mouth, maybe not quite a taste really but at the top of throat just tingle and prickles kinda.

also wonder how long i have had this and it's been affecting my body without me even knowing it. Just nervous I guess, never knew much about gerd and then all this stuff hits me and all I see even if its not really the case...is cancer cancer cancer.....definately affecting my family life at the moment but I am trying to pull it together~

Edited to create breaks in text for easier reading...

Post Edited By Moderator (dencha) : 1/11/2013 11:22:00 AM (GMT-7)

You definitely have options!  Glad you've joined us!  It definitely sounds like LPR, and you'll need to try to find a GI doc who is knowledgeable in that subject.  Why not check with your ENT and see if he/she can refer you to one.  Many GI docs feel that if the esophagus isn't irritated, all is well, and they don't want to do anything.  THis is fine if you're comfortable, but it sounds as if you're not.

The PPI should help you, and for many that's all you'll need to solve the problem.  Some don't find it does the trick, though, so it requires lots of perseverence to get help.  Help is out there, though.

Be sure to stick around and ask whatever questions come to mind.  Try not to project horrible outcomes into your future.  Stay in the moment and know that you're under a doctor's care.  That will ensure that you will be followed and cared for so that cancer doesn't occur. 

Honestly, if you're not a heavy smoker or drinker, chances are slim to none.  It's not wise to ignore reflux symptoms, but you wll get them under control with the help of meds.  Hang in there!  Ask  for support when you need it!  We're here for you.

Take care,

Denise