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LPR - Clearing your throat, anxiety, and depression

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Posted 8/19/2015 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hello All,

I am thought to have LPR. Two of my symptoms are mucous build in my throat and post-nasal drip. I understand that clearing your throat can be bad. However, I have a high frequency of these two symptoms that clearing my throat is a must at times. In case I am not being clear, I mean spitting out mucous when I say clear my throat. I swallow the mucous at times when I cannot spit it anywhere, but that is gross. I am curious as to how some of you handle this situation.

I find myself staying out of the public more now than before so I do not gross out people with my constant spitting, or avoid risking not finding a sane place to spit out the mucous. I do not mind having to be on a strict diet, but it is really this throat clearing that gets to me. While I enjoy having time to myself, I also appreciate time with other people.

Also, an ENT and my primary physician told me that I have signs of anxiety and mild depression. I have been prescribed Sertraline and will start taking it tomorrow.

While I expect the medication for anxiety to help, I am a tad worried that in two weeks I will be a little overwhelmed. I start my last year of college then and will be fairly busy. I am concerned that my health will not allow me to perform well, which might aggravate my anxiety and depression. In case it comes to this, do you have any advice on how to handle the challenge or even how to mitigate/prevent that possibility? I am already going to cut down on a few activities, but I do not want to drop everything.

Thanks ahead of time to anyone who responds with thoughtful input.

Oscar
Posted 8/20/2015 3:48 PM (GMT 0)

millenialOM said...
Hello All,

I am thought to have LPR. Two of my symptoms are mucous build in my throat and post-nasal drip. I understand that clearing your throat can be bad. However, I have a high frequency of these two symptoms that clearing my throat is a must at times. In case I am not being clear, I mean spitting out mucous when I say clear my throat. I swallow the mucous at times when I cannot spit it anywhere, but that is gross. I am curious as to how some of you handle this situation.

I find myself staying out of the public more now than before so I do not gross out people with my constant spitting, or avoid risking not finding a sane place to spit out the mucous. I do not mind having to be on a strict diet, but it is really this throat clearing that gets to me. While I enjoy having time to myself, I also appreciate time with other people.

Also, an ENT and my primary physician told me that I have signs of anxiety and mild depression. I have been prescribed Sertraline and will start taking it tomorrow.

While I expect the medication for anxiety to help, I am a tad worried that in two weeks I will be a little overwhelmed. I start my last year of college then and will be fairly busy. I am concerned that my health will not allow me to perform well, which might aggravate my anxiety and depression. In case it comes to this, do you have any advice on how to handle the challenge or even how to mitigate/prevent that possibility? I am already going to cut down on a few activities, but I do not want to drop everything.

Thanks ahead of time to anyone who responds with thoughtful input.

Oscar

Hi,

Its totally understandable that you have anxiety and depression I mean digestive issues really throw your entire body off both physically and mentally. I actually started seeing a therapist because I have severe anxiety issues now. I wouldn't drop everything to start maybe but don't push yourself either. You will know if its too much for you to deal with. My throat bothers me 24/7 and yes it is embarrassing the constant coughing and throat clearing but what can I do about it? I don't go out with friends anymore or do anything because of this illness all I do is work and go home so I understand the not wanting to be out but wanting to be out at the same time thing. I mean I would love to go have lunch with my friends but that ship has sailed. Just don't push yourself too much and try your best that's all you can do. I hope you feel better soon.
Posted 8/20/2015 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
I have found that anxiety and depression can occur sometimes due to suffering with a chronic illness such as GERD and lpr. It's a frustrating disease to have and I know I have been very worried, anxious and scared about my future. I think that you just have to listen to your own voice and body what it's telling you to do. Trust your Instincrs. In my case I just didn't want to socialise for a while and was happy doing my days work and the being a hermit. When I felt ready I took the plunge and started to gradually get back out there and learnt to accept the fact that at this moment in time I'm doing all I can and the best I can to deal with the crappy hand I've been dealt. Be kind to yourself, accept there will be busy, stressful and bad days but also days where things won't appear to be so bad. Take it each day at a time to try and reduce your stress and tell yourself you are only human. I hope the doctor has informed you that with sertraline your anxiety can increase tremendously for the first few weeks and I was prescribed diazepam to counteract it. I only took 2 days as the side effects for me were difficult to handle. You may be completely different but I think it is a common side effect until the tablets get into your system. I hope you start to feel more in control very soon.
Posted 8/20/2015 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
Lawchick,

I will be busy starting in two weeks. The level of business will be enough to distract me from my illness, but not enough to drive my anxiety issues through the roof. If I am wrong, I can drop more things.

When my symptoms first escalated I was embarrassed to even discuss that I was ill. Now, I am ore open about my illness, but I am not always descriptive about it. I am gradually getting more comfortable with others knowing the whole story.

If a visit to a psychologist is anything like on television, then I will probably be releasing a lot of stress. My thoughts are that a psychologist will be able to talk more about things that are troubling me.

Not sure how bad things are for you with your illness and what you have done to try and treat it, but I I am hoping that your health improves. That way you can go out more with your friends, even if it’s just one more day than normal. Wish you the best!

Trotters,

As more people tell me to be kind to myself, the better I feel so thank you (and Lawchick). I will be more accepting of my condition and work with it. I will take one day at a time (same thing my primary physician said to me yesterday).

I am really glad that I found this site, as you guys understand some or all of my troubles. It is a major relief to have this community just a few clicks away.

Thank you for your comments on Sertaline. I am on my second day and have no real concerns about it. I had a slight twitch going on earlier today, but it quickly went away. I will be attentive to any drastic changes and be sure to notify my doctor if it gets too bad.

Thanks for every word.
Oscar
Posted 8/21/2015 8:24 AM (GMT 0)
I think it's normal for this illness to have such an impact on u mentally, that doesn't make it easier to deal with though but know ur not alone.

I deal with anxiety by taking things one step at a time, so don't worry about ur last year of college, just take it 1 day at a time and see how it goes. If things start going wrong then u can address issues as they come up, but things could easily go well too.
Posted 8/21/2015 5:04 PM (GMT 0)
Andy 1986,

I did not expect to have the mental toll that I am going through, but it is getting easier. The one day at a time mentality is definitely helping.

Part of my anxiety is centered around what to eat and drink, but I received a copy of Dropping Acid: Th­e Reflux Diet Cookbook & Cure by Dr. Koufman. I am going to try some of the recipes in the book and see what works for me.

Oscar


my eating and drinking
Posted 8/24/2015 5:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hi MillenialOM, Yes this site is very helpful, a lot of help for me especially on this times. Tough to discuss with friends that don't really know what we've been thru. Thank you all for taking time posting on this site. Because of your experience/post, it had given hope to plenty... including me.

Oscar, The only thing I can say based on my experience is that doctors will always associate GERD/acidity/LPR with anxiety. Just be extra careful and take notes if your anxiety meds affects your acidity. I had that too. My doctor told me I'm loosing it. I get so anxious especially being alone at home. I have all kinds of security, cameras and alarm but I just get anxious. So I start taking ativan. My doctor gave me some Prozac too (did not take it). Few times I felt so relieved and calm, But realized this had triggered my GERD more. Then My PPI got replaced to a higher mg, then I got worst. Took all sorts of remedy, did the diet and nothing works. I then realized that healing takes time. So, do one day at a time. Now, I wean myself from PPI, tough but better for me dealing with the side effects.

about your nasal drip, try to use sinus rinse (saline and pump kit) you can get from your local pharmacy.

God bless.
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