Barium Swallow results came back normal!

I am shocked considering how bad I feel, and very upset. I cannot believe that the results show nothing wrong, when something is clearly VERY wrong, for me to have this rock hard lump in my throat day in day out, that seems to be worsening. I feel no one believes me because my results show nothing, so they are in no rush to treat me. They don't even have any proof that GERD is causing the lump and throat problems, and I now have to wait til the 22nd to see anyone. I don't know what else to do now, I feel hopeless. The last guy I saw said the next option is rigid endoscopy under general anaesthetic, but I know there must be other things before they do something so invasive. I have as yet only had one scope only to my larynx and a barium. What about ultrasound, or flexi scope down to the oesophagus? I am in pain every single day with this, my neck hurts and sometimes it makes my head hurt.

I am so unhappy I want to cry. I don't know how to cope anymore, I need this to end.

Hey there,


Don't give up! There are many tests that can be done.



Passing a flexible tube down your throat. Endoscopy is a way to examine the inside of your esophagus. During endoscopy, your doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera (endoscope) down your throat. The endoscope allows your doctor to examine your esophagus and stomach. Your doctor may also use endoscopy to collect a sample of tissue (biopsy) for further testing.



A test to monitor the amount of acid in your esophagus. Ambulatory acid (pH) probe tests use an acid-measuring device to identify when, and for how long, stomach acid regurgitates into your esophagus. The acid monitor can be a thin, flexible tube (catheter) that's threaded through your nose into your esophagus. During the test, the tube stays in place and connects to a small computer that you wear around your waist or with a strap over your shoulder. Or the acid monitor can be a clip that's placed in your esophagus during endoscopy. The probe transmits a signal to a small computer that you wear around your waist for about two days, and then the probe falls off to be passed in your stool. Your doctor may ask that you stop taking GERD medications to prepare for this test.



A test to measure the movement of the esophagus. Esophageal impedance measures movement and pressure in the esophagus. The test involves placing a catheter through your nose and into your esophagus.



Perhaps you need to find a new GI specialist.



Seeing an ENT is a good idea too but I would go with a GI Physician first if your looking for GERD.



Take care,



Kitt

((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))

There is an answer out there. It's coming... be patence. I know you are in misery, but basically your hands are tied until you see the doctor and worrying is not going to help you. It will only make you feel worse.
I know the scope worries you so, but it's not that bad. I knew nothing about it after the knock out shot and I went through it three times (twice in one day). There was no pain, just a little dry throat afterwards.

Joy

Mind your foods and tilt the bed... That's all I know.

Joy

HI Zelda,
It's not at all uncommon for a HH to cause GERD, and for GERD to cause the feeling of a lump in your esophagus. I think a "rigid endoscopy" is a regular endoscopy. It's a pretty decent sized tube that is sent through your mouth into your espohagus. Most people are sedated for the procedure, some are put out completely, and some have it with no sedation at all. (I had one sedated mildly and one with no sedation. Others prefer to be put out. It will be your choice.)

I do agree that you should see a GI specialist. If you can ask around and find out the name of a specialist who also specializes in talking and listening to his/her patients, it would be best. There are GI doc, and there are GI doc. I had one who was unresponsive, but now I have one who's great.

Don't worry, you'll get to the bottom of what's going on. Hang in there, and stay with us. People here who have been through very similar experiences. We'll do what we can to support and guide you through the process.
Good luck!
Denise

Thanks for the responses guys. I do think a big part of the healing process is feeling reassured. As they say, stress is a killer, and what could be more stressful than worrying daily about your health? It's lmost like even though you don't feel stressed, it's like background noise, always there.

ALL my docs so far have left me feeling lost and misunderstood. The trouble with the UK's free National Health Service is that you do not get a choice, so you can't shop around, so to speak. I am currently looking for a new GP, since my GP has been very insensitive and careless.

If this throat thing would bugger off, or at least improve slightly, I would find the whole thing much easier to deal with. As it stands, I feel like I am being strangled every minute of every day without relief.

I have to go to my GP next week to get a referral to the GI. That in itself will be a battle, she is a hard nut to crack. How do they expect us to get better when we are faced with battles like this with the people who are meant to be helping us??

HI zelda,
yes keep searching for an answer..
I had a barium swallow in january and they said everything was normal..

now just this march I had an Endoscopy and things definetly arent normal with my stomach, multiple ulcers etc..

It took a change of Doctors, to get the proper tests underway. It is frustrating..and like trying to find a lightswitch in the dark sometimes.