Posted 6/20/2012 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Stephen,
I too had an endoscopy in April, which revealed Grade One (mild) esophogitis. Before the endoscopy, I had been on Prilosec and then Nexium. I do think the reflux impacted my ability to speak. I noticed that I was going out of my way not to talk to people at work because I felt like talking took too much effort. I like to sing along with the radio in the car and I couldn't do that because it hurt. I couldn't even get through 3 hymns in church! The pain was definitely toward the bottom of my throat/top of my esophagus. My throat does not show any signs of LPR, but my throat muscles have become incredibly tight, probably in an effort to block the reflux. I think the tightening is what was causing problems in my throat. I've heard LPR can actually cause damage to the vocal chords.
After my endoscopy, I was put on Dexilant. I can sing without being in pain, and speak without a problem. In my humble opinion, I think the throat issues are more likely caused by GERD than by the medication. I do still experience esophageal discomfort while on the Dexilant, but only when dry swallowing. It basically feels like the tightness in my throat is being transferred to my esophagus when I swallow saliva. When I eat and drink, I don't have this problem.
Stefanie