My LPR journey

Hi All,

I am posting here as a form of information for LPR sufferers out there and also for my own record.
Recently over the past 1 month or so, I have had a lot of difficulty swallowing solids. No problems with liquids, no choking. But everytime when I try to swallow solids, it tends to get stuck at my throat, high up just above the adam's apple. All I have to do everytime is to swallow a gulp of water to wash it down which is very troublesome but its a quick fix. I also have a ton of throat clearing. Every gulp of water or food accompanies with a follow up throat clearing. No heartburn feeling but a lot of belching.

Fast forward 1 month later, I did a neck and head MRI to make sure that is nothing too serious that would affect swallowing (lesions). Also did a modified barium swallow to check out the muscle movement of my tongue and pharynx (upper oesophagus) with rice, crackers, bread and water. I passed the test with no abnormalities (strange how I pass exams with flying colors while I suffer outside of the exam). I also did a nasal scope to check the voice box and gullet for any structural problems. This was accompanied by a endoscope today as well. Again, only mild gastritis in the stomach. That leaves 2 outcomes - mild oesophagal dysmotility which will have to be confirmed by a manometry or non-erosive GERD which is LPR.

Currently I am more inclined to believe it is LPR as I took Pariet (rabeprazole) for about 1 week now and I have no more throat clearing. The position of food stuck is lower now just below the adam's apple. Some solid swallows can move down easily albeit not every time. I don't even need to drink water to wash it down. A double swallow will do the trick. The doctor however has decided to take me off Pariet and put me on Vocinti (which is supposedly better for LPR) and amitriptyline (for sensitive esophagus) for the next month. I am feeling positive that something good will come out of this treatment, keeping my hopes up and keeping the community updated as well.

If you would like to know a bit more of what my symptoms were and treatment were, feel free to ask.
Cheers!

Unfortunately, you need to give yourself more than 6 days on the medication to notice if it makes a difference. You are looking for a quick fix, and there isn't one. Your anxiety will make your swallowing issues seem worse and give you that globus feeling. Keep taking the medication and followup with your doctor.

Sharon