new here LPR sufferer..need help - Acid Reflux / GERD Message Board

YankeeRoseO1 · 08-25-2007, 07:03 AM

Hi everyone,
Im new to the forum. I was diagnosed with gerds about a year ago. My symptoms wre severe heartburn, reflux of acid when sleeping, lump in throat, pain in back around shoulder blades, tightening of throat, and spasms in my esophagus and throat. I was put on protonix once a day. After changing my diet, and taking the pills, my symptoms subsided, but never fully went away. About a month ago, after having a stressful week, I developed a new symptom. It was with my swallowing. It seemed as if my swallowing rerflex was impaired or almost gone, even when swallowing saliva. Needless tosay, this frightend the heck out of me and I went running to Dr. She sent me for a barium upper gi series, and results showed full reflux from lower esophageal sphincter to upper esophageal sphincter, hiatal hernia and gastritis. She put me on zoloft hoping that would help ease the spasms,and changed my med to nexium one time a day. She told me that the swallowing prob was probably cfaused by stress which in turn created more acid and irritated the soft tissues in my throat which causes the swallowing issues. The swallowing issues seemed to go away for awhile,but have returned again. Not as bad, but its there. Whenever it happens, I freak out and have a panic attack because I imagine all kinds of bad things. I have to remember that the gi test came back with lpr and gerds, and nothing "bad" going on as far as a tumor or anything...However, my anxiety likes to play tricks on me at times which only creates more acid. I am hoping that someone here can help me and let me know that I am not alone with these symptoms. I really need some reassurance from people that are going thru the same thing. Also, from all the research that I have done on LPR, it seems as if the standard treatment is 2 doses of ppi, and my dr has only given me one. Any suggestions or reassurance from any of you would be greatly appreciated right now! Thanx for reading.
~Rose

Skylar_ · 08-25-2007, 08:12 AM

Hi Rose,

I also had a very similar situation-lump in throat, sore throat, waking up at night, throat clearing, shoulder blade pain, etc. Also I did the PPI twice a day for awhile. Although the PPIs helped, they did not solve the problem. It has been a long road and I'm still on it. However, I have learned some valueable things along the way:

1. Stress level/anxiety is a huge factor. Makes sense. The more strange the symptoms the more anxious you become and it's a nasty cycle. I am a "Type A" personality and tend to worry a lot. That seemed to really fuel all the reflux problems. I had to really work on that and it has helped A LOT. When I have a bad day now I think "OK, today is a bad day, tomorrow probably will be better. And if not, this is not going to last forever." when before I was prone to all or nothing type thoughts: "Today is a bad day, I guess this thing is coming back and I'm going to feel like this forever. It will limit my activities from here on out. What's the point?!" I know it's hard not to be frustrated and scared but attitude can make you or break you with this stuff.

2. Any underlying medical problems: work to control the things you can-weight, diet (caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods, spicy foods). Also are there any other health issues playing a role? I've discovered I have low thyroid and starting meds for that have helped my reflux a lot. Low thyroid can slow your digestion, making reflux more likely. If you do check into thyroid levels, know that many doctors are unaware of new recommended lab levels, so research your levels.

3. Be your own advocate: A lot of my doctors wanted to spend about 5 minutes with me, prescribe PPIs and send me home. When the meds didn't work well, I was told "Well they should work" with no further advice. Don't let that happen. Do your own research and push if you have to. The average office visit lasts 8 minutes. You have to be your own advocate. Come with your questions and ask for the tests/referrals you want. Remember which which wheel gets the grease. Don't be afraid to change doctors if you need to.

4. Find support: That can look different for everyone. Maybe it's prayer. Maybe it's friends/family. Maybe it's counseling. Or a sport. Maybe it's taking care of yourself in some other way like an activity that distracts you/brings you joy. Don't let your health become the focus of your life.

Anyway, not sure if any of this has helped at all, but know you're not alone and it will not always be this hard. You will get it to a manageable level with some trial and error. Good luck!

YankeeRoseO1 · 08-25-2007, 08:39 AM

Thanx for your response and advice. I do need to stay more positive, its just hard when I cant swallow...that freaks me out. But, I will try to relax more and try to think of something else besides this horrid condition. Thanx again!

Answers10001 · 08-25-2007, 09:12 AM

Hi...I had the exact same problem. I came home from college in May, was fine, and by June, couldnt swallow and wasnt eating. I can tell you that it turned into a psycological mind game. I really could swallow, but had this innate fear of doing so. You need to relax...try some deep breathing, meditation, yoga...I have horrible LPR and believe the only reason I have seen any improvement is Mind over matter. Good luck!

YankeeRoseO1 · 08-26-2007, 08:03 PM

hi..thanx for ur response. i can see the same thing happening to me now. Im afraid to eat anything, because of the swallowing problem. I know in my heart, that if I have a "swallowing episode", I should just relax and take a deep breath and try again, because I know what it causing it..but sometimes my head plays tricks onme!...I know i need to relax, and Im working on it. Thanx again