I was unable to speak for about 4 months. Actually, I could speak, but everytime I did, it severely strained my vocal cords. Sometimes just speaking for a short time would cause my throat to be sore for 1 or 2 days. Basically, I ended up writing everything. My ENT never really told me what I had, if anyone knows, is this LPR?

My ENT put a snake down my nose. He said my vocal cords looked ok, just a little inflamed. He sent me off to voice therapy. After 3 sessions, we got nowhere. I tried over-the-counter acid-blockers and within 3 days could speak, although still had problems with hoarseness. I went back to my ENT and he put me on prescription-strenth acid-blockers (Pantoprazole 40mg once per day at bedtime).

I've been on the pantoprazole for 3 months. It works great. If I take it on time, I can speak freely without hoarseness. Also I used to cough at night and that is gone. But I tried to go off the pantaprozole and the hoarseness returned. My ENT says I should go on it for another 3 months and then see him again.

I'm wondering if I will ever be able to get off this medicine and whether the pantaprozole 40mg once/day is the right stuff to take. I'm only 26, I don't want to be on medicine forever. I know other people with untreated reflux who don't lose their voices, why me? I've read elsewhere that some doctors prescribe 20mg twice/day. If anyone has any knowledge about this, I would greatly appreciate it.