What have I got? Sore throat, etc... - Digestive Disorders Message Board

candibar · 08-23-2005, 07:28 PM

I have had a persistent sore throat since Aug 12th. Strep has been ruled out. Two days ago, I swallowed a pill sideways down my esophogus. Ever since then, I have felt pain in my upper esophogus when eating/drinking, and a feeling of a lump or something there. My regular dr. has told me I have GERD and prescribed protonix, which I have started taking. Dr. doesn't seem to believe that anything is wrong (such as an infection). She is sending me to a GI dr. and suggested that he may perform an endoscopy (whatever that is?!) to diagnose this problem. My uvula (the hangy down thing in the back of your throat) feels swollen. I have also had a mild fever off and on. Dr. said I could have a mild virus. I am tired of having a sore throat.

Anyone have a clue??

WannaBeFreeToRoam · 08-23-2005, 11:20 PM

Hi candibar,

Hope that your throat feels better. Go to the Gastroenterologist and let them do the upper endoscopy. It does not hurt - they knock you out. And you do not have to clean yourself out like for a colonoscopy (lower endoscopy)! Upper endoscopy, is where the nurse /anthesiologist give you meds to knock you out and the dr. inserts a tube down your throat (after spraying with a pain killer). The doctor can see your esophagus, your stomach and a little further. He can take pics and even do biopsies while in there. It does not take long at all.

Your regular dr. should know if it is a virus or not. The endoscopy will tell if you have a irregular esophagus, hiatal hernia, gastritis, ulcers, and polps and such. It is a good tool for finding things that are not right in the upper digestive system.

Take care and feel better. Ice water feels really good on a scratchy throat!

Wannabe

Katie G · 08-25-2005, 02:01 PM

I agree 100% with Wannabe.

Good luck to you,
Katie G