Hi,
I was wondering if anyone out there with LPR suffers from swallowing problems. I was diagnosed with gerds a year ago this weekend. I was put on protonix, 1 x a day, and I avoid all spicey foods, tomato products, caffeine, chocolate, and carbonated beverages. In time, my symptoms seemed to improve, with bouts of relapses here and there. The heartburn seems to be manageable, but I feel it all in my larynx, and this does not seem to be subsiding. About 2 months ago, after having a very stressful week, I started having a new symptom. It was as if part of my swallowing reflex had disappeared! I would go to swallow, and it would seem as if my swallowing would hesitate a bit before proceeding wiht the reflux. This scared the heck out of me and I went to the dr. She then sent me for an upper gi (barrium and enhanced with crystals). The results came back, and thankfully no tumors...The radiologist said that I have severe complete reflux, extending from lower esophageal sphincter into the upper esophageal sphincter. I also have a hiatal hernia, and gastritis. My dr changed my med from protonix to Nexium for one month, and also zoloft for anxiety and esophageal spasms, and I am to go back to her in a few weeks for a follow up.
In the meantime, the swallowing problem seemed to go away for awhile, and then comes back again. She seems to think that the acid probably has damaged some soft tissue in my throat, and this is waht caused the swallowing problem.
I have read about the "globus" sensations that alot of us get with gerds, and I do get that too, but this is a bit different, and I really dont see anyone else on here mentioning this as a symptom. I also get plugged ears, and tightning in my throat espeially after eatting. I do realize that stress makes this condition worse, so I wonder if it could be partially due to stress?
I am mainly eatting soft foods right now and soups, because I am afraid of that impaired reflux feeling. However, the last few times that I have experienced it, it does seem less severe than before. I know that i have to give myslef time to heal, and I have to relax, but sometimes all these symptoms can be so scarey and so stressful. Im hoping that someone out there reads this and can help put me at ease....I get scared sometimes.
Thanx,
Rose