LPR

[kimber3]

I went to an ENT dr 2yrs ago for a 2nd opinion.  I was waking up in the night and my throat would be constricted so I couldn't breathe.  After a few seconds, my throat would open back up. This caused me terrible anxiety. My family dr thought I should be tested for sleep apnea, but I asked to be referred to an ENT dr.  One quick look down my throat, and he said it was all red, and I had LPR. Since then I have had an upper GI, results normal, a colonoscopy, results diverticulosis-told to take Metamucil,tried prilosec, and for over a year Protonix once a day, and for 3 months, I have taken it twice a day.  Went back to ENT today, and my throat is still all red, but the waking up with the throat constrictions has stopped.  My nose also gets stuffed up at night and my ears feel full, and I feel like I have to make myself burp all the time.  The Dr said this could all be from the reflux up into my throat and past it.  He wants me to have a 24 or 48 hr ph test done by a surgeon to find out for sure if this is acid reflux.  What could it be if not acid.  I don't want any type of operation done.  Has anyone else had these throat constrictions.  Where is this leading.  What if they don't find it is reflux? What if it is reflux?  Do they switch medications?  I also am having a terrible time getting my ins co to approve Protonix for 2 times a day.  My dr said it only lasts 14hrs so I need 2.  Also I panic at the thought of being awake and having something put down my throat. Is this a horrible test?  Please send me your advise.  Thanks