Lump in throat when eating or drinking

[kcmd]

In 2000 I developed a duodenal ulcer that was diagnosed and treated with Ranitidine. I was scoped twice and told I had a Hiatus hernia but no H pylori. It took years to fix and finally after overdosing on Antacids it went away in 2005. I became dangerously B12 deficient because I took high doses of Ranitidine for too long. I stopped the Antacids all together and my B12 returned to normal. After stopping antacids and fixing the B12  I started to develop a problem with swallowing. I thought it was a problem from B12 deficiency since the symptoms were "Difficulty swallowing". I started having problems with acid again and this time the problems are in my esophagus. It affects my vocal  cords in a way that I can’t ever clear my throat and I get a frog voice often. A DR checked my throat with a camera and said it was red and irritated. For the past 2 years I currently have acid pain that feels the same as the ulcer pain did just in a different spot. The ulcer pain was felt high in the chest. This current pain is at the bottom of the ribs area. Gaviscon chewables instantly stops this as it happens.

Now the worst part of all this in the end is that the problem swallowing has turned into a problem of severe pain when I swallow. It feels like a lump in my throat just under the adams apple.  The way I describe it to people is try and swallow a whole egg, it’s the sensation when you swallow something oversized. As soon as any food or liquid including plain water hits the lower part of the esophagus it feels like its ballooning up and stopping at the entrance to my stomach. The more I eat and drink it continues to get worse and more pain builds up. If I force myself to swallow my only way to relieve the pain is to go to the bathroom and force it all back up. It’s not vomiting, it’s more like I’m trying to belch then liquid and food comes with it. It doesn't matter what the food is or if it’s hot or cold. Plain room temperature water does the same as alcohol does.

I have been to many different Doctors and had a GI Series, Endoscopy and have been taking multitudes of different Antacids. I spent hours explaining my history and problems to Surgeons. I live in Canada and all this is covered under medi-care. It takes 3 months to get in to see Doctors here. I had a Endoscopy in February and all he told me was I had a Hiatus hernia. Yes I have had that since 2000. I asked for another GI Series and am currently still waiting for the past 6 weeks to even hear when my appointment will be.

Every Doctor I have seen says "We don't know what is wrong with you". We know you have symptoms but can’t tell you why you’re having them... I guess I'm the only person on this planet who has these symptoms, I'm a rare case and should be in medical books and my body should be studied when I'm dead.

I'm wondering if I should travel outside of Canada to find a more definitive solution or remedy. Can anyone here compare or share some information on what to do?

[CalGal]

I'm glad you finally found out what's going on, but sorry to hear the problem is achalasia. I hope your treatment options will decrease the overall discomfort.

[kcmd]

After demanding another Barrium Swallow , the results showed that i officially have Achalasia. Now i have to decide which treatment to go ewith.

[kcmd]

I was on tecta for a year and and when i told the doc it wasnt helping then he said there was no need to take it then.... Bad advice there.
just finished 3 months of Pantoloc. Im currenlty on 2x 300mg ranitidine.

I dont follow a special diet because i havnt noticed any foods that cause it to flucuate. I dont smoke. I do drink alcohol. I eat and drink alot of protien which ive read is not good for acid. If i gave up alcohol, coffee would the problem fade?

No one has ever mentioned globus
I have had a endoscopy in february for the problems, is that not visible with the scope?

I have asked for surgeory on my hiatus thinking it is why acid is entering my esophogus. My doctor has said straight out that he will ot operate on me because it would be malpractice. He said the lawyer would ask him why he operated on the stomach when the patient complained of problems in  esophogus and swallowing.

Will a GI series detect globus?
They want me to do a motility test thinking its the swallowing muscle.
As well as a 24 hour acid test with the tube in the throat.

[CalGal]

What you're describing with the lump in the throat could be 'globus.' It's a sensation that is suggested to result because of irritation to the bottom of the esophagus due to acid problems. From what I understand the only way to get rid of the sensation is to get the reflux under control.

Are you following a GERD-friendly diet? And what about using proton pump inhibitors? Didn't your doc suggest that?