Worn out and scared

[Jeremy2C]

I am a long time sufferer of health related anxiety. I am 39 yr old male and reasonably fit.  I have been diagnosed with GERD, IBS and GAD.  I take nexium for the GERD and fiber for the IBS and nothing for the GAD.  For months now I have been having daily nausea and much worse heartburn and diarrhea than usual.  I have pain on the left side of my throat, a feeling like something is stuck in it, feeling like I have to swallow multiple times to get stuff down and the occasional gag when it feels like my throat is closing off when I am trying to drink something.  I am also frequently hoarse and my voice cracks.  I am also having some back pain and patches of very dry, almost scaly, skin.    I so concerned that this is a tumor in my throat and that it has spread to my kidneys or liver.  I already have thousands of dollars in medical bills I can’t pay so another visit to the doctor is out.  I had a CBC and colonoscopy last October that were both fine.  I can’t focus on anything else.  I am tired and achy and my mouth is dry.  I feel like I am falling apart right now and that I will never find peace again.  I really need to hear from people as to what all these feelings could be and how I can stop them. I am desperate and scared and very grateful for any response.

[MMahon]

GAD may be making your other problems worse, if not the cause of them.
Assuming your doctors have ruled out other problems already, what did they do for your GAD?  Most, if not all, of your symptoms could very well be anxiety but you can't rule anything out.
There are many free sources of mental health care.  Call your local library for references.
Seek help for your GAD and I think you'll find relief for most, if not all , the symptoms you are having.  

[RubyWitch]

I agree with MMahon that your GAD could very well be the root cause of all or most of your symptoms, but WE cannot offer you any sort of diagnosis. Your doctor needs to rule out any organic reason for all your symptoms. It seems odd to me that they would diagnose you with GERD, IBS and GAD and not treat you for the GAD. The three can so often be interrelated. Since your GERD and IBS are getting worse, it's possible you need to have your meds increased or the ones you're on aren't working for you. It's also very possible that since it appears your anxiety is increasing, it is exacerbating your other conditions. We could all write and tell you of our own battles with these same problems, but that really isn't going to help you, aside from knowing you're not alone. I'm afraid that seeing a doctor is going to be the only real solution for you and while I can relate to being in debt for health care, this is your health, your life, we're talking about, not a fancy car, and I'm sure you know that old saying that without your health, you have nothing.
I wish you the very best.
Peace
Greenlydia        

[mammo]

It sounds like the Nexium isn't working for you, and the choking and trouble swallowing are all related to your GERD, but not the hoarseness.  Regardless, you neet to have your doctor check out your throat to determine exactly what is causing this, and if it is the GERD, get you on a different medication.  Worrying about this will only increase your anxiety which may be causing a lot of your problems.  MMahon offers excellent advice!!!  Good luck and take care!

[Cherie762]

I think it may be wise to ask for a thyroid test...some of the throat problems sound possibly similar to enlarged thyroid.