Feeling of lump in throat 9 months after Chiari surgery

[compute1]

About 9 months after my chiari surgery I began to have the feeling of something stuck in my throat. I have had every conceivable test from my gastro, pulmonologist, ent. The only thing my gastro came up with is a very mild inflamation of my esophogas. None of the anti-gerd medications do any good in reducing the "lump in the throat feeling". Help! Has anyone had this same problem after chiari surgery. Thanks and all suggestions welcome.

[selmaS]

  Reflux can worsen or develop after surgery as the meds used during surgery and pain meds post op can affect our GI tract....

So with meds and time u may get ur GI track back to it's natural balance.

Using reflux meds and probiotics have really helped me.

[derek1983]

i had that feeling b4 my surgery but the did a fusion on my spine to correct i believe they called it a retroflexed otinoid which was making swallowing difficult as well as breathing at times

[compute1]

I am concerned about this "lump in my throat feeling" so long after the surgery. I was never a problem before surgery. I am think of trying alternative solutions. Any one had any success with alternative medicine for this specific problem? Good luck to all and thank you

[selmaS]

  Hi, yes many with Chiari have had swallowing issues, I had a swallow study done, but it all showed to be ok....

I also know many of us also have GERD/reflux  which can cause this same problem.....

SO it is common with Chiari, yes, does it stay with u...not always...my issues are much better post op and I do have both Chiari and reflux....so, this is one thing surgery did help me with.

[hevnw8s]

Hi selmaS. I was wondering if you have heard of Dysphagia? That's what they have listed on my paperwork but they haven't discussed it with me. I am looking over the list of things from my PCP and PM doc. They both listed this. Do you know if this is common with Chiari?
Kim

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Yes, the lump in the throat can be what is known as Silent Reflux or LPR
May I ask have u modified ur diet and lifestyle?....Lifestyle tips would be elevate the head of ur bed, quit smoking if u do....no tight clothes, heavy lifting (which is also not good post op for Chiari).....
below are a few links to explain this condition.....



http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Gastroenterology/Symptoms-of-Laryngopharyngeal-Reflux-are/show/779?cid=236

http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/laryngopharyngeal-reflux-silent-reflux

[hevnw8s]

Hi! This may not help you but I have the same feeling in my throat but I have not had the surgery yet. I have been through every procedure from scoping with a camera in the office, had a biopsy and scope while under anesthesia by gastro doc, thorough exam by ENT and several different meds for GERD. None of the meds helped and nothing but a little inflammation was found with me as well. My ENT and Neurosurgeon told me the feeling of something stuck in my throat is from Chiari pressure. They said as long as it doesn't interfere with actually swallowing liquids or food then nothing could be done.

My ENT has left it up to my Neurosurgeon who of course isn't doing anything.

I have had this sensation now for over a year. It seems to get worse when I have a cold and it has made me panic a time or two. Can I ask if it interferes with swallowing liquids or food? Or do you feel it mainly just swallowing saliva?

KIM