Reflux esophagitis anyone?

buckeyegirl

buckeyegirl

Cathlete
Good morning ladies,

I'v been real miserable lately with upper to mid back pain and feeling like I have something in my throat - like a lump in my throat. Of course, me being the hypochondriac that I am, was thinking something horrible:eek:

DH and I were talking last night and he thinks I have reflux esophagitis (ok, we're both vets and don't routinely diagnose ourselves but you'd be amazed how many similarities there are between animals and humans:p) Besides, he's suffered from it himself.

I do plan on going to a "real" doctor, lol, but was wondering if anyone had any experiences to share. I've at least started some pepcid until I get into the dr. and am watching acidic foods. I'm wondering if my "clean" eating may have irritated it - all the fresh acidic fruits and raw veggies....wonder if I should just go back to McDonald's cheeseburgers....kidding!!

Heidi
 
Heidi - I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. I have GERD and when my reflux is acting up, I get the sensation that I have a "lump" in my throat - there is actually a clinical name for that sensation but heck if I can remember it right now. When it gets really bad, it almost makes me want to gag. The funny thing is there is absolutely nothing there in most cases. It's just a very common sensation brought on by the reflux and the more you concentrate on it or try to "swallow" it away, the worse it will get. I don't even get breakthrough reflux (where you actually taste acid in your throat) and it does this. So usually the lump feeling is the first indication I'm having problems. My last major "occurrence" lasted for weeks and I finally got sick of it and went to a doctor who specializes in acid reflux problems. He did an EGD (where they put a scope down your throat - you're asleep though) and saw that there were no polyps or anything in my throat, just irritation and my tummy was inflamed. I'm now on 1 Prevacid daily - forever. I also take a high dose of Calcium and VD along with the Prevacid since long term use can cause osteoporosis. Sorry for the long response! ;) I've just had years of experience with this. ;)
 
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Thanks for the reply, Liann! That relieves me more than you know. Especially the "lump in the throat" feeling....it's so annoying and scary. I've started myself on Pepcid and DH is getting me some Protonix to start until I can get into the doctor.

Let me know if you can think of any other tips to help - thanks again!

Heidi
 
Heidi - When I have the "lump" sensation, I usually cut out all coffee and tea. When I have my reflux under control, I'm able to go back to coffee, but it really seems to aggravate the problem. My other suggestion would be to do some serious relaxation. It sounds silly, but that feeling in your throat can be alleviated slightly just by relaxing your muscles. Also Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve all AGGRAVATE the condition. I had no idea and was actually taking Advil thinking it would help and it made it sooo much worse. My doctor said those medications in particular can cause reflux to get worse, so you really want to cut down on those at the moment.

Here's a few links for you. I finally found the name!

Some general info:
http://homepage.mac.com/changcy/globus.htm

Proof that you are not alone!
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Gastroenterology/GERD--Globus-Pharyngeus/show/502318

More detailed info. on GERD:
http://www.nature.com/gimo/contents/pt1/full/gimo54.html
 
Hi, I have GERD and the Dr. wanted to put me on meds. I researced it and have been taking Natures Lining and DGL and it has helped a lot. It has mended my stomach as opposed to the prescription which actually gives your body more acid which in turn makes it worse. Also, if you take greens in water to keep your body more alkaline, it helps too. You can research on home tests to see if you actually have to much acid of not enough. Most Dr.s just assume you have to much. Apple cider viniger with baking soda works well also if not enough acid is actually the problem. Hope you get some relief. It is really annoying and frustrating feeling like your throat is clogged all the time and you feel like you have to constantly try to swallow.
 
I have had IBS for about three years, but last year I started experiencing this lump in the throat feeling too. After that, I began 'regurgitating' (basically, sorry to be crude, but vomiting everything I would eat, about ten minutes after eating it). I have had all sorts of medication but nothing seemed to work (but funnily enough, I didn't lose weight, just felt a bit drawn). I then went to a homeopath (I didn't believe in it though) and he gave me something, and that calmed it down. But then it came back. It was only then that I connected it to my IBS. So I cut out EVEN more foods than I had already, and I am not sick very often at all now. Yours could be something completely different, but IF you have any food allergies or sensitivities, perhaps this is an extension of that?

Sorry if that's not helpful at all.. but i know I was distraught when I couldn't eat ANYTHING and keep it down... I thought it was GERD too, until I realised that I was refluxing solids....
Hope it gets better :)
 
Heidi -- I, too, have had the same problems as you (mine have been off and on for the past 10 years!). I had the procedure done where they run the scope down your throat to your stomach (found out I had some inflamed areas in my stomach, etc. -- that was done 10 years ago). Recently had the same problems (in January) -- so bad I thought I might be having a heart attack because of my chest pains. I still figured it was the acid reflux problem, so I didn't go to the ER (although one night I was close) I went to a gathering of my high school alum and I talked to a girl who also had the same problem. She said to take 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar (has to be a special kind - organic) two times daily with 8 oz. water (the best kind was "Bragg's" -- found only at HEB in my area!). I started doing this and almost immediately (within a couple of days!), my problem was pretty much gone! So I continue to drink this today and so far have had no problems. I used to be in so much pain before (feeling like I had a lump in my throat, etc., along with chest pains that were really bad!). But after doing this now for about a month, no problems! It's worth a try. I was told by my friend NOT to use the regular apple cider vinegar (like Heinz, etc.), but recommended Bragg's. It's worth a try (in my opinion). It worked wonders for me!!

Julie
 
Hmm...the vinegar idea intrigues me. Do you know why it works? Seems to me adding acidic vinegar to an underlying acidic problem would exacerbate things. Interesting. I may research that a little.

I appreciate everyone's input - I really do! Plan on going to the dr. next week.

Heidi
 
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