Posted , 7 users are following.
I was diagnosed wrongly as LPR laryngopharyngeal reflux as I had all the symptoms. I was given proton pump inhibitors and that made my symptoms worse. I suffered with throat pain and chest pain for 2 years. I had numerous test such as endoscopy camera down my stomach and camera down my throat which showed mild inflammation, again I was told to take ppi despite telling all the doctors my pain gets worse on ppi.
After two years I saw a doctor who recommended Amitriptyline. in the first week I took
10mg first week
20mg second week
30mg after a year
This has reduced the pain,
My symptoms started after a respiratory problems which I believe led to nerve problems in my throat and esophagus. (sensitive nerve to even normal amounts of reflux)
My advice to anyone with LPR/GERD which started after respiratory problem, and symptoms that are not getting better with antacids and proton pump inhibitors to see their doctor and try Amitriptyline starting with 10mg in the first week then 20mg, if the symptoms improve to 30mg.
1 like, 10 replies
papote53 feb
Posted
Hi,
Glad to see you got better. ;-)
On your chest pain, was it like heartburn or like you hurt a muscle. Was it all day long, or only sometimes? I ask because I have chest pain all day long with lack of air. Only gets better when I lay back. Just like you for 2 years they told me it was reflux, even if all they could find was mild reflux. Now they are saying is not related - Waiting on Chest CT, but so far all cardio test are good, and clear from COPD as well. And is not anxiety! I d have some nerve issues which I took medication for 4 months and then realize I did not need the medication, but this all started after that. Yes, one of the medication was Amitriptyline 10MG, but it gave me rapid heart beat or tremor (can't remember which) so they took me out. I always suspected this chest pain is related to my nerves but Doctors are not buting it even if they have not found the cause. Yes, 4 years and nothing. ;-(
feb papote53
Posted
lesae papote53
Posted
I get a rapid heartbeat if i take 20mg of Amitriptyline so i stick to 10mg and it's fine. It's not overly rapid but definitely more rapid than normal!
papote53 lesae
Posted
I was just on my 2-3 weeks taking this so I was still on 10mg. Doctor wanted me to go up to 20mg on the 2nd week which I did not and I'm glad I did not because I start getting the repid heartbeart at night. Once he knew he took me out and put me on another which was much worse (Lyrica) Yes, extreme itching. ;-( Now, Gabapentin was the best for me (nerve issues) and it helped me sleep (300mg) which is considered a small dose. I still have some Gabapentin pills but I do not want to take any atleast for now because I just jumped from 2 1/2 years of Diazepam (22 days ago) and don't want create a problem by taking this. Will try later when I'm completely free of any withdraw from Diazepam.
leslie02339 lesae
Posted
papote53 feb
Posted
Thaks, I will ask my Doc. Maybe not Amitriptyline, but maybe Gabapemtin which I took back then for nerve issues.
I actually have baclofen in my cabin, took it once for muscle relaxation 1 year ago,
Thanks, I'll let you know how it goes.
leslie02339 feb
Posted
Hi feb this Leslie I never had anything like you had August of 2016 I had nissen fundoplication warp I had gerds really bad everything was fine for the fist six or seven months after my surgery I was off my reflux meds then slowly my symptoms return so in June of this year I went to my ear nose and throat doctor I told him about my symptoms but there was much that he could so he made an oppointment with a new chest doctor for the doctor that did my surgery wasn't in his office or his office help said that he was book up for quite awhile and didn't know when I could get in to see him so my new chest docto sent for some tests and when he go the report back found that the doctor who did my surgery did the nissen fundoplication warp way way too tight on me and it give me a new hernia as well so on10-11-2017 I am going back to the hospital to have a redo nissen fundoplication with mesh surgery fist he is going to take down the wrap fix my new hernia redo the wrap clean up scar tissues and put in a feeding tube which he said that he is going to remove three days after surgery and I be in the hospital for one then I will go back on liquid diet for awhile then soft diet and back to a regular diet since my surgery I could not burp or vomit when I do need to get rid of unwanted gas it comes for my back end which can be very unpleasant at times I get along with my new chest doctor he is kind caring and take the time to listen to his patients and try his very best to help them not like other doctors that I been to they send me for tests but don't take the time to listen to me and that's not right but I know with my new doctor this will be the last redo nissen fundoplication surgery he will have to do on every on me I really feel bad for you and I do hope you will get the help you need as well because years is really a long time to deal with something with out getting much relief don't you think so which take care and I hope we be talking soon very truly yours Leslie
sleeky feb
Posted
Your story resonated with me as mine has some similarities. I was put on PPI tablets for throat and ear problems. They made things worse for me and I found it difficult to get off them due to rebound effect. My throat was very sore and raw for months and months and I lost a lot of weight; I never had any heartburn. I became very anxious which I feel contributed to my re-flux and throat problems. I had all the tests and my acid re-flux was found to be within the normal range, although I do have a small bit of Barretts esophagus. I could hardly believe it but I Think my throat had become hyper sensitive. Gradually with exercise, healthy eating and mindfulness I gradually got better. At one stage I was loosing so much weight I thought I was on the way out. It has been suggested by some that low stomach acid can cause similar symptoms to acid re-flux as food ferments and the gases released bring up some acid.
Wishing you all good health and relief from your problems.
papote53 sleeky
Posted
Hey Sleeky, I to have mild Barretts which I believe stress was the cause. Just like you they wanted me on PPI's (high dose) but I had my doubts and recently got the Heidelberg reflux test done and yes, I have low acid levels just like I suspected. Thanks God I did not take PPI's on a daily basis. I will have another endoscopy in a few days to see if is progressing or not. I still have 24/7 chest pain so I will probably try gabapentin once the Barretts is under control. I have no reflux symptoms as well unless the nasal breathing problem is created by it and if so I believe is bile reflux, and not acid reflux. I did get some Baclofen to see if t helps. Sure, baclofen is only for my muscles and as needed but it can help close the LES as well and prevent barrettsfrom advancing (will start next week to see if it helps). I trully believe stress created all these problems because the pain I have 24/7. Is not an extreme pain but is present 24/7 up to moderate and I can't do to much without getting worse.
stamata feb
Posted
I believe I have the same problem. Was wondering how you are feeling now? How long did you have to take Amitripryline for? Any side affects.
Thank you
Stacy
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