Need some talking to!
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hi all
Will try and keep my message brief - basically I have been coughing for about 4 weeks now non stop - it feels like ants are crawling round my voicebox, feels like I have some asthma where my voicebox is & sometimes when I breathe in its like I am sucking on a mint....
In January 2016 I had more or less the same cough, GP sent me for a chest X-ray which was satisfactory and then pumped me full of antibiotics, it helped slightly, I then developed Globus as diagnosed by the ENT doctor, then I was put on PPI's as I complained about acid reaching my voicebox sometimes and nearly killing me, I went for an upper endoscopy and everything was normal.
I went to the GP last week and she said my lungs are clear (I am frightened that all of this is lung cancer!!!!!) - she has prescriped PPI's again and anti anxiety meds.....I am seriously at my wits end, my throat feels tight, its dry, everytime I breathe in it scratches my throat then I cough, its never ending!!!!!
My point/question is - do you think or does this sound like Reflux??
I am 36, F and unfortunately a smoker (trying to quit before someone says stop smoking!) I am overweight also to add to all things.
I am terribly worried that I have the dreaded C now.....can someone offer some support or advice please? I would be grateful!
Thanks
K
1 like, 27 replies
kay19801
Posted
Hi all
So I started the PPI's 3 days ago (today is my third day), cannot really say I feel any different - the throat irritation and tickle is still harboring & now I feel breathless which I think could be my anxiety - still so concerned for my lungs....
Barretts kay19801
Posted
PPIs take a few days to start being really effective.but, though they are great at reducing acid, they're not so good at reducing reflux. Your throat, tickle and breathlessness are symptoms of reflux rather than acid.
Read the Reflux section of the www DownWithAcid org uk book.
kay19801 Barretts
Posted
What is the difference between acid and reflux (I might sound really stupid asking this question)
Barretts kay19801
Posted
Chemical problems are best dealt with chemically (ie medicine).
Mechanical problems are best dealt with mechanically.
See the attached graphic of the symptom checker page of Down With Acid.
kay19801 Barretts
Posted
Interesting...... I suffer with tinnitus.....never knew they were potentially linked...
Thank you - I will give the PPI's another good week or so, back at the GP's on Feb 20th
kay19801
Posted
TOTALLY freaked out and 100000% know this might be what I think it is!
Barretts kay19801
Posted
Lifestyle measures include losing weight, if necessary, avoiding overfilling your stomach (eat little and often, slowly, keeping upright) , aboiding activity after food that will put stress on the stomach (ie tilting, compressing or shaking) , avoiding tight clothing, leaving at least 3 hours between your last meal and going to bed, raising the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches on blocks.
If you cannot manage the reflux by lifetsyle modification, you may need to consider surgery (a fundoplication) . I had all your symptoms and more. Fundoplication gave me my life back.
papote53 kay19801
Posted
Kay. I been living like that for the last 2 years or so, and symptoms started 3 1/2 years ago. You need to give PPI's time, and with that I mean at least 2-6 months. Believe me, I do not like them or support them but 6 days? They told me it was anxiety, gastritis, reflux, asthma, COPD, the neck and the back. Guess what? Based on each specialist and numerous testing is none of the above. Sure, just like you I feel like my lungs are the problem but so far I had 2 COPD testing (one 2 weeks ago) and they both came out clear. I had 4-5 asthma testing and the same. Now, what I do have is gluten sensitivity but on diet for 6 months and is worse. ;-( I even starter to take H2 Blocker on my own until I see the GI and ENT again in 2 weeks because it sure feels like it. Pain all around my body most of the day every single day, lack of air all day except when I sleep every single day. Pulse 60, BP normal, Cholesterol better than the average and I still suffer every single day because they have no idea what's wrong with me. Last Doc said it was a trauma I had when I was a child and my mind is blocking it. Sure, what next? They said, is not anxiety, is your mind blocking the mental pain and the real cause of your disease. jejejejeje Anyway, my point is that you can not jump to conclusions in 6 days and much less panic. Take your medications and do not go any further looking for pain reason because anxiety will play tricks on you. Keep a reflux diet and be patient. God made me strong and that is the only reason I'm not at the hospital every single day. God bless. ;-)
papote53
Posted
Btw, I forgot to mention I believe I have LRP because the last 2 months the breathing problem is up to my nose. I sleep good at night, I have no heartburn (but I do have chest pain) and PPI's or H2 Blocker don't work which are all symptom of LRP. If is not LRP is vocal cord disfunction ( but believe is LRP)
papote53
Posted
Question: Do you have problems breathing in or out? If is out, it might be asthma or COPD, if is in it will probably be LRP (reflux).
kay19801 papote53
Posted
When i breathe in deeply i can feel a pinch in my shoulder