Reflux...a bit off the anxiety topic but I need help/advice...

[gemp54]

I've been getting sore throats or hoarseness for months now as well as an uncomfortable irritation/tickle in my chest/lower throat. I saw the doctor last week who said they can see something is irritating my throat because its a bit red inside and they think its acid reflux. The irritation in my chest does feel a bit like a burning sensation like mild heartburn. I've been given 20mg of omeprazole a day to hopefully help. I have to take a 2month course and hopefully that will get it under control enough for me to come off them. Has anyone else had reflux? I don't know much about it and other than 'take these tablets' my doctor didn't say much else. I want to know how long people find they take to work, is there anything else I can do (I'm trying to work out if I have any foods that trigger it). My glands are also up a little in my neck but I've heard people say that can be normal because you're throats so irritated and trying to heal from the acid but it would be good to know if anyone else has been told the same. I'm also tired which the doctor seemed not to be worried about but my anxiety is all around my health so I hate the fact I haven't had any tests or anything to show this is reflux and not something worse. The stupid thing is i'm probably tired because i'm spending every waking moment stressing over this. If i could get that under control i could reserve my energy for more useful things! Any help or advice would be appreciated!

[Hidden]

Hello

I have suffered with it on & of for years and usually when it is at it's worse it is because I have been going through an anxious time and yes anxiety can bring it on but it certainly makes it worse !

Have you noticed if certain foods trigger it of more , I know I started keeping a dairy as certain food and drink really does not agree with me and by not eating these does help

They will have took everything into account , your age , all your medical history to make the decision it does not sound like anything sinister and for now trying medication is safe

I have taken over the years several kinds of medication , some have worked , some helped , some made it worse and others did nothing the thing that did work was eventually I had to go for tests and as soon as I did and I got peace of mind then the acid indigestion went !

Give the medication a good try and see what you are like in a couple of months , if it has not improved as much as you feel it should have then ask them to refer you

Take Care x

[gemp54 in reply to Hidden]

thanks Bounce, that makes me feel a lot better and I know I have been anxious the last few months which is when this seems to have started. I think I have noticed some difference with these tablets but its not gone completely yet (day 8). I think its helping a bit but not enough for my throat to get a proper chance to heal before something triggers it off again. I've tried to pay attention and I think tea and chocolate seem to trigger it. Its hard to tell though because the pains not really bad so sometimes it creeps up on me without realising and when I do get it, it can last for ages which makes it hard to pin point exactly when it started. I checked with the pharmacist and she said I can continue to take other antacids as well if it helps. Gaviscon doesn't do much but some tablets I found called bisodol work really quickly and well but never last that long. I'll keep going for the full 2months and fingers crossed it will either sort it out or will do enough to put my mind at rest that this really is reflux! Xx

[Hidden in reply to gemp54]

Hello

It can take 8 weeks before they really start working even though they start helping sooner than that and yes take antacids to

Have you tried Manuka Honey , you need the 10+ strength , can get it from Tesco as well as other Supermarkets or health stores , it can be a little expensive but helps sooth the throat and is good for indigestion , in fact if you put Manuka Honey in Google it will tell you all the ways in which it is good for you , but don't be looking up things about indigestion resist doing that x

[1994smilelove in reply to gemp54]

I get acid reflux alot too and now that yall mention it, it does seem to come when ive been anxious.usually when it gets too bad i drink a glass of cold milk and it helps me alot.usually takes it right away.i hope this helps and no it doesnt sound like anything serious just acid reflux,alot of people get it.