Always worrying

[Bookworm1953]

Is it possible to have the feeling of a lump in throat without actually having one? I suffer from acid reflux and get bouts of paralysing worry about cancer. I take Lansoprazole but still get bouts of heartburn. I have spent the last two days in bed worrying about bowel cancer, oesephageal cancer, stomach cancer etc. Have been to urgent care who said everything was ok. Going to GP tomorrow. Is there anyone there who can support me please.

[Hidden]

Yes, what you're experiencing sounds very similar with what happens to people with acid reflux, who are stressed out, and experience panic/anxiety disorder. It's called the globus sensation. It will make you feel like you have swallowed a tennis ball. Breathing and swallowing feel difficult from the tension. I had this feeling many times while dealing with both anxiety/panic and GI issues including acid reflux.

Globus pharyngis

: The sensation of having a lump or something stuck in the throat.

With everything you're worried and stressed about, plus dealing with GI issues, it seems to fit the bill. Once you're able to relax a little, the sensation should subside. I know that's easier said than done, BUT the feeling will subside. You may even try some stretching exercises to stretch out the tension, focusing on the tension and stress "flow" away. Obviously this is something to watch if you believe there's something truly wrong, but I do believe if you're able to settle, this feeling will begin to fade...and you'll know it was the worry, stress, and issues you're dealing with. I hope you feel better and everything turns out for the best.

[Bookworm1953 in reply to Hidden]

Stupid isn't it. I now have stomach pains. Lump in throat seems to be ok. Now have cramps. Have been on Lansoprazole seven years now but heartburn seems to be breaking through anyway. Thanks for your advice x

[Hidden in reply to Bookworm1953]

Not at all stupid, totally understandable though. The heartburn even persisted for me through all the fancy PPI/acid reflux meds. Finally controlled but it took awhile. Have you tried probiotics? My GI doctor recommended them to me for several issues. They also show promise in helping with anxiety/stress since the "gut to brain" axis.

[Bookworm1953 in reply to Hidden]

I know being overweight exacerbates the condition too. How did you control the heartburn and is it linked to constipation?

[Hidden in reply to Bookworm1953]

It definitely exacerbates the condition to carry some extra weight...and that's on top if you have some fairly common issues like a hiatal hernia (where just a little of the stomach has pushed through the diaphragm). I had that, endoscopy showed some candida infection (from an asthma medication), and a little narrowing that they fixed with a balloon instrument.

As far as reduction and control of heartburn, I really tried my hardest to avoid some foods that absolutely set my reflux off. One of those things for me was garlic powder. Pure garlic, I was fine, powdered/dried (maybe even possibly the preservatives) was a huge trigger. When I lost weight, it just seemed to be easier to manage. Smaller meals helped and still does....when I eat a huge meal these days, I'm a mess anxiety wise and so on. Water helps. Aloe vera juice is always worth a shot (it's a little gross, but it helped soothe). Teas are great. Probiotics truly did me wonders (for both reflux and constipation).

There is a link between both and constipation was an issue for me. They'll always tell you to add fiber to your diet because it helps move things along. For me, it was the opposite....Metamucil caused me to bloat up and I couldn't go to the bathroom. I would say to opt for natural fiber paths (veggies) if you can. During this time I used a lot of different laxatives to help because I always seemed to get it. Liquid magnesium citrate gets very quick results, but I wouldn't recommend using it a lot. My GP prescribed me Amitiza which helped get results again. I looked it up (it's been awhile) and here's just a little simple info on it:

Lubiprostone - Brand name: Amitiza -- Laxative

It can treat constipation. It can also treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation in women.

This saved me a lot of painful bloating/belly aches. Above all else, if you get a really bad case of reflux, I found it best to turn to liquids to allow the stomach recover and then slowly introduce solids (broth and rice). I would bloat for days over non-triggering foods and it was awful. Zantac helped more over Tums, Tums gave me temporary relief, and Zegerid (a PPI with baking soda in its contents) gave me the best relief out of all of the others. I hope any or all of this helped. I know a little of what you're going through and even ended up in the ER thinking I was about lose my gall bladder. True story...funny now...after getting morphine for the pain, the doctor comes back almost glaring at me, "You're just full of ####!" So backed up, I thought an organ was hurting. Anyway, take care and I'll be wishing the best for you.