Minty Feeling, Anxiety, Reflux

[ElkieT]

I just discovered this thread and was so relieved to know I'm not alone. I thought I was completely crazy, wondering what the heck was wrong with me. I started having some symptoms of reflux a few months ago and my primary care doc put me on OTC PPI's. I was on Prilosec for 5 weeks. It relieved my burning abdominal pain, and reflux symptoms, but it made my breathing and anxiety worse. (I have moderate-severe asthma). I got off that and after about a week tried Prevacid. I managed four days on that and had to get off. I felt like I was breathing through a scratchy straw! Meanwhile, the constant irritating "fumes" caused my sinuses to flare up and I went on an antibiotic for those, plus I continued to have breathing issues. I just finished up a two week course today. Within those two weeks, I had a video Gastroenterology teledoc appointment. She found my symptoms a bit confusing and took a stab that it might be SIBO. With COVID, I'm hesitant to expose myself more than necessary and am debating about scheduling what would be a 3-4 hour appointment to get tested for SIBO. I have very few matching symptoms.

This is all severely ratcheting up my lifelong anxiety issues. Within the last week, I started that menthol, minty feeling along with tingling in my hands, feet and face, sleeplessness and intermittent trouble initiating swallowing (not getting food stuck). I've had the tingling before but minty and swallowing are new ones! Since several of you reported Minty and GERD together, I felt a bit relieved. I don't want to go through a ton of tests right now as I barely leave the house except for essentials. I will make an effort to calm, relax and distract myself, but all of my lifelong coping mechanisms vanished when COVID forced isolation.

[Sochill53_]

What are your reflux symptoms?

[ElkieT in reply to Sochill53_]

They are improving slowly, but some regurgitation after eating and a "bubbly" feeling. This is all while upright, not lying down. I will get some nightime reflux if I'm careless about what I eat or drink in the evening/

[Sochill53_ in reply to ElkieT]

I'm too suffering from the same symptoms have you been diagnosed with sibo and how are you now?

[ElkieT in reply to Sochill53_]

Nothing moves quickly during COVID. No diagnosis. I've been doing a lot of reading on natural treatments as I'm allergic to so many medications. One thing that helps my stomach (regurgitation and feelings of breathlessness) is good quality Chamomile tea. I've also started taking Allicin supplements (Garlic). I found a National Institute of Health article on SIBO treatments that said that in controlled studies, Allicin works as well as traditional medications. I honestly don't think it's SIBO because my pain is too specific and is positional, as well as immediate when eating. But I figured garlic won't hurt. Based on my research, I've ordered some other supplements. I'm keeping a daily diary of my symptoms and what I'm taking. I actually had a good night's sleep last night, with just one wakeful period. I hope you find some relief soon, too!

[Sochill53_ in reply to ElkieT]

Appreciate it hope for relief to you as well