Omeprazole prescription with no investigation.

[flop2018]

Had an appointment with GP about feeling like somethings been stuck in throat for a few weeks, tried everything to clear it before seeing her, nasal spray, lots of water, something fizzy, reducing foods that could cause reflux etc she referred me to an ENT and they’ve just prescribed me omeprazole without investigation I don’t have heartburn or indigestion and just a small amount of reflux along with the something stuck in my throat feeling. Should I take this advice or push to be seen? I don’t really want to be taking a PPI unless it’s absolutely necessary and they knew what was actually going one

[TishH]

I believe PPI's are prescribed to everyone to begin with. In normal times, I think you would have been offered a barium swallow or a gastroscopy to see what's going on in your oesophagus, but I know in my area they're only doing emergency tests at the moment. If you've got the Consultant's Secretary's email address (eg, from a letter), it's worth getting in touch to share your concerns. If they just give you a timescale for their investigations, it may help you. It's a good feeling letting them know what your thoughts are - it doesn't change how you feel physically, but you've taken control! I really feel for you, and I wish you all the best.

[flop2018 in reply to TishH]

Thank you for your reply, I messaged my doctor to let her know my thoughts! It’s totally understandable they’re reserving tests for the most urgent cases

[Trafford54]

Hi

I started with the something stuck in the throat feeling back in October. I eventually got an ENT appointment last month and was diagnosed with silent reflux.

I’ve been put on lansoprazole and gaviscon but warned it could be 3-6 months before I see any improvement.

Diet seems to help as well (No fun I know)

Cut out alcohol, coffee, chocolate, citrus fruits, fizzy drinks, fatty and spicy foods. I’ve probably forgotten some but you can google them.

I feel like I am seeing a slight improvement so fingers crossed.

I know it’s not the worst thing in the world but I’ll be glad to get shut of it 😁

[flop2018 in reply to Trafford54]

Yeah I just kind of want to know what it is before I start taking meds, if I get seen and it’s silent reflux of course I’ll do what they say

[Hidden in reply to flop2018]

I’ve been put on PPIs in the past without seeing a gastro cons - it’s not unusual for a GP to do that. The only way they can know for sure what’s going on is to refer you to a gastro cons who will request a gastroscopy if further investigation is required. Total waiting time for all that could be months; I’m still waiting for a test requested by a gastro cons in late September/early October of last year.

Have you raised the head end of the bed by six inches? That can help at night.

[flop2018 in reply to Hidden]

My issue is I don’t have any heart burn, indigestion just the lump in my throat and very very minimal reflux maybe 2 times a week at most it’s the ENT that’s wanted to put me on PPI’s I’m just hesitant as I’m only 24 I know people have issues with rebound I don’t want it to cause an issue that isn’t even there

[Hidden in reply to flop2018]

I can understand your reluctance - in your position I might well have said the same. I was forty seven when I had first had issues, and by the time I was put on the PPIs I had lost a lot of weight - not great in someone who didn’t (still doesn’t) have a lot of spare weight to lose. I was also in quite a lot of discomfort by then.

The problem with silent reflux is that it is just that - or rather, the common signs of reflux such as heartburn and indigestion are missing. Usually in my case I start coughing and having breathing issues (which is problematic because I also happen to be asthmatic and that can really cause confusion) but that won’t be the case for everyone. As someone has stated above, the feeling of something stuck in the throat can be another symptom.

It’s true some people do get issues with rebound, but that is by no means common to everyone. Just because you know people who have had that problem doesn’t mean you will.

[flop2018 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your insights, it’s really given me a lot to consider. I’m really not disputing it could be silent reflux I’d just like to be sure before taking meds for it. It freaks me out abit when meds are just prescribed but with no real investigation especially being so young I don’t want to have to take them forever

[Hidden in reply to flop2018]

I suppose I’m hardened to your last point, having been on meds of one sort or another since I was tiny - I’m now approaching sixty:-).

[flop2018 in reply to Hidden]

That’s understandable, I’m hypothyroid so I’m on meds for that forever so I’m not totally adverse I just want to know how much damage there is if there is any before going straight to them given my symptoms

[Hidden in reply to flop2018]

If things get worse whilst you’re on them or you starting having side effects you can always notify the doctor who prescribed them. I did that with the first lot of PPI s I was put on. I got dreadful constipation from them - so refused to take them after a couple of weeks and was put on a different PPI. I was on that for about 3 months (excluding weaning myself off them, which took a further month or so) and was fine.

[Brownie1895]

I am on omeprazole ,dued to my Bartlett.However,I do understand your concern,as there are now,some concern about these drugs.Please,get a endoscopy,asap.You feel as if something is stuck in your throat.Am surprised ,that your GP,did not suggest a endoscopy.If you GP will not do a endoscopy,then find another one,who will.Am not trying to freak you out.However,not being able to swallow,can be a sign of cancer in your Esophagus.It much easier to treat if caught early.Hopefully,it is not that.Anyhow,the sooner you find out the better.If there are no serious problems and I really hope not,you can always worry about the omeprazole later.Good one.

[flop2018 in reply to Brownie1895]

She did suggest one, it’s the ENT that has just prescribed meds without investigating l. I’m only 24 so I’m really not too worried about anything sinister like cancer, I’m also not having issues swallowing it’s just the feeling of something stuck in my throat. I just want to know what’s actually going on before I’m just blindly taking meds

[Brownie1895 in reply to flop2018]

You are probably right.Glad,no problem with swallowing.Your concern about omeprazole is warranted.As there are studies that suggest that there may be side effects.I do take omeprazole.Since,I have Barrett,which can turn into cancer if heartburn continues.However,not everyone should be taking it.

[Catatvet05 in reply to flop2018]

What you have is reflux and is called gobless affect. I’ve had this and it does go away once your anxiety issues eases. I suffer with reflux symptoms 24/8 for past 4 years and nothing, i mean nothing not even lansoprazole (on now) works. It’s down to anxiety that is my problem causing havoc on my stomach leading to infections causing more sensitivity.

[Timso in reply to Catatvet05]

I know your post. Is from a while ago but I’m glad to know your acid was from anxiety I’m going through the same at the minute …. Came from no where after being stressed for a month or so before the Acid in stomache & chest started 😞 just hope it goes when I’m less stressed 😫

[Brownie1895]

I meant good luck.

[liz_crisp]

I had silent reflux for years which I knew nothing about till age 48 I went to the docs as a friend I had was tired, lethargic and generally not well but wouldn't go to the docs, we made a pact he went to see why he felt yuk and I went cos I couldn't swallow toasted cheese sarnies without pain. I wouldn't have gone to the docs if it hadn't been for him. I was diagnosed with OC. At the endoscopy. If you need to take PPI's do, it can stop the occurrence of cancer and it's not something I would wish on anyone.

[AHG123]

I get small ulcers in the back of my mouth and a feeling of something in my throat. They come and go and tend to occur after eating sweet foods, large meals or crunchy things. The doctors I have mentioned this to don’t seem concerned but to me it could indicate my throat and oesophagus are being damaged by acid. I take one lansoprazole daily and plenty of Gaviscon Advance. I’m 60. And yes no prospect of a Gastroscopy at present.