Suffered on & off for years, acid reflux & lump in throat plus mucus worst it's ever been!

[Humphre]

Possible help & I've never seen a specialist. One Dr had me on 150mcg now on 75mcg alternate 100mcg. I've request to see Dr so can ask to be referred but alas telephone call to a nurse practitioner just before Christmas. I have a number of food intolerances too so now struggling to eat without reflux on & I use bicarb to settle my stomach at times, on lamporazole one daily been on it for over a year or more any pointers please.

[Regenallotment Ambassador]

it might be you have LOW stomach acid and not high. Quite common with hypo and Hashimoto’s. Some people take a tiny shot (1tsp) of apple cider vinegar (best sort is ‘with mother’) in water (use a straw to protect teeth) before meals. Another option is to try Betaine with pepsin tablets. I’ve done both. After a few months my low stomach acid is almost totally resolved. I don’t need anything now. I have the tablets for back up if I have a protein rich meal out etc.

As Lamporazole is an ant-acid this could be making things worse for you. Bicarbonate too. You might feel better without these.

My first meal with Betaine with Pepsin was a revelation…. I felt sated but not glurky, I could bend over the cat dish without reflux.

Most of my gurgling resolved by going gluten and dairy free and having tablets for meds that are lactose free. Both my HRT (I no longer take) and some brands of Levo contain lactose. This can cause the return of all these symptoms. My bedtime cocoa was one of the worst offenders 🤣

hope you find your answers 💚🦋💚

[Humphre in reply to Regenallotment]

Wow, never thought of lactose in tablets I'll check that out as I do have an intolerance to milk🤔 plus I'll give Betaine a go, I know I'm lacking Pepsin plus B 5 & 12 according to the test I had. Thank you I'll give it ago, can't hurt at least I'll be better prepared when I speak to the practitioner 👍

[Regenallotment Ambassador in reply to Humphre]

here is a fab lookup table from @helvella ‘s amazing research document

Levothyroxine ingredients table

[Litatamon in reply to Humphre]

Can you share your b12 result Humphre?

The reason I am asking is unfortunately doctors are not that knowledgeable about it, and b12 deficiency/Pernicious Anemia can cause some serious issues over time.

[Humphre in reply to Litatamon]

I used an online company (niece had used successfully) just gave me which food sensitivities I had plus vitamins was rather surprising. Never had any written results and non on my NHS history either.

[Litatamon in reply to Humphre]

So just so I am clear, the online test only told you were low in b12 but did not provide the actual b12 level/number?

[Humphre in reply to Litatamon]

Alas no, I plan to contact surgery see if I can bring forward my consult hopefully arrange another b/t & get my tablets changed as they contain lactose. The site I use coded them red as sensitive, orange as a warning & green ok has been useful but I think I know why now Milk so I'll see what happens & report back glad to have found this site👍

[Litatamon in reply to Humphre]

Do not supplement with b12 until you get another a blood test with that Humphre. Or an actual level in hand.

[Humphre in reply to Litatamon]

Understood👍

[arTistapple in reply to Regenallotment]

I knew someone had mentioned the apple cider vinegar. I am going to give it a go even although my digestion is much improved since upping my levo. My stomach has been so bad for so long, even although no pain or reflux at the moment, I will give it a go!

[Heloise in reply to arTistapple]

There is more to ACV as it can block starch, add probiotics, lower blood sugar and kill pathogens. Use unfiltered vinegar. Taking on or two teaspoons with meals was very effective for me.

[Humphre in reply to Heloise]

👍I've tests to be done but I'm keeping in mind what's been advised so far I'll see how it pans out thank you

[Heloise in reply to Humphre]

.You're welcome. I doubt it would interfere with blood tests.

[Humphre in reply to Heloise]

Possible 🤔 will most likely keep on with ACV for now

[arTistapple in reply to Heloise]

Sounds good and nice to know how someone else has gotten on with it. Thank you.

[Heloise in reply to arTistapple]

It's an unsung hero Thank you.

[Litatamon]

Hi Humphre,

If you have lab results, with ranges included, post them.

For the time period you were taking 150 mcg as well. And the most recent results, of course.

Members here that have a ton of knowledge will help you out.

I am so sorry that you're going through so much.

[Humphre in reply to Litatamon]

No results ever🤦 just verbal but I've known for a long time I haven't been right

[Litatamon in reply to Humphre]

Okay well they are obligated to give them to you, and it is important that you have them.

Most people on here would suggest to ask the receptionist to print them off for you.

[Humphre in reply to Litatamon]

Good idea will request that too😁

[Anthea55 in reply to Humphre]

In theory your surgery should allow you to see your results online. Ask reception for online access and they should be able give you the details. If they ask why you want this, then say that it's for your own records.

[Humphre in reply to Anthea55]

Thanks 👍 will do

[Regenallotment Ambassador]

lump on throat… mention that to the GP. I’ve had an ultrasound and MRI, sore throat for 4 years, GP wanted me to take an ant acid at first (absolute tosh)… pursue this 💚

[Humphre in reply to Regenallotment]

Ah a feeling of lump in throat which I think is connected to acid reflux, Dr has suggested endoscopy but I think I need to see Endo specialist first, once diet under control I maybe ok🤞

[lisabax in reply to Humphre]

someone else has also mentioned hiatus hernia. I had your symptoms and an endoscopy revealed a hiatus hernia and inflamed oesophagus which is why I was put on omeprazole. I don’t like taking it but need too when the reflux and pain is really bad. I manage it by eating little and often and soothing foods. But until you’ve had the test and diagnosis it’s hard to advise. Hope you get some clarity and help 🌷

[Blearyeyed in reply to Humphre]

Definitely request your previous blood test results from your surgery and if you haven't had tests for Active B12, Vitamin D , Ferritin, Folates and Magnesium in the last three months request them again if the previous results were low or borderline.Also request to be tested for P.A .

Have you been tested for Coeliac , Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis?

These are initial blood tests and will also help rule out possible causes.

Eating dairy and lactofree natural probiotic yoghurt may suit your intolerance. As a portion for breakfast with fruit , and a tablespoon mixed like a dip with spices that you can have , Avacado or tomato eaten with chopped veg it can help settle the stomach before meals.

I wouldn't suggest that you stop your antacids until you have tests and are sure you don't need them or have no stomach ulcers or bacteria that are causing extra pain as doing so can make this worse .

If you don't already take one it would be wise to take a combined vitamin and mineral after your fattiest meal and a separate Vitamin B 12 supplement , but only after you have had the blood tests done so that the results are accurate.

This is because the antacids and PPI as well as the stomach symptoms will be reducing your absorption of B12 and Folates , which in turn can mean you absorb less other vitamins as well.

The low or deficient nutrients , especially B 12 , can make your thyroid function worse.

If you have IBS and food intolerances this can also make reflux and vitamin absorption worse.

I would also suggest you take up the GPs offer to send you for an Endoscopy first but ask for a Specialist referral at the same time to the Endo but also to Gastro. The test should be done sooner than any Consultant appointment you will get which means if there is an issue the Specialist will see you sooner and have the test results on the day of the appointment to look at and judge a diagnosis or if you need other tests . The endoscopy will rule out things like peptic ulcer , and the little samples they take can rule out things like h.pylori , coeliac and S.I.B.O.

Hope things improve soon

[Humphre in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thank you for the extra info. Duly noted, as I find I'm on levothyroxine which has lactose in it I seriously need different tablets. I've also found the Adcal(vitD, calcium) has another ingredient I'm intolerant too as well as the PPI so it looks like a vicious circle I've been in for a long time. Thanks for the pointers.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Humphre]

Mention the lactose issue to the GP with your current medication and ask them to find and prescribe for you lactose free options instead.When you swap the PPI you need to reduce down on the original first over a few days then begin the new brand as the side effects can make you feel worse . You should be able to swap the Adcal for the supplement equivalent straight off.

You may find you need separate supplements at the right doses to replace the Adcal.

[Humphre in reply to Blearyeyed]

👍thanks

[Hypopotamus]

You may also have a Hiatus Hernia (an endoscopy should find that). Keep meals small. Don't used antacids. Do use the ACV before meals, and take Water Kefir every day (and any other probiotics).

[Humphre in reply to Hypopotamus]

Yes I've been thinking that, started last night with apple cider vinegar in water & see how I go

[Celestialbeing]

Did you have COVID? I am on week seven since a nasty bout of COVID that included a 103 fever, hives and welts all over my body, dry heaves, a lot of nasal congestion, clogged ear, dry cough caused by the constant nasal drip, and constantly clearing my throat from the build of of mucous and saliva. This past week, there is finally some relief with less cough, less drip/mucous, ear opening up.

[Humphre in reply to Celestialbeing]

I think I had it before all the panic started from a day trip to London was very I'll after & had antibodies but I've suffered muscus in throat & feeling something stuck for a long time, did find sterimar spray assisted with nasal drip for a while guess I need to find a Dr who will research it properly with me.

[BlueKeith]

I was diagnosed with IBS and high stomach acid for years and on lansoprazole for years . It wasn't until I had an endoscopy that they realized my stomach looked very healthy no sign of high stomach acid so they did lots of other tests and come to the conclusion I had low stomach acid and hypothyroidism. I use apple cider vinegar before meals now but think my stomach has improved anyway since been on levothyroxine

[Humphre in reply to BlueKeith]

Thanks for sharing, I know we all experience a unique passage with this disease

[Bookworm1961]

Hi Humphre I haven't posted for a while, been diagnosed atrophic hypothyroid and on levothyroxine for about 14 years now. Started having stomach issues about 5 years ago..Started with bloating terrible gas then extreme weightoss even though eating 3 good meals a day and healthy snacks in between sometimes felt like fainting felt so ill. Had telephone triage with doctor who said if my sycontinued he would put me on omeprazole...I then read on line about low stomach acid due to thyroid issues and an at home test using bicarb of soda and water...I tried and to cut lo g story short after half hour no burping...I knew something not right, went back to doctor who smirked when I said about the bicarbonate teat and told me to stop Googling. I demanded appointment with thyroid consultant who did a faecal elastase test which is basically a poo sample in container to do at home. Results came back as borderline severe pancreatic insufficiency ...had ct scanof stomach abdomen etc which came back all clear gastroenterologist put me on CREON pancreatic enzyme capsules which I take. My endo tested me for coeliac which came back negative..took time to get dosage right but basically started feeling better fairly quickly weight did slowly go back on I have tried cutting carbs down over past year as having other issues not related to digestion rheumy was suggesting psoriatic arthritis inflammation but lost a stone again so my body needs cards sorted eatong carbs weight going back on nicely and feel better..doctor did screw my prescription up and had o CREONfor few says started feeling fatigue again..Oncecapzules came through was soon fine again...over the counter self help digestive enzymes were not enough for me

[Humphre in reply to Bookworm1961]

Gosh, just managed to have a chat with yet another Dr, who says my thyroid functions are fine & stable but I'd concerned about my problems with the stomach so starting afresh, I'm off lamoperzole & in two weeks do a stool test blood test to cover all levels if comes back normal will review & refer possibly endoscopy I may have problem with low absorbency relieved I managed to book appointment, blood test etc so new year who knows I could see some results😜 thanks for your input & hope yours settles too it's all quite intricate.

[Bookworm1961 in reply to Humphre]

Totally agree Humphre hope your stool test sheds light on what is going on certainly did with me ct on pancresshowed no abnormality, its amazing how much influence the thyroid has on the body..I have been taking the enzyme capsules only available on prescription without side effects at all..I always drink plenty of water most days to flush everything out. Please let me know how you get on. I think sometimes that a lot of food intolerances can be by what goes on in the digestive system like low stomach acid.. be interesting if yr stool test is the faecal elastase 1. Good luck

[Humphre in reply to Bookworm1961]

Aw thanks I'm hopeful of a result that can be managed

[Ratherbegardening]

I was prescribed Ranitidine (high dose) for years for acid reflux. After reading on here about low stomach acid, I realised that when thyroid was ok, acid reflux was better. Cutting out caffeinated drinks has made a massive difference in reducing acid reflux for me. Can't do without tea and coffee so drink decaff. If I have one cup of caffeinated coffee, the reflux is back. Might be worth a try if you haven't already.

[arTistapple]

I clearly noticed this time on upping medication my low stomach acid disappeared. Started again trying to find a perpetrator. I am too tired to make my own vegetable smoothies, which always help my digestion, so I bought some with no additives etc etc. I think it might be the sugar levels in them as opposed to home made fresh - just terrible effect.

[Humphre in reply to arTistapple]

Well I'm now under review so 🤞I'll get sorted

[Horse12345]

Hi i have also had this for years on and off for years, this year it was the worst, I have loads of test cameras down stomach also cameras up my nose, it's all fine except silent reflux, the consultant had put me on. Gaviscon extra and within a few weeks the lump sensation has gone and I'm feeling a lot better, but I do watch I eat. Diet makes a huge difference . I Hooe this helps.

[Humphre in reply to Horse12345]

Agreed diet has to be managed I've just not got on top of it yet. According to this Dr my thyroid medication is ok, lactose inc is tiny so looking at the stomach a different way. I find I'm ok with wine😂 but seriously I'll tread carefully till the test results are back next year ....

[Horse12345]

Yes I thought I was fine with everything as well, I don't even know I've got reflux at all, it was the lump with me soon as I took the gaviscon and cut out the food he told m it's gone.

[Humphre in reply to Horse12345]

Well I can only hope🤞good you ok now

[marceen]

Acid reflux is a big deal..............do you drink and smoke..............alcohol and the acid in your stomach can ruin the lining of your esophagus over time. Yes, definitely push for a specialist and an "endoscopy" . Somehow in the US they don't like to do this procedure (probably a cost to them).............definitely as my boyfriend died because of a delay. Marceen in US

[Humphre in reply to marceen]

So sorry for your loss, I'm an ex smoker 20+ years I do drink but not excessively 🤞I get sorted 👍

[Jaybrooke]

I totally agree with regenallotment , I suffered constantly with acid reflux took apple cider vinegar for a few weeks and never suffered with it since , strange I haven’t had to continue with it but this was 2 years ago , worth a try ?

[Humphre in reply to Jaybrooke]

Yes I'm trying acv but I'm due tests soon so need to be sure I don't obscure the results I take enough to settle tummy thanks