SOS...Laryngopharyngeal Reflux...SOS

[LAN2k 18]

So I was diagnosed by an ENT as having LPR Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, otherwise known as "silent" acid reflux... so the stomach acid is not in the amount that causes GERD but just enough to creep up into my throat which triggers this whole sinus/mucus/fluid accumulation that causes my throat to have a lump feeling and irritation. I find it affects my voice and ability to talk. Swallowing is sometimes a bit of an effort. It's a perpetual pool of Fluid and my stomach is growling like crazy. I just chewed 2 Gaviscon and I'm already taking a daily PPI. The ENT said to come back in 6 weeks. It's only maybe week 2 and this addition of OTC chewables isn't helping. When I called this doctor and asked him just how much acid, (or lack thereof) did he presume my stomach was producing, he said "I don't know the answer to that." He hadn't anything further to offer. I feel like I've hit a wall and I've been told to avoid spicy, citrus, chocolate...foods. Anyone have any suggestions? Should I go to a gastroenterologist who will hear me out and have another upper endo with an emphasis on my throat? I know that something is not right here and I only want a remedy that will work. Does anyone here know about this type of acid reflux? Does anyone know if and/or when our sleeved stomachs behave normally in relation to acid production or if this will be a life long struggle?

[educationrulz 18]

Sorry to hear that you are dealing with this Lis. I can only imagine how difficult this is on top of the typical acid issues post op. I don't have any insight to offer but I would definitely go to a gastro doc for a second opinion if I were in your situation. Even if they come up with the same diagnosis, they may have a better treatment option for you than what the ENT offered. Good luck and let us know how it's going.

[LAN2k 18]

Your opinion is affirming. I intend to get that second opinion from a gastroenterologist. It would be so much easier if I could find a doctor who was certain and confident in a treatment. I intend on making phone calls tomorrow. In the meanwhile I stopped taking the PPI Aciphex and switched to Protonix (generic version). It's only day 3 and I still feel that lump with slight throat soreness, so it's too early to tell but I don't think the Aciphex was effective enough. I am now taking the Protonix 2x per day 40mg per pill. Tomorrow I have an appointment with my PCP and I'll fill her in and she what she thinks as well. Thanks Mary!!

[stcyt 15]

Sorry to hear about your struggle.... have you tried drinking aloe vera juice (injestable type only) ? It sooths the esophagus and is supposed to restore normal PH in your stomach.

Edited June 1, 2010 by stcyt

[LAN2k 18]

Yes Stacy that was my first route of action BEFORE I even knew I had this "Silent" acid reflux since early out I was hoping to find alternative non pharma...ways to protect myself from any form of acid reflux. I also bought a bottle of deglycerized Licorice capsules. I only tried 2 brands both were extraordinarily distasteful, very sour and/or bitter. I returned each. I bought a bottle of Aloe Vera Capsules (huge) instead at GNC and they have 25mg. Aloe per capsule. I started taking them since this recent diagnosis...I probably would be much better off drinking aloe vera juice though so I will keep looking until I find a brand that I can tolerate. Thanks.

[trish4 3]

I've suffered from Reflux for many many years. I have been under the care of a gastroenterologist for the past 15 years. Since my sleeve surgery over 2 months ago it is much much better - I'm assuming mainly because I eat less. If I were you I would go and see a gastroenterologist - problem is - they usually are not real familiar with the sleeve surgery so if you have x-rays make sure you take them with you. I ALWAYS worry about complications because my insurance will not touch anything to do with obesity - I had to pay out of my pocket for this surgery and so I worry that if I have any complications related to the surgery they may turn their nose up at that too - so I hope that is not the same in your case. I hope you feel much better soon. I think you probably need a stronger type of anti-acid, like a PPI (proton pump inhibitor) which requires a perscription. Get us posted. Good luck.

[ryansgirl 1]

hey lis, i never heard of the slient one before. when i hear stuff like this it creeps me out about long term with this sleeve. i hope you find something to help with this (hugs)

xoxo,

nikki

[sunnyinaz 1]

I was diagnosed by my gastro Doc as having Barretts. It is a precursor to cancer. She was not supportive of this surgery at all and told me to just go to WW! Grrrr... I am taking 40mg of generic priolsec and it seems to do the trick. I will be giving up coffee and not eating much and losing weight so my surgeon said that will make a big difference. This is my biggest concern about the surgery so please keep us informed as you are not alone in this. I see my surgeon tomorrow and will ask a lot more questions. Take care.

[LAN2k 18]

Trish geeze I sure hope you DO NOT run into a situation where you are unable to receive treatment due to the sleeve surgery! I have insurance now but I still find that the doctors are not so sure of themselves when they find out I have had 85 of my stomach removed! It's like weird because it throws them off or something. I'm planning on contacting another gastroenterologist (the one who did my upper endoscopy pre-surgery. in the hopes that he will have a bit more knowledge and insight...maybe he will take an x-ray, I don't know if my surgeon has any but will check.

Ryansgirl believe me it creeps me out too! I had a hiatal hernia pre surgery so this "silent" acid reflux problem must have been brewing before the sleeve surgery. I hope and pray there is a fix for it and soon! Thanks for the hugs..and more hugs back at you.

Summyinaz--I just found out that my uncle has Barrets and was first diagnosed with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux or "Silent" acid reflux...He had a stomach gastrectomy due to ulcers many years ago and 75% of it was removed. I am not taking this lightly but thus far the doctors, The surgeon who did my sleeve, a Gastroenterologist, and the recent ENT, are! It seems things need to get really bad before they get it! Please keep me up to date on how you are doing and what you learn from your doctor/s and treatment. I will do the same as things go. Thanks so much.

[sunnyinaz 1]

Well I feel much better after my pre-op appointment with my surgeon yesterday. After telling him my concerns about possible problems down the line he did ask if I had considered the RNY. I said yes, for about 5 minutes, just because it comes with its own set of problems. He agreed and said "If you were my sister (thank-god he didn't say Mother) I would recommend the Sleeve. We talked about my sliding hiatal hernia and he will check it out and if it is large will fix it. He said that probably hasn't been helping the GERD and I may feel relief after that is fixed if needed.

He also said there are many new treatments coming out for this diagnosis. I know that that practice does a new procedure for GERD but we really didn't get into the details. If I had problems later on I would more then likely go back to him or someone they recommend if I don't still live here. So I feel more hopeful, at least I know that may be an issue and can watch for it. I do have to go back for a yearly upper GI to keep an eye on things. Ha Ha, if I go back to my regular gastro Doc I can't wait for her to take a peak at my new "Tube Stomach". Anyway, I'm thinking of you and hope you can get a resolution soon. Trish

[LAN2k 18]

Trish... from the way your conversation went with your surgeon it seems he has your best interest in mind and that he is aware of potential problems regarding acid reflux conditions and remedies. My surgeon told me he repaired my hiatal hernia when he did the sleeve operation...I hadn't imagined I'd have this problem though, (I probably had this before the surgery but didn't realize it since I was often too busy eating. Since the sleeve surgery I'm much more attuned to my bodily sensations. From the beginning I would gag every morning as soon as I brushed my teeth and rinsed. My nose was/is perpetually runny and the sensation of a lump in my throat/irritation/mucus or Fluid ebbs and flows. I had complained about these odd symptoms to my surgeon at nearly all my post op appointments and even asked him what he thought it was and he didn't ever really satisfy me with any answer, only generalized statements and nothing about acid reflux. I hope I am able to locate a doctor who will be able to definitively identify the problem and its remedy. Thanks for keeping me informed. I'll post an update when I get another check with either another ENT or gastroenterologist.

[Robbiehage 1]

Lis, I am so sorry to hear your diagnosis, no wonder you have been having problems. I can't wait to hear what the gastroenterologist has to say. I will be praying for you.

[LAN2k 18]

Lis, I am so sorry to hear your diagnosis, no wonder you have been having problems. I can't wait to hear what the gastroenterologist has to say. I will be praying for you.

Thankyou, prayers are so very much appreciated.

[pnw218 14]

Doctors are definitely a pain sometimes. Frustrating!

I got the run around for awhile with my stomach pain several years ago and while some always wanted to call it reflux and talk about heartburn all the time, it was always only in my stomach and never any higher.

I did finally get a good gastro specialist and he has been amazing. Which was good because he was also the only one who was proactive about my "liver" pain all last summer that turned out to be Oddi Dysfunction (not seen very often). He referred me to another specialist in Seattle.

I would definitely visit another one before settling. When I had an ERCP last August to fix the liver duct, the Seattle surgeon also took out three polyps the size of meatballs (LOL). He was kinda frustrated because the gastro specialist (that I really like) didn't take them out during an endoscopy. Always that difference of opinion.

My stomach has been so good since sleeve surgery - I have quit taking one med altogether and only take one omeprazole a day. I still stay away from spicy, citrus, etc but haven't had a burning in the stomach since before surgery that I can remember.

Hope you get some answers!

[LAN2k 18]

Wow you certainly have had your share of issues and I am really glad that finally you received care and treatment that resolved your symptoms. It is unsettling for me at this point because I know that popping OTC antacids and seeing the ENT in 6 weeks is a sort of indifferent attitude. After all it's my esophagus and throat that is at stake! Yeah so I'm going to keep presenting myself to these specialists until one of them will hopefully deliver. Thanks for sharing.