Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Patsie on June 10, 2020, 06:19:22 PM
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Hi
Has anyone with a hiatus hernia experienced a sore throat? For the past 3 months I have had soreness when swallowing. It is more on one side than the other and feels very dry at times as if the back of my throat is coated with catarrh. I have spoken to GP several times over the 3 months and he increased my PPI to 30mg a day. Since then there have been odd times where everything felt great then minutes later it hurts when swallowing again.
Since all the GP talks have been over the phone I am starting to get paranoid that something more sinister is going on and am now getting worried. I try to tell myself that this is just down to acid reflux and it will get better but can't stop panicking. GP has said to call back in a month and he will then refer me but who knows how long that referral will take. I think I will be a gibberish wreck by then.
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Hi Patsie, you're not alone. If you do a search on throat issues, you'll find plenty of threads. Have a read; l think you'll find it reassuring.
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Hello Patsie, I have had throat problems since January. I was treated for reflux but that didn't do anything and then a post nasal drip and it did go for a couple of weeks but since the lockdown started it has come back again.
I think a lot of mine is anxiety based but have read on here that many women have phlegmy throat problems and sore throats during menopause.
Doctor did a full blood count and inflammatory marker test but both were normal.
Mine is starting to get me down now. can't offer any helpful advice, just to let you know you are not on your own.
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Hi Donnadoobie
I have seen your post and can relate. What worries me is that I have not physically seen my doctor or had any blood tests etc the GP just automatically decided it was my hernia. After increasing my tablets and not really getting any relief is why I am starting to panic. Sometimes my ear and neck hurt which makes me worry it's more sinister. Hoping that when I next call in a month I will actually get seen by someone who will look in my throat or even take a blood test.
I hope you feel better soon too x
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It's easy to get into a really anxious state over this and the anxiety can make symptoms worse of course!
I have a hiatus hernia currently treated with 20mg of omeprazole (originally 40mg due to ulceration) My symptoms of a lump in my throat, sore throat on drinking hot drinks, a acid reflux and hiccups after eating are starting to return. I had a phone conversation with my GP this week. I have to take 40mg omeprazole a day for 6 weeks and if symptoms don't improve I will be referred for another gastroscopy to rule out any strictures or cancer. How long have you been on increased dose and how/when do you take it?
Taz x
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I've been on 30mg of lansoprazole for the past 5 weeks. Take one at night and one in morning. My symptoms are feeling there is something stuck in throat and sore on right hand side and it's as if my throat is coated in phlegm. Don't get any other symptoms. I do have a stuffy nose as when this all started I just thought I had a cold coming on but now after 3 months I'm not sure. Don't really want to go for another gastroscopy had to wait 18 weeks for the last one and with the present situation who knows how long the waiting list will be this time.
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Can I ask Taz2 do you ever have to have any follow up checks as I have not seen anyone since being diagnosed in 2018 and was told to take the PPI as and when required
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Google LPR and 'silent reflux' - a common cause of these symptoms. I'm a longtime sufferer of GERD caused by hiatus hernia and have been experiencing similar throat issues just recently. My GP increased my Lansoprazole dosage from 15 to 30mg only yesterday so I'm crossing my fingers that it works - I'll do anything to avoid another endoscopy!
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I'm really finding that my heartburn has got a lot worse in the past week, anything i eat or drink sets it off. Omeprazole does nothing, Lansoprazole gives me diarrhoea :'(. I'm surviving with Gaviscon liquid after every meal and before bed. Had an endoscopy a few years ago and diagnosed with gastritis - caused by stress. This is different though. I know i will have to contact GP again as worried it may be something sinister and just making symtoms worse. :'(
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Hezdah - HI! gastritis - inflammation of the gastric tract - itis = inflammation [appendicitis for example]
Where you given any treatment?
Have you tried simple remedies i.e. Milk of Magnesia liquid . Or colpermin capsules, the idea being to swallow one within the hour of eating your main meals. It eases upper gut wind . After a few days of those my pooh smelt of peppermint :D but it certainly helped symptoms of intense nausea immediately after eating.
Dry biscuits can line the stomach - Rich Tea are very good as are ginger biscuits. How is your diet overall? Maybe eat little and often, sticking to bland foods i.e. grilled or stir fried chicken. No take away foods or oily grub. Chicken curry is really good as it has lots of different spices designed to ease the gut.
Think Jewish chicken soup - healing.
I have a constant need to clear my throat due to acid reflux, very annoying. Omeprazole helps a bit, taken at night, sometimes I need to add one capsule for a couple of mornings to stop it. Once we begin 2 manage symptoms, it becomes easier.
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Thanks CKLD
Certainly going to try your recommendations, worrying definitely makes my symptoms worse too.
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Worry makes the gut work faster, often producing more bile - it's the fight/flight response, however, knowing the causation of any of my symptoms don't help!!!
I have experimented with food in recent years, making sure that I have slow release muesli for breakfast so that I don't grab rubbish during the morning. Sometimes that works ;D. Do you get the opportunity to batch cook so that you don't grab food that might give you wind = heartburn.
Hiatus hernia is common during peri-menopause as is frozen shoulder - as oestrogen levels drop muscles may Become lax :(
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Thanks Clkd
Yes am being very careful although sometimes even drinking water sets it off.
I'm hoping it's just one of those things and will eventually just abate in time. A couple of my friends report similar symptoms. We all also have elderly parents and grandchildren while holding down a job!! Is it any wonder 🙄
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My irritating cough is constant 2day so will need two capsules tomorrow B4 everyone gets fed up with me ::)
No soreness. Simply irritating! oh and my stomach is growling even though we've eaten.
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Hi Hezdah, sorry to hear about your throat woes, please try not to panic (easier said than done l know). Mine started last June and went on for months. I tried everything: nasal sprays, anti histamine tablets, cutting out certain foods etc. Nothing worked for long. Then a friend told me she had the same thing and l stopped worrying about it. Touch wood, l've not had a sore throat for about six weeks now. I can't explain it, but l'm very pleased. Anxiety has a lot to answer for.
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Sorry, my reply was meant for Patsie and her throat issues
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Glad to hear your throat is feeling better Marge.
I still have issues. Still have a phlegmy throat and weird feeling. Have tried Omeprazole, Guardium (increased my resting heart rate) nasal spray, antihistamine. Also bought something called Gastro soothe, and silicogel and using Gaviscon. no change. feel it could be throat tension. after almost 6 months it would have got worse if was something bad right?
incidentally, since coming off the Omeprazole and Guardiam, I am more aware of very mild reflux. I have been reading a bit about stopping them and it says that it can make acid worse for a few weeks, as it has a rebound effect. It has made me very aware of every gastric, throat sensation.
Think I may give it a couple more weeks and then go back to the GP. I feel as if I will never feel normal again.
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I'm cleaning my throat again this morning though not during the night when laying down :-\ so have taken another omeparzolole [sp] this morning. There is a risk of rebound acid as the capsule deadens it ......... 4 me it's like something is stuck that needs to be coughed up.
Donnadoobie - have the symptoms become worse?
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After two weeks of being on lansaprazole (30mg a day) my throat only hurts on one side when I swallow and also sometimes gives me pain in my ear. it's weird I don't know whether my anxiety is making the symptoms worse or not.
I try not to think about it and try to ignore the pain but easier said than done. Have a follow up with doc in 2 weeks so will see what he says - never know I may actually get a face to face appointment and may even have my throat looked at!!
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My throat is sore if I sleep with gob wide open which apparently I do ::)
I added another capsule this morning but still clearing my throat >:(
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Pstsie, when l had my throat problems, my ear was affected too. I was diagnosed with post nasal drip.
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Hi ladies, this thread is exactly what I have been going through too! :'(
I have had a hoarse voice on and off now for over 6 months, constant throat clearing trying to get rid of the awful lump feeling and post nasal drip (which was diagnosed a year ago as non allergenic rhinitis). I too have had one side of my throat feeling weird, swollen, and also in the sides of my neck up to my ears.
I have had really bad anxiety over the last year due to my 92 year old Mum with Alzheimer's who lives on her own with carers - she is now in hospital following another fall and fracturing her collarbone.
I have been on Omeprazole all this time too, as I have all the usual reflux symptoms, constantly burping, heavy feeling in chest, have to watch what I eat, can't drink alcohol or eat fatty or spicy foods. When I suffer any calamities it goes straight to my gut which feels constantly clenched!
I'm 63 and have been on transdermal oestrogen and Utrogestan 100 mg oral daily for past 11 months. I often wonder if HRT (mainly the Utrogestan?) has made reflux symptoms worse??? I've been wondering whether to stop it for a while to see if any improvement?
I spoke to my Dr about my throat, she called me into surgery last Tuesday. She said she couldn't feel anything but immediately referred me through to ENT under the two week rule because I'd been hoarse so long. I got a phone call the next day from ENT giving me an appt for 2 days after that, which was yesterday. (how quick was that, Bolton hospital is great!!)
I also told my GP about my bad anxiety and she said after all these tests we could discuss anti anxiety meds to help me, she mentioned fluoxetine and citalopram, anyone had any good results from these???
So I had the camera up my nose (not painful at all) and he had a good feel around and shone a light down my throat. He told me I had a lazy voice box probably due to the reflux and prescribed 10mg Omeprazole twice a day and Gaviscon advance 3 x 5ml a day for 6 weeks which he gave me script for.
I told him I was diagnosed with benign thyroid nodules about 15 years ago which had never been checked since, so he said he would also send me for an ultrasound scan on my neck. So am waiting for that now.
There seems to be an awful lot of us going through the same kind of issues, anyone any other advice for me too please??
Thanks xx
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Hi Julia Dizzy, sorry you've got the throat issue as well. You can see from previous posts (some of them mine) that you're not alone. Always reassuring I believe.
I was diagnosed with post nasal drip, but nothing helped until it just decided to go away in about May of this year. I'd had it since last June. However, a close friend of mine also has a throat issue, which has been going on since Christmas. No idea what it is either. I'm sorry I can't help, but I just think this forum and reading other people's experiences is hugely beneficial.
If you do get any answers, please share!
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I've had the irritating clearing throat issue for 2 days, it takes over occasionally and I haven't worked out why Take Omeprazlole [sp] at night and added an extra capsule today and will do so in the morning.
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Hi ladies
I have hiatus hernia and I do find that I get a stinging in my throat sometimes as if Im getting a cold but nothing happens I suck strepsils but it doesn’t help I have read that it’s excess bile (acid) that causes the throat which feels like a sore throat . Stress can cause excess acid in stomach and of course not eating regularly. I was also told not to eat 2 hours before bed so I make sure I don’t otherwise I can’t sleep it can last a couple of days which is more annoying really but I don’t take any acid tablets so maybe Im not as bad as the previous posts but I know all these things are a worry especially when you can’t see anyone at this present time but if it’s really concerning you speak to doctor again and insist you get to see someone
Good luck
Js
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Did anyone manage to resolve their throat issues?
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not me! :'(
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Still no better for me too. Have been referred to ENT but just got letter saying it’s a 26 week wait. Still getting the uncomfortable feeling on one side of throat when swallowing like there is something there.
Not sure what to do
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Interesting info sparkle, seems can be related to anxiety which I can definitely say I have.
I have an ultrasound appt for next Monday on my throat so will see if anything shows up there. I'm also waiting to speak to GP again after these tests to discuss anti anxiety meds which may help the cause of the reflux? (if nothing shows up thyroid wise ....)
I'm still having the same issues, not gone yet, but my PPI dose seems very low to yours - my ENT chappie gave me 10mg Omeprazole twice a day along with the gaviscon advance - I may up mine to 30 then!
Yesterday I had a ham omelette for breakfast and it seemed to make me feel rubbish all day, so will stick to my usual no added sugar muesli with skimmed lacto free milk! Diet does have a big part to play I guess.
Patsie, my GP referred me straight away and I got an appointment within 2 weeks, because she said it needed an urgent referral because I had been hoarse for over 6 months. My scan has also taken less than a month to be arranged. Am sure you shouldn't have to wait so long, unless my local NHS trust is a better one?!
Lets hope we get some relief soon ladies xx
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There are physio exercises that can help (relaxing neck shoulders and upper body tension, and also strengthening muscles around the oesophagus area). So it might be worth seeking out a physio with a special interest.
Also, sipping hot water with a tsp of lemon and a tsp of honey and breathing in the steam*, steamy showers/baths and sugar-free throat sweets.
Avoiding late meals, alcohol and caffeine etc. (think you all have this covered ;D )
(*A favourite of Pavorotti.)
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Yes - speech and language therapists would be really helpful - a therapist helped an elderly relative after a stroke - they are very knowledgeable.
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This sounds exactly like what I’ve been going through for years.
My main issue now is the feeling of a lump above my soft palate, which hurts if I make a pig oinking noise (I work in a preschool lol!)
If I snort and clear my nose it feels weird for ages after.
I’ve got a private appointment for ENT on Friday and my HA is through the roof, I’ve got every symptom of nasopharyngeal cancer!
Hoping is LPR or polyps!
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Hi ladies, feeling the same way, any news? PPI is not solving my issues, hoarseness, soreness and dry cough.