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robert60392
15-10-18, 15:58
HI, I'm a 38yr male, never smoked, try to keep health and I'm not overweight. Over the last few days I have had bad reflux/heart burn, especially when I lie down or after I eat. It seems to be getting worse everyday. Along with that I have lump in my throat when i swallow and all this has be believing I have some sort of cancer and its driving my anxiety crazy. Don't really want to go to the doctor as I am worried on a negative outcome. I feel like a broken record, Help!
axolotl
15-10-18, 16:10
Ok, you've got to ask yourself, why on earth would it be cancer? And not just, say, a regular spell of heartburn? Or post-nasal drip? Or something equally common and benign? And is a few days of having an annoying symptom really enough to get the panic stations out?

You're the same age as me and, sadly, as much as we don't like to think of it we start to get a few more little blips and burbles as we head towards 40...
herbie73
15-10-18, 16:13
Hi there I know how you feel, I’m going through the same at the moment the difference is I’m obsessing over breast cancer, I really wouldn’t worry about your reflux it’s really common especially if you are stressed also the lump feeling is anxiety as well I think it called a glob is xxx
Fishmanpa
15-10-18, 16:34
What you describe are common reflux symptoms and globus. An OTC acid reducer/reliever can help with your symptoms as well as a review and revision of your dietary habits. If the diet modifications and OTC remedies doesn't help, see your doctor about a prescription PPI.

Positive thoughts
robert60392
16-10-18, 01:21
Went and saw the doctor today, put me on ECG and no issues, blood pressure fine. Has given me some Esomeprazole for the reflux and sending me for a gaestrosomething..... tube down the throat to see whats going on. Don't know how I feel at the moment......
Fishmanpa
16-10-18, 01:29
Went and saw the doctor today, put me on ECG and no issues, blood pressure fine. Has given me some Esomeprazole for the reflux and sending me for a gaestrosomething..... tube down the throat to see whats going on. Don't know how I feel at the moment......

My wife went through it. Bloating, gas, burning etc. Same deal. A PPI and a couple of tests. Found nothing. We went on the FODMAP diet (https://www.ibsdiets.org/fodmap-diet/fodmap-food-list/), took our PPIs and we're good.

Positive thoughts
robert60392
16-10-18, 01:36
Sorry for my ignorance, but what are PPI's? Have seen them mentioned in various posts.
Fishmanpa
16-10-18, 02:03
Sorry for my ignorance, but what are PPI's? Have seen them mentioned in various posts.

PPI = Proton pump inhibitor. Basically a heavy duty time released antacid.

Positive thoughts
robert60392
16-10-18, 03:37
Thanks for the clarification, the Dr did mention the medication was a proton pump inhibitor, didn't make the connection.
robert60392
16-10-18, 23:57
How long does it take for PPI's to work?
Fishmanpa
17-10-18, 01:24
How long does it take for PPI's to work?

Typically, along with diet changes, it can take at least a month+ before you really feel the results. We still have to be careful with what we eat and when. We found not eating after 6pm really helps as well as smaller FODMAP friendly portions.

Positive thoughts