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View Full Version : Relieved but ashamed: the throat thing explained



Sheik N Shimmy
07-04-06, 11:22
My life has been on hold for the last 8 months. In that time I have suffered just about ALL of the sytmptoms of anxiety - from hyperventilation to palpitations to dizziness to panick attacks to depression. The most worrying and lingering one has been the throat thingy.

I had an appointment with an ENT specialist yesterday to get the results of a CT scan of my neck and thorax (chest). He reviewed my CT scan results and barium swallow test results as I sat there not knowing what he was about to tell me. He put the camera down my throat again and looked into my mouth.

To cut a long story short he said that I suffer from acid reflux which in turn leads to something called cricopharyngeal spasm. This cricopharyngeal muscle apparently contracts to stop the acid going into the lungs. Of course the sufferer think he/she has throat cancer and gets worried. This means more acid and the cycle continues........

My problem is compounded by a tonsil growing back - something I can feel every time I swallow. I asked him about that - he said "It's benign". (I understand that hayfever can be a factor in this - and when my 'breakdown' began last September I had just been doing some work in the attic and breathing in all kinds of mould and dust.)

He said "Your scans and examinations are all normal. There is definitely nothing sinister going on. I'm going to treat you for acid reflux - come back to me in four month's time" and gave me a prescription for something called Nexium.

I am now cured of Health Anxiety and I'll tell you how I survived to tell the tale:

1. I found this website, read the messages, learned about anxiety and got feedback on concerns that I posted. (I am deeply indebted to Meg, Helen and Ray for being so generous with their knowledge and time.)

2. Never ever, ever, ever ever, ever, ever Google symptoms.

3. Cut out caffiene - at least for a while.

4. I got properly checked out. I wrote down my concerns to discuss with the doctors (because I usually become tongue-tied when talking to them and walk away with lingering doubts about things I forgot to ask).

5. I went for the scans and check-ups when asked to do so.

6. I started to say to myself "well even if there is a problem the medical people might even fix it!"

7. I now believe the health professionals when they say there is nothing wrong. Until you believe them you will never be cured of anxiety.



I am in the process of changing jobs. I'm taking over from a colleague who died suddenly last August. The guy who he replaced was buried yesterday morning. So the previous two 'tenants' of my new office are expired. When I open the drawers of the desk there are photos and other personal effects. I have to go through my ex-colleagues emails. I've read the very last one he sent. If I hadn't found this website I wouldn't be able to face the challenge of the next few months.

I'm both relieved and ashamed of my state of mind since my anxiety kicked in.

The cost in terms of months lost to anxiety has been high (work, family and I have all suffered) but perhaps I can appreciate to the future all the more - appreciating every single day of life, even the bad ones!

I now feel I'm ready to take on the world......... but first I need to check out that twitch in my left eye heh heh heh.......[:o)]



Keep On Keepin On

hayles
07-04-06, 12:07
That is such a great and enlightening story
I am so pleased that everything is now on the right path for you.

well done, and hope fully i can take a leaf out of your book.

Good luck with the new job role.


Hay x

Kez
07-04-06, 14:57
Thanks so much for posting. Your story is so similar to mine it makes me chuckle. Isn't it fantastic that it's possible to feel so much more positive. This time last year I was at my lowest ebb, and yet now, like you, I'm so much more confident in myself.

Don't forget what you've learned, and I agree...NEVER GOOGLE SYMPTOMS!

Take care

KEZ

Take time to smell the roses.

nell1965
10-04-06, 21:15
Hi Mate
so pleased to hear your news so it looks like its the old reflux that has got us both (ive still to have scope to confirm it but doc pretty sure thats what it is) Its amazing symptoms that can come from reflux.
Anyway you and i are far to wicked to be going any where for a while
[:P] but dont be ashamed the main thing is you have got your life back and will succeed in your new postion
here for you as always
Helen
x

I just want my life back
nell
x

Sus
13-04-06, 09:01
Good for you getting over it and not letting it take over you. Good luck with the new job. Sus, x

Nothing is predestined: The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings.
Ralph Blum