Posts by boldnomad45

Grace Williams19 said:I’m prepping for nose surgery.
It’ll most likely be under general anesthesia..
When I think about the surgery itself—I'm not scared (there are worse things out there).. But.. But..
The thought of the anesthesia alone makes my skin crawl. It doesn't feel right.
Note: I have never, ever been under any kind of anesthesia before..
..will it work on me?
..will I actually wake up when it's over?
..could something go wrong?
..will I end up in some "half-conscious" state instead of being fully out?

It’s a daily struggle.😵
Someone might find this ridiculous.. but they don't understand.

There are no guarantees.
As for the anesthesia, I’ve been through it three times. It's seamless. You fall asleep in literally two seconds. Then, just like that, you're awake and it's done.
Look, there isn't much anyone can say to help. You just have to accept that it'll be fine and realize you're just like everyone else.
Last time, I was shaking on the way there, but once I accepted the reality of the situation, everything turned out perfectly fine.
The staff is professional and kind; if you tell them you're nervous, they'll tell you that's completely normal. Everything runs smoothly.
And once it's over, it feels like it happened in an instant.

ironsurfer10 said:Ugh, I tried that before, but I kept sliding down so much that I’d end up with half my legs hanging off the edge of the mattress 😁 Eventually, I tried bunching up some pillows to prop my feet up, which actually helped for a little while, but honestly, my spine was taking a beating. Now I’m on the hunt for a way to elevate my legs at the head of the bed—basically tilting the whole mattress upward—but I haven't found anything particularly clever or practical yet.
I know Ergoactiv makes a bed like that, but let me tell you, it is eyesore incarnate!

People on YouTube suggest wedging a brick under the bed frame to tilt it.

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Nathan Diaz54 said:Wait, isn't that just what we call a "wedge pillow" for babies?

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I haven't a clue. You could wedge something under the mattress to tilt the whole bed, but I can't manage that. I just picked up a pillow on Amazon.com after reading some reviews. They seem fine. Just search for "reflux pillow"; there are plenty of them.

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ironsurfer10 said:Zachary Gomez, could you please describe how these tests are performed? Are they uncomfortable?

I deal with that constant hunger too; I find myself eating all the time, and I've actually gained quite a bit of weight over the last two years.

At first, I thought my Gaviscon wasn't doing anything, but when I forgot to pack it for a trip abroad, I realized pretty quickly that it actually does make a difference.

I don't have any burning, but I do have a dry throat, a constant feeling of hunger, frequent coughing, and hoarseness. My voice gets strained if I talk for too long. My doctor says it's LPR because they can see that my throat and esophagus are irritated by the acid.

@boldnomad45, what exactly is a reflux pillow?

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It's available on Amazon.com. https://amzn.eu/d/4PpTyv1

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Nicole Newman4 said:Hey there!
Can anyone recommend a solid ENT specialist in Washington, D.C. who actually knows what they're doing regarding LPR? I've been dealing with LPR symptoms for years now, and honestly, after seeing several different doctors, my impression is that most of them just aren't properly informed about this specific issue. If someone could point me toward a truly knowledgeable physician, it would be a huge help 🙂

I'm looking for this too.

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https://www.refluxgate.com/pepsin

Here is the latest research on Laryngopharyngeal reflux.
It’s starting to click: that burning sensation in my throat? It’s the pepsin.
There’s practically no effective medication out there.
PPIs don't work; if they provide any relief at all, it's fleeting and usually causes much larger issues.
The link explains everything.
Whether you're in Germany or the US, progress is minimal. Doctors don't know much either; they just keep prescribing PPIs. People end up depressed because Laryngopharyngeal reflux makes everything feel even worse.
I’ll print this out for my doctor, though I doubt they'll care.
Over there, they actually run pepsin tests. They have specialists who focus specifically on pepsin—that aggressive enzyme that's supposed to stay in the stomach, but with reflux, it ends up outside, where it just eats away at everything.
I am literally digesting myself.

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Sarah Peterson59 said:What have your gastroenterologists actually told you regarding Laryngopharyngeal reflux? Is a gastroscopy even necessary at this stage? I came across some claim somewhere that ENTs handle LPR while GI specialists deal with GERD, though frankly, that distinction seems a bit nonsensical to me.

I haven't a clue; I still need to see an ENT. Honestly, I've spent most of my life seeing ENTs trying to fix sinus issues, never once realizing it was actually silent reflux.
I'm also not sure what kind of medications an ENT would even prescribe for this.

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Sarah Peterson59 said:boldnomad45, where do you pick up your bottled water, and does it actually make a difference for you? Also, have you dealt with a white coating on your tongue? For me, things are at their absolute worst in the morning, right after that first meal. I had a few days of constipation, so I finally managed to relax, and now everything feels terrible again. I'm honestly not sure how much just getting a diagnosis will help; from what I've managed to dig up, there isn't some kind of magic bullet for this condition. It turns out it might actually be better to just deal with standard heartburn.

Yeah, I know it's a nightmare.
I get the white tongue when the burning starts, along with diarrhea.

I buy my magnesium supplements at the pharmacy; they have a directory listing all the locations in Washington, D.C.

Taking Gaviscon after every meal helps, and definitely before bed. I also chew sage lozenges, rinse my mouth and tongue with magnesium and baking soda, and occasionally drink some magnesium water.

I've switched to smaller meals and avoided anything that triggers acid. After eating, I either sit up straight or walk around the apartment. I sleep on a reflux pillow, wait at least two hours after eating before drinking any water, and finish my last meal and water by 6:00 PM. I'm also taking probiotics and vitamins D and B. Most importantly, I have to keep my anxiety in check; I'll be starting an AD soon.

I'm going to try everything to get this under control.

I read somewhere that PPIs don't even help with this. I don't get why, especially since I'd prefer to avoid them.
This is actually "gas reflux"—gas and pepsin rise all the way up to the sinuses, eyes, and tongue.
My weight is normal.

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Zachary Gomez said:Gaviscon is excellent because it keeps stomach acid and contents right where they belong, preventing them from rising. It works best before bed, though you can take it after meals during the day too—just make sure you don't eat or drink anything for a little while afterward so you don't wash it away. I used to take Gaviscon years ago, which works on the same principle, and I found it helpful; I haven't tried this specific one yet.

I received my test results, but I'm having a hard time interpreting them... and it looks like I'll be waiting a while for a follow-up appointment based on these findings. If the manometry was done correctly, it shows a hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter—meaning it’s likely weak and doesn't close properly—which explains why I feel liquid rising sometimes, like if I drink a lot of water and then lie down or sit in bed... There is also an unspecified peristaltic disorder in the esophagus. I'm not entirely sure what that entails. The 24-hour pH testing points toward acid reflux. I showed the results to my primary care doctor and described my symptoms, and he prescribed Zoprax 40mg in the morning (a PPI) for me to try. They didn't have it in stock at the pharmacy when I went to pick it up, so I haven't even started yet. In the meantime, I'm trying to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist to see what they think, whether they agree with the current treatment, or if I need more testing.

The worst constant symptom, though, is this unrelenting feeling of hunger that doesn't go away even after eating... I honestly don't know what it is. Two years ago, my gastro specialist noted quite a bit of bile reflux. I haven't tried many different remedies, so I'm not sure what would help most. On top of that, I deal with typical LPR symptoms, like throat burning, hoarseness, postnasal drip, and that constant need to clear my throat...

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Where did you have that 24-hour pH test done?
And did the gastroenterologist refer you, or was it an ENT?
Is it possible to go privately? I'm waiting forever through the US healthcare system; I was only just scheduled for a gastro appointment seven months ago. It'll be a year before I even get a diagnosis. During my endoscopy, mild GERD was visible, but it's possible everything worsened after surgery on my teeth.
Do you have bile reflux?
I rinse my mouth and throat with Prolom water and baking soda, and take Gaviscon after meals.

I'm worried they'll just put me on a PPI; I'm dealing with the same thing as the post above, and things were worse than that.
I don't even know if there's a cure for tongue burning, or if that involves a PPI...
I took Nexium, but it doesn't help me; the only issue is that once I stop, I get terrible burning in my tongue, mouth, and nose for three days.

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Zachary Gomez said:If you haven't already, you really ought to schedule both an esophageal manometry and a 24-hour pH test. I had mine done at Mayo Clinic, though the waiting list to get an appointment can be a bit long...

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I practically had to beg my doctor for an appointment; it took seven months just to get seen. I'll look into those tests, assuming I even get through the queue before the New Year...
Anyway.
I picked up some Gaviscon for emergencies, and honestly, it helps.

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Nathan Diaz54 said:So, I just had my follow-up appointment for my sinus issues and that nasal polyp. After a whole year of check-ups, the ENT finally asked me how things have been going. Honestly? I told him I'm dealing with constant post-nasal drip, and my nose feels so incredibly dry that I’ve been applying Nystatin and using Nasonex, but the spray actually makes my nose sting. He then asked if I was struggling with acid reflux, and I told him it only really kicks in if I eat something super spicy or even just a banana.
He basically told me straight up that I've got reflux, and his advice was to make sure my last meal of the day is finished by 8:00 PM—something light like a cracker and some fennel tea, with absolutely no sugar involved, so no honey either.

I'm curious, what kind of symptoms were you guys dealing with?

Everything you mentioned, but for years. Like, 20 years.

Then about two years ago, this dull pain in my stomach area started. Stress, sitting at the computer for 8 hours, eating quickly during breaks, drinking water while eating, eating late. Everything you aren't supposed to do. But I never had acid issues.

Then two years ago, I took some stupid antibiotic I didn't even need, then my doctor prescribed Ibuprofen 600 for jaw pain—all unnecessary—and then the attacks of horrible pain began. My doctor said it was my gallbladder and I needed surgery.

The pain scared me so much I rushed into surgery. Turns out, I didn't even need my gallbladder removed.

And then came the burning sensation in my tongue, mouth, and nose, plus dry eyes.
It’s awful. Four different gastroenterologists gave me four different opinions, claiming it was fungal!
It isn't. It's acid burning me. Who knows if I even needed that gallbladder surgery.

Anyway, I need an ENT who actually knows how to diagnose Laryngopharyngeal reflux and what medication to take.
I had a gastroscopy before the surgery; mild GERD.

No one else requested any other tests. The most irritating part is the tongue burning after meals.
I don't know if it's the gallbladder, biliary reflux, or just acid...
I have to see a gastroenterologist at a major hospital again and start demanding tests so I can figure out the next steps.
I was taking Nexium (PPI), but it doesn't help me; it actually makes things worse.
I’ve changed my diet now. I don't eat after 6 PM, and I rinse my mouth with water and baking soda, which helps. I'm going to go buy Gaviscon.

But I need a recommendation for an ENT who actually understands this.

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Zachary Gomez said:They perform 24-hour 2-channel pH testing at Holy Spirit... and privately over at Helena. As for gastroenterologists, I've heard Dr. Marušić is excellent, though I personally saw a female specialist first, followed by a younger doctor later on.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/gastroenterology

I haven't used Gaviscon in quite some time. Ever since we moved back from Denmark two years ago, I used to order it from the United Kingdom. Here in the States, Gaviscon works exactly the same way.

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I’m going out of my mind.
Your post helped me immensely. I’ve taken notes on everything. My issues involve tongue burning, a white coating on my tongue, nose, lips, and occasionally my ears (I have tinnitus too, though I have no idea if there's a connection).

Basically, all they ever prescribed me was Nexium, which actually made things worse. After taking it, my first episode of tongue burning hit—my tongue and mouth felt like they were on fire for three days and nights. They treated me with Zolazepam gel. Unfortunately, no one bothered to order any other tests.
I went to gastro before the surgery for my stomach and mild GERD.
I am certain this is all driven by stress and a poor diet.
I use a reflux pillow, watch what I eat, don't smoke, and avoid alcohol, soda, and coffee.
I need to reduce my intake, avoid lying down after meals, and eat smaller portions.
I take Vitamin D and B.
Chewable gum. Psyllium husk. Probiotics. Super enzymes.
I saw a psychiatrist regarding all of this and was prescribed Seroxat and Eglonyl (mentioned here!). Since it's a psych med, I'm terrified to take it.
Can anyone tell me what to expect once I take it? I'm very skittish when it comes to new medications.

Which ENT in Washington, D.C. should I see who actually understands LPR?

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Amy Cruz8 said:Looking for a private ENT recommendation in Washington, D.C.

I could use a referral too. Dealing with LPR, tongue burning, and all that other nonsense...
Thanks

cosmicpanther70 said:haha, there’s no insurance for stuff like that... if there were, people would just exploit the system. Sure, you have insurance, but it doesn't cover those specific gaps... because if it did, we'd be claiming "missing items" every single day... and then the insurance companies would be footing the bill constantly... so yeah...

There is. It exists. The problem is you folks at the service counters don't realize it because everyone is terrified, and they teach you all that any mistake has to come out of your own pocket. If one person refuses to pay for an error, everyone else picks up the tab. People fear that, and the big banks exploit it. They keep themselves suppressed.

Fear is the ultimate motivator. People think, "I'll just pay it so I don't cause trouble, since I messed up anyway." But that’s just a business risk that the bank should be accounting for and covering.
They cover losses when an employee steals, but when a mistake happens, the "slaves" have been trained to think, "It's my fault, so I'll pay."
That kind of thing doesn't fly at a major Wall Street firm. Your colleagues there have protection, but in these local branches, it's just a servant mentality: stay quiet, take the hit, and suffer in silence.
Just pay it.

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Drew Johnson2 said:I truly believe you have no choice in the matter. Back when I was working at Chase, I personally never made a single error—though, looking back, it was likely just because I hadn't been on the job long enough 😁—but I once had a colleague who managed to $1000 process a withdrawal through the system as if it were a $3,000 deposit. By the end of the business day, she was left with a deficit of $2000, and while she realized immediately which transaction had caused the mess and reached out to the client, he flatly refused to come in to sign the reversal paperwork and fix the entry.
She was stuck footing the bill herself, and since our monthly pay was only about $4,800 back then, and the bank didn't want to cause a scene with the client...

They ask for that because they know you're afraid. Banks have insurance for these kinds of mistakes; it happens. But if employees are the type who are too scared to stand up for themselves... well, they'd rather just pay out of pocket. That's why they get away with it.

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Maria Fisher46 said:The results look clean. An INR between 2 and 3.5 is what we look for in patients on blood thinners—which I assume you aren't taking, so that range doesn't apply to you. For someone not on those medications, an INR should be around 1.

Great. Thanks. I'm not on any blood thinners, but I am taking Ursofalk for cholesterol and Colestyramine powder because of excess bile following gallbladder surgery. I was worried this wasn't normal, or maybe related to those meds I started four months ago.
Thanks again.

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I need some input. I'm scheduled for a colonoscopy this Monday, and I had bloodwork done for the anesthesiologist.

Thank God, my enzyme levels look fine. Everything related to those gallbladder issues I was worried about is looking okay,

but for the first time, my
PV INR came back elevated; the lab says the recommended range for anticoagulant therapy is 2.0 to 3.5.

My PV is 1.14, with a reference interval of >= 0.70, so that part is fine.

Is this actually something to worry about?

coastalwalker9 said:🙂🙂

You have truly been through the wringer. I am wishing you a much healthier, calmer, and more successful 2023. 🙂

Thanks a lot.

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coastalwalker9 said:By all accounts, this has been one of those particularly grueling, demanding, and utterly draining years.

Signed.
One hell of a menu. Truly. Illness, surgery, getting fired, losing a friend suddenly, starting a new job, more health issues, quitting again, moving house...
Now I've just been stuck on the couch in front of the TV for two months, feeling more unemployed than ever, mindlessly scrolling through YouTube, completely lost.
I'm just praying to God that I get healthy and that things settle down.
I am exhausted beyond belief. All I do is sleep, barely eat, walk a little, and watch TV.
A year worth crying over.
Hoping the next one treats me better. I've earned it.

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Morgan Wilson8 said:Because of pure cowardice 😁

Not really.
For instance, I just don't have the energy for more pain after dealing with a year's worth of health issues. And until you actually get a colonoscopy done, you won't know if there's going to be pain or not.
I also have a friend who stood outside the hospital doors listening to a man screaming; half the people there got up and left, even though they had appointments scheduled.
There's no way I'm letting them spread me out. I went through a gastroscopy without any issues, but those gallbladder attacks? I'll never forget them. I have PTSD.

As for getting a private colonoscopy in Chicago, try Amrusev Polyclinic. The doctors there work with Rib. A friend of mine went, and everything was great.
That's where I go for checkups; the doctors are good.

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