1. < Digestive Health

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LRP) - severity and outlook?

Posted by davearnatt @davearnatt, Jan 9, 2017

I have had LPR / reflux for about 5 years and have made the normal lifestyle changes (diet, bed, etc) which reduced symptoms slightly. PPIs do not seem to help so we suspect pepsin rather than acid. The severity of symptoms changes over time with throat "experiences" occuring roughly as follows:

No problem (10%)
Cold feeling like finishing a breath mint (30%)
Like a mild burn from food + tightness (40%)
Moderate to intense pain/redness (20%)

By now, the odds of resolving this seem remote. My doctor talked about me entering "another phase" which feels like it will get worse. My questions:

1. Does anyone have any feedback/experience about the potential impact of this type of continual inflammation leading to severe problems including cancer? Is it possible that just learning to live with this is an option that will not end with something awful?

2. Does anyone have any experience/feedback on surgery options besides classic Nissen fundoplication? I have read about Linx (magnetic ring) and partial (270 degree) fundoplication.

Thank you for any advise or help you can offer!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

ptfitzy | @ptfitzy | Mar 1, 2017

I just had an Endoscopy and my throat was just fine. I think because I don't have Acid or Burning. And I've had it for 10 years. You may want to have an Endoscopy if you are having burning.
I hope it works. I also take 500mgs. of magnesium a day and 2 Apple Pectin capsules 2 times a day. Eating an apple when it flares up also helps. I hope you get some relief. Please let me know if there is anything I can help with.
Phil

REPLY
1 reply
cab26 | @cab26 | Mar 2, 2017
In reply to @cab26 "I have been diagnosed, several years ago, with LPR. I am currently taking 40 MG Omeprozole..." + (show)
@cab26

I have been diagnosed, several years ago, with LPR. I am currently taking 40 MG Omeprozole twice a day and 300 mg of Randitinine and still experiencing reflux. My ENT and my GI doctors said I was a candidate for the LINX Procedure since the medicine, high doses, is not stopping the reflux. I'm also concerned about the side effects the medicine can have on my body. How many procedures has the Mayo Clinic done with the LINX Procedure?

Jump to this post

You are a candidate for a procedure when both medicine to reduce reflux and diet no longer work. An endoscopy will show if scarring occurred in the escophugus due to acid reflux.

REPLY
cab26 | @cab26 | Mar 2, 2017
In reply to @cab26 "I have been diagnosed, several years ago, with LPR. I am currently taking 40 MG Omeprozole..." + (show)
@cab26

I have been diagnosed, several years ago, with LPR. I am currently taking 40 MG Omeprozole twice a day and 300 mg of Randitinine and still experiencing reflux. My ENT and my GI doctors said I was a candidate for the LINX Procedure since the medicine, high doses, is not stopping the reflux. I'm also concerned about the side effects the medicine can have on my body. How many procedures has the Mayo Clinic done with the LINX Procedure?

Jump to this post

Thank you, Saucy

REPLY
davearnatt | @davearnatt | Mar 2, 2017
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hello @davearnatt, I'm so glad you found us on Connect, and I want to assure you..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Hello @davearnatt,

I'm so glad you found us on Connect, and I want to assure you that you will get the much needed support, information, and good wishes from this community.

I found a great article about Linx device, and studies conducted by Mayo Clinic; you can view it here: http://mayocl.in/2id4OSV
@carolynlivingjaks, @saucy, I see that you have discussed the Linx device as well; do you have some insight for @davearnatt?

Although the eligibility criteria may vary, I would also encourage you to take a look at this clinical trial being conducted at Mayo's campuses in Arizona and Minnesota: http://mayocl.in/2jcpFV1

In the meantime, I'd like to introduce you to a few members who have posted about LRP (also known as Silent Reflux); please meet @smorford, @davehudsn, @stardisc, @cowboy1997, @kaystrand, @ptfitzy.

@davearnatt, has your doctor recommended regular endoscopy exams or other tests to monitor changes to the esophagus? What lifestyle changes have you had to make?

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Thanks again for connecting me to so many great people! I am going in for my second endoscopy in the next few weeks and have an esophageal manometry scheduled for April. Things don't look too bad now (redness, irritation in back of throat) however I understand that long term irritation, even mild, will lead to gradually worse problems...

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davearnatt | @davearnatt | Mar 2, 2017
In reply to @cab26 "I have been diagnosed, several years ago, with LPR. I am currently taking 40 MG Omeprozole..." + (show)
@cab26

I have been diagnosed, several years ago, with LPR. I am currently taking 40 MG Omeprozole twice a day and 300 mg of Randitinine and still experiencing reflux. My ENT and my GI doctors said I was a candidate for the LINX Procedure since the medicine, high doses, is not stopping the reflux. I'm also concerned about the side effects the medicine can have on my body. How many procedures has the Mayo Clinic done with the LINX Procedure?

Jump to this post

This makes sense - I have requested another endoscopy. Thanks!

REPLY
davearnatt | @davearnatt | Mar 2, 2017
In reply to @ptfitzy "I just had an Endoscopy and my throat was just fine. I think because I don't..." + (show)
@ptfitzy

I just had an Endoscopy and my throat was just fine. I think because I don't have Acid or Burning. And I've had it for 10 years. You may want to have an Endoscopy if you are having burning.
I hope it works. I also take 500mgs. of magnesium a day and 2 Apple Pectin capsules 2 times a day. Eating an apple when it flares up also helps. I hope you get some relief. Please let me know if there is anything I can help with.
Phil

Jump to this post

Thanks for the advice on supplements. I have been eating pineapple but think aswitching to bromelain capsules might be more effective.

REPLY
ptfitzy | @ptfitzy | Mar 2, 2017

I sure hope it helps. I was also told certain acidic fruits can aggravate it. I stick to strawberries and blueberries.
Phil

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davearnatt | @davearnatt | Mar 2, 2017

Phil - Interesting about acidity - how do you determine which is which? I can find articles form fairly reliable sources that cite blueberries (or lemons or other) as "acidic" and "alkaline"...not sure who to trust!

REPLY
ptfitzy | @ptfitzy | Mar 2, 2017

Dave,
I would just Gooogle "foods to avoid eating with LPR". There are several articles listed I also eat smaller meals which seem to help.
Phil

REPLY
2 replies
ptfitzy | @ptfitzy | Mar 2, 2017
In reply to @ptfitzy "Dave, I would just Gooogle "foods to avoid eating with LPR". There are several articles listed..." + (show)
@ptfitzy

Dave,
I would just Gooogle "foods to avoid eating with LPR". There are several articles listed I also eat smaller meals which seem to help.
Phil

Jump to this post

Dave, I subscribe to this Newsletter below. Just copy and paste it to Google.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/875920?src=wnl_edit_tpal&uac=202198MY
Phil

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