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← Return to GERD-like symptoms?
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I have a lump in my throat that is not a lump. I feel like food sits in my stomach and could come back up at any time. I get a burning sensation, but only in the base of my throat. This has been going on for a long time. I went to a Gastro guy in December, but then he retired, leaving me to find another one who couldn't see me till May. Right before that visit, I had a chest X-ray done and found I had a small nodule on my lung that turned out to be cancer. I had that treated with radiation, and they are pretty sure it's going to be a successful treatment. The gastro guy gave me an Rx for famotidine, and it hasn't helped at all. My next appointment with him isn't until January. My esophagus will be fried by then! Anyone have any self-help advice?
Replies to "I have a lump in my throat that is not a lump. I feel like food..."
@blue717 Suggestions for your GERD: No caffeine, no chocolate, no spicy food (no black pepper), no carbonated beverages, don't eat at least 3-4 hours before bedtime, don't slouch, chew your food well and don't eat big meals, walk around after eating, sleep with the head of the bed raised or on a wedge (so your body is raised from your diaphragm area upwards). Use Gaviscon Advance or something like Reflux raft with Alginate - these are very helpful before bed or when you feel symptoms. Chewing (as if you're chewing gum) also puts alkaline saliva in your esophagus. Sleep on your left side. Try all of these things and see if you have improvement. Also try the famotidine again. (It may work on other days) If you still feel burning after you've tried all this, you could probably get a prescription for Nexium (a PPI) from your GP.
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@blue717: if I were you I would stop including foods that are known to irritate hiatal hernias and esophagus (google or call dr office for their list) from your diet. Every episode you endure could be causing more harm. Tums can only react to acid already formed. Nurse may choose to be helpful when you inquire about “stopping the acid formation” rather than relieving discomfort. I have had Gerd for at least 40 years and have learned that certain foods & drink (alcohol is BAD on so many levels). I wait until at least 4 hr after eating to lay prone. I stopped taking rx drug for Gerd and take OTC Famotidine 20mg in am and occasionally another before bed if I think I will have problem overnight (but not very often). I can’t remember last time I had Gerd because I have chosen to change my consumption of food/drink.
If you do suffer Gerd I recommend drink excessive amounts of water immediately to dilute acid, use TUMS, Pepto Bismal, eat some yogurt, but keep drinking water - no alcohol!
I hope my experiences will help you tonight! dbamos1945