KarenJ29

Hi Jan -- have seen ENT and was given a heavy dose of antibotics for the sore throat which did not help - now he wants to send me to a vocal specialist to see if my vocal cords are stretched or contracted. ENT said he was at a loss -- so I made an appt with my gastro dr and see him tomorrow. Any advice on stopping or reducing the sore throat -- have changed my diet completely.  Thanks for responding to my 1st comment/question.

Hello Karen, You are the right track. I know you will find out more by continuing to ask questions and manage your care. Let us know what you find out at the GI appt today. Jan

Hi Jan -- visit to GI went well and we have a game plan and he wants me to see anothe ENT in anothe practice. I'm to stay on the meds for anothe 3 months & see him in Jan. He said to gargle w/warm salt water whenever I need it.  He thinks I have a lot of stress and that is also triggering the heaviness/lump feeling I have in the esphongus.  I am relieved we are working on a plan and hope I get this throat soreness/redness under control w/o a tonsilectomy. Need to get a book on managing stress - any suggestions?

Karen, Sounds like you have a good plan of action. I like it when the doctor have a short term plan and a long term plan. I don't know of any books to recommend on managing stress. Maybe start by searching the HealthCentral site or the local public library.

Good Luck,

Jan

Hi Jan -- Monday started gargling w/warm salt water which my GI doc said was okay and it has really helped my throat. My throat has been red and sore since June so this is a great relief. Thanks for the support and will keep you posted on my progress. 

Hello Karen,

So glad you have a home treatment for now. Are you avoiding acidic drinks such as orange juice, pineapple juice, coffee and tea?

Jan

Hi Jan - I have elimated all chocolate, tomato, citrus, pineapple, spices, processed meats, coffee,teas, sodas, alcohol & limited fats since May -- drinking basically water and still the sore throat persisted, but the warm salt water has made the sore throat disappear and am only gargling once a day.  What a relief feels like a new life. 

Oh I am so glad the salt water is healing your throat! Good for you! I hope you will be able to enjoy another drink besides water very soon! Jan

Jan, thanks for your support. Karen.

Thanks for the tip about the warm salt water gargle. I've had acid reflux since 2007 and have been on meds since then. While the meds have taken care of the heartburn and burping, I have had a daily sore throat too. I have seen 2 ENTs, who both said there was some irritation. I'm also under the care of a GI. What really helped me is sleeping on a wedge pillow, so you are sleeping at an angle. Even better is raising the head of your bed by 7 inches, if your husband can sleep like that (mind couldn't !)

Hi Kassie -- I was instructed by the GI doc to gargle as many times as I needed too.  Started with about 4 times a day and the last couple of days have not have the sore throat and am not gargling.  Hope it works for you.  Yes have the head of the bed elevated -- have a wedge but have not tried it since it is such a hassle to get the bed off & on the bricks. Good luck with the warm salt water.  Let me know how you do.