Stuff That Matters In Life

I don’t know if I’m feeling better or worst, or just that I’m more aware of my symptoms.

In December 2016 when I experienced pain in my stomach area, I went to see my doctor. She did blood work and ultrasound on my pancreas and everything was normal. I self-diagnosis that it was some digestion issues.

When I started googling about that, I realize many symptoms that I experience as “normal” were actually indications of LPR or Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease. I’ve probably had LPR for a long time and didn’t recognize it. It’s the silent reflux disease.

The most evident symptom is the feeling of lump in my throat that doesn’t go away. It doesn’t hinder my daily activities. It doesn’t obstruct swallowing. So I ignore it and it became “normal” to me. I used to try to gag myself to get it out, and of course it doesn’t work. Now I know it’s really bad to gag yourself. Now I know the constant feeling of a lump in my throat is a LPR symptom.

Another symptom is post nasal drip and sore throat. I thought post nasal drip is the normal effect of allergies or being in a dry climate area. In fact, I thought it was weird that my husband doesn’t have post nasal drip. I thought everyone has it. Now I know: along with the lump in throat feeling, the constant post nasal drip and sore throat are LPR symptoms.

These symptoms were brought to the forefront because since December I’ve had discomfort after eating – bloating, more apparent feeling of a lump in my throat, and indigestion. I’ve tried Prilosec both prescription and OTC. But I’ve never taken a full course because it makes me nauseous. After reading more about LPR, I am pretty convinced I don’t want to take any more meds.

I know, I know, a little information from forums and WebMD is a dangerous thing. Yet I am relieved to find that I’m not alone, that a lot, I mean A LOT of people have symptoms like mine. Now I don’t have to go to my doctor, go through my list of nebulous symptoms and have her think I’m crazy.

But of course, the more stuff I read, the more conflicting info I get. I totally understand that what worked for some people may not work on others or on me. But I can’t help but feel such hope when someone says on a forum, “My symptoms were gone within 3 months of taking this [insert the nonGMO, organic, free-range, superfood supplement].” And of course with one click on Amazon I buy that supplement hoping that my symptoms will too magically disappear. And of course that hasn’t happened.

I should expect it to be a slow progress to recovering. I heard an encouraging note on a podcast – your body is always trying to heal itself. Help it along with good food and the body will respond. That sounds pretty reasonable.

Next, I’ll record the ways I’m trying to be good to my body.