I was diagnosed with LPR in what seems like a short time but I have actually been dealing with it for years. I am fortunate in the fact that I have a doctor who does listen to me and doesn't just sluff me off. When I presented with chest pain that just continued to get worse and kept losing my voice, he ruled out a heart attack and a pulmonary embolism. I told him that the ER docs diagnosed me with GERD and he said that didn't feel right to him. He then sent me to an ENT the next day who did a scope that showed red, mucusy, bumpy sinuses and larynx. She then diagnosed me with LPR.
She asked if I get frequent heartburn, NO. Frequent sinus infections YES. Frequent bronchitis YES. Frequent ear infections YES. Frequent Laryngitis YES.. I felt like she was reading my medical history right there.
She said that I have probably been dealing with this for years since that is how long I have dealt with the chronic infections but they kind of came to a head because I choked on a piece of food the previous week.
I told her that I have been to 2 different ENTs for the sinus infections. One lasting 6 months and antibiotics didn't seem to help and for the ear infections because I have been developing vertigo with them for the past year. I asked why this was not diagnosed sooner. She told me that because I am a smoker who is slightly overweight, a lot of doctors do not look beyond that. I asked if it is possible to have the Bronchitis, sinus infections and everything else manageable by managing the LPR. She advised that it is possible but LPR is very difficult to manage. It requires many significant lifestyle changes and the use of medications at least for a few months. I am 39 years old and do not want to continue living with these chronic issues, so I am willing to do whatever it takes to get my life back.
I read some of your stories and my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for the pain both physical and emotional that you have had to endure because nobody would/will listen to you.
I am one of the fortunate few that has found a doctor, young though he may be, that does listen and has listened to me for years. He is proactive in my care and will continue to be I hope.
Please keep us updated as to how you are all doing and what is working and not working for you. This is an under discussed disorder that needs to be brought out more. People need to realize that it is not HEARTBURN, ANXIETY ATTACKS, or MAKE BELIEVE.
This is real pain that impacts so many aspects of one's life.
I may not have my voice back for a couple of months which means I can't yell at the kid or the hubby. I am still having horrible chest pain but at least I know it is not cardiac.
I am new to this disease and am optimistic about the outcome because I do have wonderful doctors.
Keep your sense of humor. Keep your chin up, and most importantly keep demanding that something is not right when the doctors won't listen. Who knows our bodies better than ourselves?
God bless!!
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I was diagnosed with LPR in what seems like a short time but I have actually been dealing with it for years. I am fortunate in the fact that I have a doctor who does listen to me and doesn't just sluff me off. When I presented with chest pain that just continued to get worse and kept losing my voice, he ruled out a heart attack and a pulmonary embolism. I told him that the ER docs diagnosed me with GERD and he said that didn't feel right to him. He then sent me to an ENT the next day who did a scope that showed red, mucusy, bumpy sinuses and larynx. She then diagnosed me with LPR.
January 13, 2013 - 6:58pmShe asked if I get frequent heartburn, NO. Frequent sinus infections YES. Frequent bronchitis YES. Frequent ear infections YES. Frequent Laryngitis YES.. I felt like she was reading my medical history right there.
She said that I have probably been dealing with this for years since that is how long I have dealt with the chronic infections but they kind of came to a head because I choked on a piece of food the previous week.
I told her that I have been to 2 different ENTs for the sinus infections. One lasting 6 months and antibiotics didn't seem to help and for the ear infections because I have been developing vertigo with them for the past year. I asked why this was not diagnosed sooner. She told me that because I am a smoker who is slightly overweight, a lot of doctors do not look beyond that. I asked if it is possible to have the Bronchitis, sinus infections and everything else manageable by managing the LPR. She advised that it is possible but LPR is very difficult to manage. It requires many significant lifestyle changes and the use of medications at least for a few months. I am 39 years old and do not want to continue living with these chronic issues, so I am willing to do whatever it takes to get my life back.
I read some of your stories and my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for the pain both physical and emotional that you have had to endure because nobody would/will listen to you.
I am one of the fortunate few that has found a doctor, young though he may be, that does listen and has listened to me for years. He is proactive in my care and will continue to be I hope.
Please keep us updated as to how you are all doing and what is working and not working for you. This is an under discussed disorder that needs to be brought out more. People need to realize that it is not HEARTBURN, ANXIETY ATTACKS, or MAKE BELIEVE.
This is real pain that impacts so many aspects of one's life.
I may not have my voice back for a couple of months which means I can't yell at the kid or the hubby. I am still having horrible chest pain but at least I know it is not cardiac.
I am new to this disease and am optimistic about the outcome because I do have wonderful doctors.
Keep your sense of humor. Keep your chin up, and most importantly keep demanding that something is not right when the doctors won't listen. Who knows our bodies better than ourselves?
God bless!!
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