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Worried Newbie - Throat Problems

ghostmummy
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Hello Everyone,

I'm Jules, 57 from Hampshire.

I'm not sure if I'm in the 'right' forum so apologies if not.

I've been back and forwards (privately) to an ENT since November with throat problems (constant lump in throat, hoarseness, sore throat etc). At the back of my mind is my late father, who had sinus cancer at 40 and who passed away age 58 from a brain tumour. 

The ENT diagnosis after camera up the nose and feeling my neck area and looking in my mouth was 'globus, LPR - layngopharygeal reflux and a sinus infection. 

I saw him again last week and I told him the globus feeling is now much worse and it also feels like the 'lump' has moved down to my breastbone area, I still have the sore throat hoarse voice most days too. He basically said, for my own reassurance, the next step is to have an MRI on my throat/neck and then he will discharge me (presumably after I see him for the results). I just get the feeling he wants rid of me! 

I am having the MRI on Wednesday, seeing him for the results two weeks later. Would something 'sinister 'in my throat show up on an MRI? 

I am working myself into a frenzy of worry and I am sure my anxiety is exacerbating my symptoms but I just can't stop fearing the worst.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Jules

x

  • Offline

    i hi jules and welcome not that any one really wants to be here! but its good to be able to share our worries im not sure if id be happy paying private to be treated the way you are...would you not go get second opinion from your own doctor explain your worries because of your late fathers cancer... which i am so sorry to read...i met up with cousins i had not seen for 40 years to find out that they also had head neck cancer in ther family which i am also recovering from but i was also told by Specialist  for over 5 months no no nothing sinester going on you dont tick the boxes! So  maybe make an appointment go get that 2nd opinion.. best wishes jules keep intouch let us know how you are getting on..D.

  • Offline

    Hi Jules,

    Am sorry to hear of your symtoms and hopefully flux is behind this. Normally the ENT appt and endoscopy procedure with camera up nose and looking at throat and neck is a good indication and would normally show up something if it merits further investigation.
    If that were the case I would have throught that they would have mentioned a biopsy so the fact that they havnt is a good positive sign.
    MRI will give a more detailed picture but again it sounds like a reassurance more than anything he sounds concerned about, especially if he is already talking about discharging you.
    That said, its good you are having this done and I am sure this will give you the re assurance you need.I would also advise you to stay off google as so much mis information can be found there and set minds racing.

    I wish you well and keep us posted how you get on as well as feel free to post/chat or ask any further questions you may have.

    kind regards

    Ian

  • Offline in reply to demc

    Hello demc.

    Thank you so much for your reply. I'm going to try and keep a level head until I see the ENT later this month for the MRI results. I will also try and get an appointment to see my gastroenteroloigst, he is familiar with my other digestive issues and has a much nicer 'bedside manner'.

    The problem with me is I can whip myself up into thinking all sorts of scenarios, that and the fact I am approaching the age at which my father died all feeds my negativity.

    I will let you know what the outcome of the MRI is when I find out later this month.

    Best Regards,

    Jules

    x

  • Offline in reply to Anchor1707

    Hi Ian,

    Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Your kind words of wisdom have reassured me that (hopefully) it is just the reflux which is causing my problems. My ENT appointments are always so rushed and dismissive, I am there for no more than 10 minutes a time, the last was less than 5. He is adamant its this reflux and globus and said he sees hundreds of patients with similar symptoms. I guess at the end of the day, he is the surgeon, the expert. I just felt like he hadn't taken the time to really listen. You are right, Google is my enemy and I really need to stop self diagnosing!

    All best wishes to you, and I will let you know what the MRI shows.

    Jules

    x

  • Offline in reply to ghostmummy

    Hi Jules, 

    Just reading your story now.  My feeling exactly the same as feel its moved down slightly into upper chest area.  Did you get MRI results?  Do you still have symptoms?  

    Can anyone who has got rid of these symptoms share tips?

    Thanks!  C 

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