Swallowing difficulties

Hi, I've had issues with swallowing and choking on food for the last 5 months.

I also developed burning sensation in throat,mouth and tongue.

GP won't see me- phone consultation only.

I had blood tests and they were all normal.

The GP thinks it's acid reflux. I was prescribed omeprazole but it does nothing. I'm also struggling to swallow the tablet every day.

i never smoked , I don't drink alcohol or coffee  and I don't eat spicy food.

The GP won't refer me to ENT or any other tests.

What are my options now?

Do I have to go privately ?

Any advice welcome 

Thank you 

 

 

  • Hi, does your GP surgery have more than one GP? Perhaps you could book another telephone appointment but request a different GP, who may have a different opinion.

     

    In any case, I think making another appoinment, even if it has to be with the same GP, is a good idea. You are still having these symptoms and are worried and concerned, so that is more than enough reason to book another appointment. 

     

    They may have given you the omeprazole to rule out acid reflux and if you let them know it isn't helping, they may begin to look at what else it could be and order further tests/make a referral.

  • Hi,thanks so much for replying.

    I've now been on omeprazole for 4 weeks and I was given 10 weeks worth.

    I spoke to GP last week and was told not to come back until I finish all the medication so another 6 weeks to go. I don't know if it's common practice with omeprazole.

    Does it really take 10 weeks to work?

    This is the first time in about 10years I needed GP but felt like I was being a nuisance to them.

  • Sorry I don't know anything about omeprazole, but ten weeks is a long time, especially when you're feeling worried. 

    It's that dilemma where you don't want to panic and convince yourself its cancer when it isn't, but at the same time you know how important it is to catch cancer early, so you don't want to ignore it either.

    Maybe see how you go over the next few days and make a few notes each day about how you're feeling, whether things are getting better, worse or staying the same and whether you're experiencing any new symptoms. And then if you're still worried call the GP and let them know you're still worried and what symptoms you've recorded. 

    The fact that you don't drink and smoke is a good sign. There may be other personal/lifestyle factors that will inform your GPs thinking in terms of a working diagnosis eg. your symptoms in a 60 year old may be a red flag for the GP but not as worrying in a 20 year old, or if you're overweight this may support their acid reflux theory. 

    I am not a medical professional and I am not giving you medical advice. My knowledge in this area has been gained through personal experience, not medical training.

     

  • Hi. Im on chemo and my throat was very sore and i was struggling to take tablets. In the end my dr prescribed me antibiotics and im also using difflam spray. That has really helped and can be bought at the pharmacy. Could you ask to speak to another dr at your surgery? 

  • Thanks so much for replying.

    I think you're right about the personal factors.

    I'm a healthy weight and I'm 38 years old female so possibly the GP thinks it's nothing serious.

     

     

     

  • Hi thanks for replying.

    I will try to get another appointment but it usually takes 3-5 weeks just to get a telephone appointment.

    They are very busy.

  • My drs the same. Its frustrating, but if you're in a lot of discomfort maybe they might be able to get you an emergency appointment? I hope you can get help sooner. Are you finding current medication you're on helpfull? 

  • I don't think they will talk to me any sooner.

    I spoke to the GP last Friday when I called them about my blood test result and I told her I wasn't getting better and she told me to keep taking omeprazole.

     

    She suggested anxiety was causing my symptoms but I'm not a worrier it's just very annoying when I'm choking at almost every meal and my throat, mouth and tongue are burning 24/7. It's very strange feeling. It's like I've eaten the hottest chilli and it never goes away.

     

  • That sounds awful. Do look at the difflam spray. It can be used in the mouth and throat and the pharmacist recommended it too. I hate it when people tell me 'you're just imagining it', its patronising! I would suggest going private but i don't know how expensive that would be. Let me know how you get on

  • Thanks so much for your advice 

    I will get the difflam spray.

    I think when GPs don't know what's wrong they diagnose people with anxiety/depression which is frustrating.

    Yes I'm looking into private as I can't get anything from the GP. 
    Thanks for your help