Throat issues

Hi All.

Has anyone experienced throat reflux, burning, tightness as tms? I drink certain things and my throat feels a burning sensation. I also ate so
Etching last week and felt like my throat was being scratched. Very uncomfortable. It’s been intermittent but today feels constant.

I’m doing the emotional work. Lots going on in my life - especially caring for older parents. It’s a joy and privilege and is also taking an emotional toll. I’m 47 yrs old and still need and want my parents in my life. At the same time, I’m just feeling overwhelmed at times.

now this throat thing….I’ve had a history of reflux and last endoscopy was 3 yrs ago. No issues with throat noted then.

thanks in advance for encouragement and support. Needing to hear success stories today. Thanks!

 

It sounds like you may have silent reflux. The throat sensations are a common symptom, and it’s something I deal with when my anxiety is really high. I treat it with a slightly modified diet and self-care, recognizing the symptoms as a sign of anxiety and needing to calm my nervous system. I chose to do that with meditation and for myself, recognizing that I am probably not meeting my needs. Are you getting any help with the emotional work? Consider that you may need it for awhile especially surrounding your co-dependent (not a negative thing!) relationship with your parents. I know from experience things can be complicated, but to be there for others you must first be there for you. Sometimes that means freeing up old habits and behaviors and setting boundaries so you can have that space. I bet along with the joy and privilege it is sad and sometimes frustrating -what you call “emotional toll” without mentioning those tough emotions. Extend the same kindness to yourself as you do your parents.
When my symptoms begin to fade, so does my need for any diet modifications. It can take weeks or months and I don’t worry about it, however I did see my Dr. who first suggested some kind of reflux. Since my diet is extremely healthy and that the symptoms were new, he did not recommend a specialist.

 

When I go around mindlessly clenched up, I get acid reflux, what we used to call heartburn. What really helps me is being very mindful, unclenching everything, especially my abdomen, and practicing therapeutic deep abdominal breathing along with clearing my mind.

It doesn't take long before I find myself clenching again. Again I stop, breathe, and clear my mind.

Just repeat as needed. Drink some water, and appreciate a brief moment of self-care. Visualize your throat being smooth and healthy.

If the symptoms ease up as @Cactusflower describes, you'll know it's stress/TMS. If not, you can get checked out again for your peace of mind, since it's been three years, but stress is really the first thing to work on since you've been down this road before.