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Original poster

To bother the GP or leave it a bit longer?

33 replies

popo50 · 03/10/2022 17:55

This is a weird one. For about 10/12 weeks I've had a strange thing going on with my throat. I feel like I need to keep clearing my throat or swallow heavily, sometime get a feeling of something being stuck in my throat and very occasionally choke and splutter a bit when drinking and eating.
It's not sore and there's nothing to actually see.

Whatever is up sometime causes my voice to go a bit funny almost like when you have tonsillitis only I don't have any tonsils. Friends and family have all commented on it so it's not my imagination!

It came on suddenly and I assumed it would go away as quickly as it appeared but it doesn't seem to be shifting at all.
As with all GPs just now it's near impossible to get an appointment would you put up with it or try for an appointment?

OP posts:
JustDanceAddict · 03/10/2022 17:59

Could be acid reflux. Def see the GP.

FlippertyGibberts · 03/10/2022 18:05

You should see your GP.

Vapeyvapevape · 03/10/2022 18:05

I'd see the gp , it's recommended if your voice changes in any way .
Hopefully it's nothing to worry about, I went when I had what I could only describe as a fur ball in my throat and it turned out to be quite common and a symptom of stress.

purplecorkheart · 03/10/2022 18:34

I had something similar (felt like I had swallowed a hair) and it turned out to be stressed related. However a former work colleague had similar and it was a growth on her Thyroid that she had to get removed. Definitely get it checked out

Foxinmygarden · 03/10/2022 18:40

If you've had it for 10 weeks already, I would see your GP now

Bohemian18 · 03/10/2022 23:52

Do see the GP. I delayed seeing a doctor about a breast issue, luckily nothing serious but I felt so guilty and stupid that I’ll never wait that long again.

Couchpotato3 · 03/10/2022 23:54

10-12 weeks is long enough. You need to see them now. Don't wait any longer.

ExHProblem · 03/10/2022 23:59

See a Gp as it’s been going on for a while. but wouldn’t be surprised if it is anxiety as something stuck in throat is a very common symptom of anxiety

Original poster
popo50 · 04/10/2022 11:40

Thanks. I suspect it's going to be a chore to see a DR as after 100 call this morning I was given a ticking off for asking for an appointment for a "sore throat" I'll try again tomorrow and hopefully get another receptionist!

Anxiety would be a shock to me as Im not aware of any issues.

OP posts:
OzricTentacles · 04/10/2022 11:51

Difficulty swallowing is a red flag symptom, so you should defo see your GP.

MrsU2022 · 04/10/2022 12:02

Sounds like reflux. Voice changes can happen if the acid irritates the vocal folds. Should get it sorted with a PPI medication and some gaviscon!

Fraaahnces · 04/10/2022 12:03

It could also be your thyroid gland. Please get checked and ensure they feel your thyroid while you’re swallowing. (Also recommend blood tests.)

26twentysix · 04/10/2022 12:06

Fill out an electronic form - state it's been 10 weeks, your voice has changed as noted by you and others, you occasionally have trouble swallowing fluids and solids. They will give you an appointment.

Naughty1205 · 04/10/2022 12:08

Please go to GP ASAP, could be oesophagus related.

Original poster
popo50 · 04/10/2022 17:16

I've picked up omeprazole and will give them a try while waiting for a sympathetic receptionist.

Unfortunately my gp surgery only has phone contact to make appointments. I'll keep trying them this week.

OP posts:
lborgia · 04/10/2022 17:21

Also, could be globus, but yes, def need it checking.

I can't understand the ticking off, asking for an appt for a sore throat, but also, did you explain it's been three months? I would never dream of commenting on the validity of someone's call!

Original poster
popo50 · 04/10/2022 17:38

@lborgia the receptionist is just awful. Cuts you off, doesn't listen or only hears what she wants to.
Went through all the issues, time etc and she replied "so you've got a sore throat then and you're expecting to see a dr? Have you tested for covid it's likely that". Spoke over me when I was trying to explain things and said it's nothing to worry about and cut me off. She's horrible

OP posts:
lborgia · 04/10/2022 17:44

I despair, there are lots of brilliant people doing the job, but when they're bad, oh my god...

FamSender · 04/10/2022 17:48

I would complain about that receptionist too. Unacceptable and medically risky behaviour.

Miathecat · 04/10/2022 17:59

i have had exactly the same symptoms for a couple of months, my doc gave me gaviscon which is helping and has referred me to ENT specialist (appointment in a couple of weeks so must be an urgent referral) phone the doc again and push for appointment

Foxinmygarden · 04/10/2022 21:36

You need to say exactly what @26twentysix suggested. As others have said, probably nothing to worry about, but change in voice and difficulty swallowing shouldn't be ignored.

lannistunut · 04/10/2022 21:41

Ok OP, going to be harsh here but stop being a doormat. Your taxes pay for the NHS. Tell the receptionist you need an appointment as you have potential cancer symptoms and have waited ten weeks.

If you don't get an appointment escalate immediately to practice manager.

I don't think it is cancer, but your symptoms could be cancer and the receptionist is a twat who should be sacked. Report the receptionist.

stepfordwifey · 05/10/2022 16:26

I came on here to see if there was a relevant thread. I googled "lump in throat" because that's what it feels like. It feels like a mucus lump and I rarely go a week without a sore throat. From Googling I discovered that I had many of the symptoms of a hiatus hernia. Although I don't get heartburn. Look up GERD too.
When I mentioned the lump to the receptionist, my voice went a bit hoarse at the same time, so happily managed to get an appointment quite quickly.
The GP took blood and booked me in for a chest x ray because the lump means I'm coughing and clearing my throat all the time to get rid of it.
He felt my abdomen and neck area. I asked if he thought it was a hiatus hernia and he prescribed Omeprazole which hadn't really done much. I still feel burning pressure in my chest and at the bottom of my throat. The constant throat clearing and swallowing is driving me nuts.
Once I've got all my results back, I'll go back to GP as he said further investigation might be necessary.

JustDanceAddict · 05/10/2022 17:15

@stepfordwifey - I’ve got acid reflux and omaprazole really helped although it took a while to kick in. Annoyingly I came off it and it came back so I need to pick up more. Gastro said if I can’t do without it they’ll investigate for - I should imagine - hiatus Hernia orGERD. I mainly get the acid taste and occasionally heartburn but I’m careful not to eat the trigger foods as much as humanely possible

itsgettingweird · 05/10/2022 17:29

I suffer acid reflux and get exactly these symptoms.

Joe bee I know mines reflux.

I agree with others to keep trying GP because you need to know swallowing issues are that before assuming.

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