Urgent Two Week Wait Referral - Acid Reflux/Trouble Swallowing

[HulaLulaa]

My GP has sent off an urgent two week wait referral to gastroenterology due to acid reflux and trouble swallowing. My anxiety is through the roof and I’m really not coping (I have anxiety and depression at the best of times!)

I’ve had awful heartburn for years (probably about 6 or 7) and now I feel like an idiot for not getting it checked out sooner, especially because I have a family history of cancer of the oesophagus. The acid reflux is so bad it makes me vomit and I can barely eat because I feel like there’s something in my throat. Obviously stressing about everything is making the symptoms 10x worse too.

I just wish I’d got checked out years ago. I know I’m going to need an endoscopy too and the thought of that makes me incredibly anxious.

I’ve been so teary all day and don’t know how I’m going to manage with waiting and then the actual appointment.

Try not to panic.

Chronic reflux causes damage to your throat. That can lead to a globus sensation (the sensation of something being there that isn't - it's the muscles tensing in relation to the acid damage) it can be worsened by anxiety too. It's common to have a sore throat, a chronic cough and voice changes.

Chronic reflux can also cause damage to the top of the oesophagus so it can't open as easily and food gets stuck. It can cause difficulties with the flow of food through the oesophagus.

There are lots of less serious issues it could be rather than the more serious one you're probably worried about. It's the right thing to get checked out.

(Swallowing specialist here!)