Having first noticed it during the weekend, I've been suffering with this sensation of a lump or something - a hair, it feels like - in the bottom of my throat, just under the Adam's apple, just to the left. It's the feeling of half soreness (as in getting a sore throat), and half irritation.
And like many, I went on the internet and scared myself because of what I saw. A condition for which there is no cure. I already have one of those, thank you (Tinnitus) and having another really doesn't make anything easier.
I did, however, find something that put me to a bit of rest - ironically a mum's net discussion where the suggestion was that it was caused either by stress, a steroid based inhaler, or a cut in the throat caused by certain foods. All of which are possible, as I have to have an inhaler for allergies (the blue and the brown on weekends), dealing with tinnitus (along with uni and life) is stressful in itself, and of course, I eat (nom).
Eating and drinking does seem to help it become more unnoticable, but I'm still starting to get scared again. And by the look of some of these threads, going to the Doctor's is pointless.
Why is it that I'm getting all the annoying cureless conditions? It's screwing everything up! My creativity, my confidence....my willingness to find a boyfriend......
Does this go away over time or do I have to learn to live with it like I have to with T? Do I need to take something?
Please, any help is appreciated....
Try to stay calm. This sort of thing usually clears up in time. Also, life is not perfect. Most people have at least 1 health condition, you may not be able to tell by looking at them. That's just part of being human. Just try to take care of yourself as best you can, do things you enjoy and know that it will pass.
I also think it's good advice to go to the doctor. Yes, they might not be able to do anything, but it's important to be seen and get a diagnosis confirmed.
Reading as much as you can and reaching out will help. Sounds like you're already on the right track.
I wish I could, but this site has rules that hinder your ability to learn from other people dealing with same issue.
Reading about it tends to make it seem worse, especially on the Internet....
How long does it normally take for it to stop....?
Yeah, for some people, reading about it could increase your anxiety. We're all different. When I was diagnosed, I was told it usually went away within weeks. The first time I went to the doctor, I was told it was a sore throat and to wait it out. The 2nd time I went it was a different GP who told me what it was. I didn't need to go to a specialist, just a regular doctor. Getting a diagnosis may help alot to ease your anxiety. I know it did with me. If you do have globus, then anything you can do to minimize your stress will help.
UPDATE
Alright, I went to a walk-in clinic today and told them about my symptoms and whatnot. The Doctor there seemed to think that some food has scratched my throat with some food and that I should take some paracetamol and gurgle salt water.
I'm releaved about this, but I have to admit, part of me is sceptical. How do I get the feeling that this is the start of a lot of pointless trips to and from the Doctor's surgery and hospital...?
Hi, I am having exactly the same experience. Have been suffering from a strangulation sensation, really uncomfortable, occasionally burning sensation at the base of my throat for about 3 months now. I'm sure the Docs think I'm bonkers but it is very real pain, and to be honest , really frightening at the mo. Anti acids have done nothing, so have asked for endoscopic investigation, hopefully ASAP. All well and good being told by a GP that it's probably stress and there are no lumps , but it's this horrible, unceasing sensation that's stressing me out & not the other way round. Would be interested to see how you get on. Take it easy.
Glad to hear you saw a doctor. It's not really a waste of time if it made you feel better. I'm a bit mistrusting of doctors also, but I find it helps to at least go and get their opinion. I like to go visit different walk-in doctors also to get different opinions. It's free here anyway. Do you have to pay?
No, no paying. Just go in, if you can't get to a Doctors, and tell them what you have
Right, new update.
Though the feeling has changed slightly (now feeling more like a hair than a lump), I've had this thing for over a week now and I'm starting to think that it really isn't a cut in my throat - it should have healed up by now, surely. It's feeling decidedly like difinite Globus. (I have an appointment with the Doctor's next week, but honestly, I don't think there's a lot they can do). Is there anything to suggest that this condition goes away or, at least gets better,
Plus, what do you do when a condition like this saps your confidence.....?
I realise this is kinda repeating myself, from above, but even after this short amount of time, I need reassuring....
Sounds like it's getting better. That's good. Everything I've read or experienced says it does get better. Best to just focus on doing things you enjoy and taking it 1 day at a time. I know it's tough, but you can get through it.
hi
ive had this sensation for 4 weeks now tightness of throat,chest pain,burning of throat i went to doctor they gave me omeprazole 10mg said i had acid reflux beening taking these a week still sensation there i believe a bit of stress anxiety is involved too thinking what the hell is it but going back to doctors next week to up medcation and ask for an endoscopy of throat.
Hi
It's nice to see I'm not going mad with these horrible sensations, and other people get them too. I am booked in for an endoscopy next Friday as I told my GP I was at the end of my tether with it. 4 months nearly now. People can say to you till they're blue in the face that it's stress, anxiety etc etc but until someone has had a look down there and can categorically tell me that there is nothing sticking in/out or worse down there, I won't be happy. I think I've kept Mentho-Lyptus Lozenges in business this week as only swallowing repeatedly gives me any real , albeit brief, break from the often excruciating & stabbing pain in my windpipe. I've also found myself drinking water non-stop to alleviate the pain slightly but it doesn't have any lasting effect other than to need to be close to a loo!! Lol. I work on the simple premise that something that hasn't got any better in 12 weeks needs looking into. My mind would be a lot happier if there was at least some small improvement but there has been none, as the vicious circle described by other people on here is dead right. Even if anxiety is a factor, when something physically painful continues to get no better it is only natural to be concerned, thus making the whole thing worse. Problem is that something like your throat is so noticeable that you can never put it to the back of your mind however hard you try. It would help if the docs didn't treat you like you were going loopy though!
Fingers crossed for Friday!
I read your post and wanted you to know that I can totally relate. I have been experiencing globus since April 2014. It's very scary... I saw the ENT and had a scope performed (up the nose, down the throat, not pleasant) ... the first diagnosis was thrush of the larynx, which was treated. Apparently a result of a strong antibiotic. Upon the recheck, the doctor found sores? lacerations? burns from acid reflux, which I do not experience. However, there is a laryngeal pharyngeus (sp?) that is know as the silent reflux. From there I have been taking 40mg Nexium 1 hour before dinner and nothing to eat for 2 to 3 hours before bed. So, I have been doing that and following a low acid diet. I also sleep on an elevated wedge pillow so the acids are not able to travel back up my esophogus while sleeping. My throat now looks fine, however, the globus is still there.
Now for my opinion.... I have done so much research and found this blog to be the most consoling. I realize that others are experiencing the same symptoms. I truly believe that this is a stress related condition. I find that over the weekends when I am more relaxed, the symptoms seem to subside. When returning to work, it's back again. The doctor doesn't seem to be too concerned, but I keep worrying that he may have misdiagnosed me. I could go to another doctor, but I quite frankly do not want to go through all of the same exams. So, the question is... how long does it last? Has anyone taken anything to make it go away? It's all very concerning, but I agree that trying to stay calm is the best recommendation. Please continue to post as you work through this. It will be very helpful to all of us.
Hi,
I can totally relate to all the comments in this thread too. I have been suffering with Globus for nearly a year and I was pretty scared when it first came on. I've had two endoscopes (which I didn't find unpleasant) and an MRI scan (which was quite an experience!). Nothing found. Phew I suppose, but when you've got a real symptom it's hard to believe there's nothing really wrong apart from a muscle in spasm.
Finally my symptoms are reducing, I think partly due to just deciding I have to find a way to live with this. Also I had a four week holiday which relaxed me, and simply finding out that my throat discomfort could reduce, helped to convince me that there wasn't anything sinister going on, and this in turn reduced my anxiety about it. I also have done a few throat stretching exercises a bit like trying to release a cramped muscle.
Whilst I am still aware of my Globus, it isn't the overwhelming issue it was for me earlier this year.
I have huge sympathies for all you fellow sufferers out there, there are lots of us, and I think it helps just to exchange stories. So thanks for posting.
Updates
Thanks for the support, guys. Unfortunately there's been very little change in my globus. If anything, it may have gotten a little bit worse, but I can never be sure.
I've been able to narrow down the possibilities to the acid reflux thing.
As for my doctor's appointment......I missed it, so now I need to wait until next week for another one. Part of me hopes this will go away in this time, but I'm doubting it....
Update!
Okay, I finally got to see a doctor, and after discussing it with him, he suggested that it could be a fungal infection caused by my brown inhaler (why always with the 'could' - no definite answers).
So, he gave me some oral gell to put on the back of my tongue for a week (hello gag reflex). Well, 10 days, but I've been a bit confused on how I go about applying it...I'm not even sure if I'm doing it right atm, honestly.
As for whether it actually works, I can't tell yet. It certainly seems to go down, but only for a little while before the feeling returns. I'm part hopeful and part skeptical (how long does an infection take to heal on its own?).
I think no one knows just what causes globus or how to make it go away, so you've just got to try everything. Mine took about 9 months to subside to the point where it doesn't intrude in my life anymore. So take heart, believe it will slowly go away of it's own accord and it will.
New update
So, continuing from last time, the Doctor still thinks its a fungal infection caused by my brown inhaler.
The cream/paint stuff didn't seem to work very well, so I'm now on some antibiotics (Erythromycin.....whatever that means).
Its...hard to know whether or not this is getting better....its like my tinnitus all over again.....
New update (if anyone is actually still reading this)
My Doctor still thinks its an infection and says the feeling of an infection can linger even when the infection itself is gone, so I have to wait a while before the next appointment (23rd, I ask you!). If it does not clear up by then, then I think its ENT for me.
I haven't mentioned Globus to him yet, but I will next time.
BUT two things I have noticed about my throat recently....1. As well as thefeeling of something there, I also noticed that my throat feels very dry. 2. After that Dr's appointment, it has started to feel better. ....until I went to my dads.....