Acid Reflux

Hi everyone, hopefully someone will be able to respond to my problem. I have had a swallowing problem for over a year. It got as bad as very little food was actually swallowed. I am far from having a weight problem, 108lbs. I had surgery on the esophagus for zenker's diverticulum with cricopharyngomyotomy (repositioned a pocket of the esophogus and cut the muscle at the top of the esophagus to make it stay relaxed). I swallow better, but still not normal. I no longer regurgitate everything I try to swallow, including saliva. What I have now is a feeling of acid in the back of my throat wich makes it difficult to get food/liquid past. The muscles on the side of my neck actually tighten each and every time I swallow. It may not sound like much, but it tightens so much and has done it for so long that it hurts. My primary dr. has perscribed Prilosec to try. One week into it and I don't see any difference. I'm posting this to see if anyone else has had such troubles and if there is any good advice. I am 42 and can't imagine it being like this for the rest of my life. Thanks for your responses.

Hi, I've only just joined this website 2 days ago so I just read your post. I believe, but could be wrong that alot of the swallowing problems are self induced. Not that they are not real but I've learned to calm myself down - when I think I can't swallow I take a sip of water here and there and try to take deep breaths. This seems to help... Obviously there is something there but I think you have to get some control. I know that sometimes I get acid reflux in my throat and I cough to the point of vomitting - this usually happens to be on the Metro on my way home. The more I panic the more I cough. Now I try to take deep breaths and calm myself. BUT since you had surgery maybe yours is different.