This afternoon my ENT says the MRI report was negative. They didn't see anything in particular. I was surprised, because my swallowing/sore throat pain has been so long and uncomfortable. Anyway he gave me a strong prilosec prescription to see if that would help. I'll give that a shot. If it persists, he said we could try a swallowing test next. I wonder if it persists if I should also see another ENT though I assume the MRI is definitive?

I feel relieved, but also confused and embarrassed - for my 20+yrs of smoking and dipping, for feeling so connected to the infinitely harder realities here on the forum, realities that I can't truly understand. I can't thank you enough for your thoughts on my behalf. - Dre