Hiya Gone Fishin'

Sorry you're having a rough time. It's good you gave up the heavy drinking. Giving up smoking altogether will be beneficial and prudent as well. Some here have used the "natural" pain relievers through treatment.

From what you've said, you've been tested and seen several times and everything appears to be normal. You've yet to see an ENT? Then again, if you've had throat pain for 3-4 years, you'd be pretty ill by now if it were sinister.

I hope you sort out the red tape and get to the bottom of things.

Positive thoughts