Hi everyone,
I have posted so many times with a slew of issues in ear, nose throat, neck and shoulder for which I am going to physical therapy tomorrow. I finally went to my GP last week and we discussed Myofascial pain syndrome as a possibility for my intermittent symptoms. I think there may be something to this trigger point therapy as I have found some relief with home treatment, thanks to my husband! Anyway, I have since delevoped a pain behind my mid sternum that has once again sent me into a tail spin. I also have intermittent numbness in my chin. Had EKG which was normal. As I write this, I feel like a hypochondriac, but these symptoms are so real to me. I have always been a strong person, never went to the doctor, very athletic, but this cancer has brought me to my knees. As I am typing this the tears are streaming...i just want my life back, I feel so controlled by my fear at times, when the pain starts. i am seeing a spiritual counselor who has helped and take xanax, which has helped a little. However, this has been going on for about 2 weeks. Mid sternum discomfort, a feeling as if someone has a hand around my windpipe. I dont have problems swallowing, except for really dry things due to the saliva issue. sometimes though it feels like food is stuck. my throat mildly burns on occasion. Last year in may, went to MO with similar problems, not so specific and severe, he put me on prilosec. it seemed to work within 2 weeks, so i went off it. the symptoms came back, so i started again and had to double up for the symptoms to stop. i stopped taking them after about a month, was never told how long to take them. anyway, went to ent 1/4/08 who scoped me and said my vocal cords were red, told me to start taking prilosec. I did and this sternum pain started. I had another scope 1 week later by my RO who said I looked good inside and out. Anyway, went to gastroenterologist last thursday with symptoms who has scheduled me for endoscope tomorrow. she said she thinks its gerd however with my hitory of H&N cancer, she wants to be sure. I am glad she got me in so quickly but have to admit that her urgency has me freaking out. What are the chances the cancer has gone to my esophagus. Can gerd cause this much discomfort. could i have a stricture or just plain spasms. Dr Mike sent me a link about the muscle groups of the head and neck and wondered if the sternocleidomastoid muscle could cause pain in my mid sternum. I am reaching, searching for answers other than the C. I am scared out of my mind. I hate what this has done to me. Does anyone have similar symptoms they can share? Anything would be appreciated. Thanks again for listening. You guys are the best.