Acid reflux sucks

I think anyone who has reflux can agree with the title.

I was never a hyper-neurotic singer — I’m not a tenor after all!! (Notice I didn’t deny any neuroses.) But all singers are extremely aware of what’s going on in their throat. Which is why this diagnosis caught me off guard.

I started to notice, as I have been working to get my voice back in shape, that I had moments where my voice felt good and other times when it felt like, well, shit. My range would shrink on both ends, I had a ton of mucus, and I had an uncontrollable need to clear my throat. Particularly in the hours after I ate.

You would think I would be able to put two and two together more easily…

And, in hindsight, I think I’ve been dealing with this for years. For so long, I was so careful with what I ate before singing. I know there’s some wisdom in that, but I was so limited with what I could eat. I guess I assumed that was just what eating did to singers.

Anyways, I finally googled my symptoms and figured out I probably had laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Also known as “silent reflux.” Cool.

It’s a type of reflux that doesn’t present as heartburn and basically has the exact same symptoms as I had.

So I pestered the local ENT and got an appointment soon after. And she diagnosed me with LPR.

Treatment is a pill in the morning (basically a prescription Nexium) and another pill (I think like Pepcid?) at night. And then a gel alginate after every meal called “Reflux Gourmet.” I love that name.

It’s actually surprisingly good. I have the vanilla caramel flavor and it tastes just close enough to caramel.

I’m also avoiding certain foods and trying to stop late-night snacking. That’s probably the toughest part.

Anyways, this is just a random update. I am noticing a huge difference. So maybe one of you are having similar symptoms, you can get stuff to help. And then you, too, can enjoy the gastronomic delight that is “Reflux Gourmet.”