I Have Anxiety And Depression And Haven't Been On Meds For Over A Year. Recently I've Had A Health Scare With Physical Symptoms And Was Thrown Over The Edge Can You Help Shed Some Light On This?

Posted on Fri, 17 Mar 2023

Question: Hello, I have anxiety and depression and haven't been on meds for over a year. Recently I've had a health scare with physical symptoms and was thrown over the edge. My primary doctor put me on 20 mg of Prozac. I have been taking therm for about 20 days. I do not feel any better and was wondering if this is normal. I haven't been to work and I am seeing a therapist too. I want to feel better but I guess the phyiscal symptoms of not feeling well and thinking that I have some sort of dreaded cancer has increased these feelings for me. Can you help shed some ligth on this? I am upset and feel like something more is going on and I really need answer from an ENT

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Laryngopharyngeal reflux...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query. My sincere apologies for the delayed response.

I have gone through your query thoroughly and understood your problem. My opinion is

1. All the necessary investigations have been done to rule out hypopharyngeal cancer. And, I presume the reports are normal. CT scan is a very sensitive investigation and picks up any cancerous lesion which is 5mm and above. If the former investigation is normal, then, you do not worry about any cancer.

2. The symptoms you are perceiving seems to be related to a condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux, secondary to acid reflux disease. This can be treated with proton pump inhibitors followed by lifestyle and dietary modifications.

3. Ongoing stress can also present with the similar set of symptoms. Relaxation exercises can be highly beneficial.

4. Finally, we need to rule out cervical spondylitis. Hence, consult your doctor for further investigation in this regard.

Hope this answers your query: I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (5 hours later)

Ok thank you. I’ve been having discomfort in my abdomen too and not feeling full. I’ve been able to eat but not gain weight. Would I be able to eat and have a appetite with cancer I guess is my question.

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 minutes later)

Also I have had 3 direct fiber optic larynscopys and a upper endoscopy last week, given those test that can see all parts of the hypopharynx correct? Which is the pyriform sinuses, posterior pharyngeal wall and postcricoid area.

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

I weigh the same every morning so I guess my question is would I be able to maintain weight with cancer?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Weight and appetite remains intact in the early stages of cancer.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

1. Would I be able to eat and have a appetite with cancer I guess is my question.
A: Appetite reduces in the later stages of cancer. During the early stages, the appetite would be normal.

2. True, all the above modes of investigations help to identify the obvious pathology in the upper alimentary tract.

3. First of all, I am cent percent sure that you do not have any symptoms or signs of cancer. Weight remains intact in the early stages of cancer. But, in the later stages, the appetite reduces followed by weight loss.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (4 hours later)

Have you had patients with advanced hypopharynx cancer? What symptoms did they have?

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 minute later)

And yes I am maintaining weight it just seems like I can’t gain weight anymore even if I try.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (28 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Swallowing will be difficult in advanced hypopharyngeal cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

1. In a patient having advanced hypopharyngeal malignancy, there will be difficulty in swallowing solid and liquid foods.

2. If you are unable to gain weight try taking medicines for deworming and get your thyroid profiling done.

Hope this answers your queries. Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy