Well, Inmates, I've done it now. Let myself go too long. Thought I had a persistent cold with chronic cough, sore throat, and occasional heartburn. Saw an ENT friend of mine today and He diagnosed me with "Acid Reflux"! Apparently one of the common symptons is a constant need to clear your throat and "hoarseness", as well as sore throat. He put me on some antibiotics, steroids, bronchodilators for my chest, and Nexium. Recommendations are:

1. Lose any extra weight. (Need to definitely do that!)
2. Don't work out near bedtime. (What's a "Workout"?):-)
3. Limit alcohol, caffeine, and fizzy beverages. (Is there anything else you can drink?)
4. Don't Smoke! :-):-)

Just thought I would pass this along for any inmates who might be having similar symptoms.

Thanks for listening!:-)

Greg
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Hope all of this can clear up sooner rather than later, Greg. It's amazing how much even drinking more water can help with things like this.

Take care!!!!!
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Thanks, Dokk! Need to definitely do that!:-)
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First, those steroids will do wonders (seriously, I have bad allergies which cause tract inflamation and roids knocks it down fast!). Next, as pointed out, drink water. Also, if you must smoke, do not smoke close to bedtime and take a hot shower before bed everynight (and stay in there, let the steam be your friend). I know this sounds like wives tails, but believe me it helps (not a cure by any means, but DOES help). Alot of stomach problems can be caused by **** running down your throat, the steam shower cleans that crap right up.
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Get better soon Greg. Don't give up smoking. As a matter of fact every doctor I've spoken with over my lifetime I've come across those who tell us not to smoke but then I see them smoking. WTF? :-)
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Put some blocks of wood under the headboard of your bed so your head and torso is above your feet when you sleep. Let gravity work.
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Hell I could have saved you a trip to the Dr, does not matter what is wrong with you they always say loose weight, quit drinking and quit smoking is the cure.

Hope you get better soon!
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If I'd taken my doctor's advice and quit smoking when he advised me to, I wouldn't have lived to go to his funeral," George Burns.
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Start taking this,I have been taking it for three years.
Thus far,I have not been sick once.No chest cold,no sinus things.no flu.
Now I don't wake up every morning wanting to do 100 push ups,but I have not been sick...period.

http://www.embriahealth.com/epicor.asp
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Sorry to hear that Greg.
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When the Hell do you ever feel like doing 100 push ups upon awakening???!!!:-)
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Not "Quitting" for good, just a short term, hopefully!:-)

Done!:-)
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Good Points! Thanks!

But, then, I'm not George Burns.:-)
Thanks, Dave!:-)

Thanks!
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The only people I know are The Admiral & Dokk!:-)
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Sorry to hear Greg...here's to a speedy recovery.
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Ditto- feel better soon! If you have "acid reflux" I'm surprised it was not suggested to take a couple antacids before going to bed!
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That, Too; but he told me to be sure and take Nexium 1hr before evening meal. According to Him, it works much better in the evening before going to bed. You're standing on your feet most of the time in the mornings, so the reflux doesn't bother you as much.
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That sucks Greg!! Keep your head up buddy I am sure all will be well soon.
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Get well soon, Greg!! I hate to hear that your feeling ill, my friend.
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Get well soon Greg. As far as the no smoking part, I don't think I would be able to follow that request.
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