Managing Persistent GERD and Tongue Numbness: Seeking Solutions - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Gastroesophageal reflux has been recurring for over six months. I have been taking medication to manage it, but it hasn't improved. Recently, I have experienced numbness in my tongue. What should I do?

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In the second half of 2022, I experienced a burning sensation in my throat.
Initially, my traditional Chinese medicine doctor suggested it might be due to tonsillitis following a cold.
After several weeks of herbal treatment without improvement, I switched to a gastroenterology clinic.
In September 2022, I underwent a nasogastric endoscopy, which confirmed that I had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The doctor noted that my stomach showed signs of burns, and a small red spot was visible in the photos.
A biopsy for Helicobacter pylori came back negative, and overall, it didn't seem serious.
I started medication to manage the condition, one of which could only be taken after the endoscopy.
During the treatment, when I felt the medication was less effective, the doctor adjusted my prescriptions, and over the four-month treatment period, I changed medications about 2 to 4 times.
For two months, I was prescribed SUNpyion, and I felt some improvement in my symptoms.
However, in the first month, my menstrual flow was irregular, and in the second month, my period was delayed, which alarmed me.
Upon checking the prescription, I learned that this medication also had antidepressant effects and side effects that could impact my menstrual cycle, so I requested a different medication.
After switching medications, I experienced unusual emotional changes, feeling a lack of emotional fluctuations, which lasted for a week or two before returning to normal.
I wondered if this was related to the sudden discontinuation of the previous medication.
In the first week or two after changing medications, my stomach condition was manageable, but later it seemed less effective.
In late December, I switched medications again and took them for a few days.
During the New Year period, I tested positive for COVID-19, so I focused on recovery and stopped taking the gastroenterology medications.
After recovering in January 2023, I did not experience any GERD symptoms for a month, and I was unsure if it was due to completing the four-month treatment.
In mid-February 2023, after a filling meal at a restaurant, I returned home to rest and experienced stomach cramps in the afternoon.
The next day, my GERD symptoms recurred and have persisted since then.
I returned for a follow-up in late February and resumed medication, but my condition showed little improvement.
By mid-March, I underwent another endoscopy, which again revealed stomach burns, with the small red spot from last year still present.
There were no significant issues with my esophagus, but there was slight swelling at the junction of the stomach and esophagus, similar to last year’s findings.
During the treatment, I took medications like Pantoprazole and Mosapride, which could only be taken after an endoscopy.
The burning sensation in my throat and chest tightness associated with GERD remained pronounced after 5 PM, after meals, and before bedtime.
Starting April 22, I began to experience an unusual sensation on the sides of my tongue near the tip, which felt slightly numb but not sharp, reminiscent of the effects of anesthesia or consuming spicy food.
This sensation typically coincided with GERD episodes, sometimes overshadowing the reflux symptoms.
About five days later, I consulted an infectious disease specialist at a major hospital, considering the possibility of post-COVID complications.
Before blood tests, the doctor prescribed B-vitamin deficiency treatment and stomach medication.
After the blood test, the doctor noted that my anti-inflammatory (cortisol) levels were low (3.1), so they prescribed Pulmicort (an anti-inflammatory medication) and Acetaminophen, along with Mosapride.
I have been on this new regimen for a week, but the burning sensation in my throat and chest tightness continues to be pronounced after 5 PM, after meals, and before bed, often accompanied by mild tongue numbness.
I have already seen a dentist to rule out tongue infections.
Online research suggests that tongue numbness could be related to burning mouth syndrome, stroke precursors, or psychological issues, and its direct relationship with GERD is uncertain.
I maintain a regular diet, avoid coffee, limit sweets and tea, do not snack at night, and generally sleep around midnight.
My work-related stress has decreased compared to last year, and I try to relax and take my medications on time.
I recently underwent a health check-up, but the results are not yet available.
Currently, the issues with GERD and tongue numbness are my primary concerns.
I'm unsure whether I should consult a neurologist, an autonomic nervous system specialist, undergo a CT scan of my brain, continue with the gastroenterology medications, or seek other opinions.
I hope the doctor can provide some advice based on my situation over the past year.
Thank you.

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Li Mi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/12