Woman’s Rare Condition Causes Embarrassing Dinosaur-like Noises
Lauren Petrie, a 34-year-old from Kettering, Northamptonshire, has been living with Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction (R-CPD), a condition that prevents her from burping. This rare condition led to years of extreme bloating, cramping, and strange noises emanating from her throat, leaving her feeling “miserable”. Despite noticing symptoms at 17, the last two years have been particularly debilitating for Lauren. Videos captured her making embarrassing dinosaur-like noises, which affected her daily life, causing her to avoid going out.
R-CPD is a condition where the muscle at the back of the throat fails to relax, preventing air from escaping the stomach, leading to symptoms such as abdominal bloating, chest pain, excessive flatulence, and gurgling noises. Unfortunately, treatments for R-CPD are not readily available on the NHS, prompting Lauren to spend £6,000 on private Botox injections in her neck and throat. These injections help relax the muscle and have significantly improved her symptoms, providing much-needed relief.
Lauren’s journey with R-CPD has been challenging, with symptoms worsening over time, impacting her daily activities and social life. The inability to burp resulted in uncomfortable bloating and pain, making it difficult for her to enjoy meals or engage in regular activities without experiencing distress. However, after undergoing multiple rounds of Botox injections, Lauren finally found relief from her debilitating symptoms and can now burp successfully.
Describing her struggles with the condition, Lauren shared instances of feeling like she was “drowning in her own air”, highlighting the physical and emotional toll R-CPD took on her. Despite facing setbacks with earlier treatments, she remained determined to find a solution, eventually opting for a higher dose of Botox that has shown promising results. The relief of being able to burp again has brought immense joy to Lauren, allowing her to look forward to enjoying simple activities without discomfort.
Lauren’s story exemplifies the challenges faced by individuals living with rare conditions and the importance of access to appropriate treatments. While navigating the complexities of managing a lesser-known disorder, her perseverance and resilience have led to significant improvements in her quality of life. By sharing her journey, Lauren hopes to raise awareness about R-CPD and inspire others facing similar struggles to seek help and not lose hope in finding effective solutions.