Hoarseness from GERD?

I started with a cold a few weeks ago and then it went into laryngitis...it's better now but not right, still sounds very hoarse when I talk.  I've had years of GERD with some respites in between but lately I've been under enormous stress and stomach is acting up again.  I also feel like I constantly have to clear my throat....then voice sounds better for awhile, but then it builds up again.  Someone said it could be post nasal drip, as I too feel like I have a lump in my throat and need to swallow all the time.  I also suffer from anxiety (and I suppose depression over the loss of a job and severely strained financial situation) and I'm on Cellexa for that....I usually post on the anxiety site but thought I could get some advice on this GERD thing....I rarely have true "heartburn" but other stomach issues.  I was on Prilosec for a long time and it seemed to help the GERD tremendously but I haven't taken it for about a year.  The GERD symptoms aren't that severe other that it's affect on my throat so I'm wondering if I should go back on the Prilosec.  I'm terrified of docs, too, and always feel I'll have cancer, but I have no insurance right now anyway so that's not an option for me.  My unemployment is too high for me to qualify for medicaid so I'm really stuck...and BROKE.  None of these things serves to help with how I'm feeling...maybe it's just all psychological.  It's just all so frustrating.  Thanks for listening

Mary, I advise not to second guess yourself.  Lots of people who have anxiety issues also suffer from very real and painful medical conditions.  The two are not mutually exclusive.

Given your history of GERD, it seems possible that the hoarseness and throat problems could be related.  I hope it's just a lingering cold bug, like you said.  Check the Internet or the phone book for your local free clinic.  I live in L.A., where there are many such clinics -- some of which are quite nice and reputable.  The docs there should be able to help you, or even refer you to an ENT specialist who treats free of charge. 

Best,

LauraV