Food getting caught in lower esophagus, Doctor has me on PPI says no worry at my age. Any advice

Have you had a history of persistent heartburn?

Food getting stuck is a red flag symptom, regardless of age, so I would contact the endoscopy department, tell them about the food getting stuck, and see whether they could bring it forward.

Statistically your GP is correct, but cancer can occur at your age, but it is indeed rare.

Hi, I think Nitrate sprays etc are more akin to Short (very) LES relaxation; and Calcium Channel Blockers etc for spasms. I have tried both (under my doc) and had good results. The CCBs seem to help with swallowing too; they allow the blood vessels to widen. Fairly serious drugs though, and need medical prescription. I think my Achalasia is blood flow related (there is a whole thread on CCBs on this forum somewhere); but one thing I have learned (subjectively) about this condition is that not only do symptoms vary between sufferers but sources seemingly do too...

As you said earlier, research is not a bad way to fill the gaps between treatments..

Hope the test goes/went well. 

N 

It does sound like you are in the right place for some advice... However, it is best not to assume anything at all!, and just try to relax yourself. I can feel your anxiety just through the text! So, feeling as you do makes total sense!..

To help with both your symptoms and stress High strength Magnesium and V B really helped me, plus massage, meditation and even acupuncture. I find Watching fave films, going to a fave place, doing some photography (or whatever has relaxed you in the past) triggers some unexpected normality. Try and find some balance somehow. Or, try something new, maybe exercise related. Meanwhile, do take Alans advice and be proactive with the docs! Its just good diligence. But, try and be objective to help the anxiety. This is most likely just indigestion worsened by stress! Stress and anxiety can cause almost any symptom..Just google symptoms- it is such a minefield anyone would give up after 5 mins. It just gets bonkers..   

Wishing you healthy and relaxed karma. 

N 

Hi, I would advise that try to eat little and, often and, avoid eating late at night. Chest pain that radiates under the ribs and, to shoulder could possibly be a result of the oesophagus going into spasm. Avoid stress if you possibly can as stress and, anxiety only prolongs the pain, attempt to relax as best you can. The sensation of something being stuck can be the result of an acid reflux episode rather than something physically being stuck but, it is important that this is checked out. Hopefully the PPI treatment will help with any acid reflux. I understand that it is difficult not to feel anxsious but, stress will only make your symptoms worse. It’s the worst combination. I feel that something is stuck in my oesophagus after a reflux attack, I refer to it as plum stone. This obviously should be investigated by way of an endoscopy but, a barium swallow test will show the speed in which your food is traveling and, if there is any obstruction or, narrowing. A manametry swallow test is the most reliable test in my own experience as it will show how the motility of your oesophagus is working, how the nerves and, muscles are working. These are the three main tests that you should request from your GP or, gastroenterologist. I avoid any alcohol or, spicy food, pastries and, for some reason bread is a killer for me. My swallowing problems always seemed to be the first meal of the day and, then it became easier. I’ve suffered from Achalasia since 1985 and, have now developed Barrats oesophagus, I’m awaiting surgery as my oesophagus has well past its sell by date and, I require an oesopegetomy. Best thing is eat small amounts little and, often and, maybe try to tilt your head back to stretch the throat to help ease your food down. Never go to sleep immediately after eating. Do you suffer from acid reflux often? Best of luck but, request these three test and, I’m sure all will hopefully be revealed and, you can be treated. Take care Jan

Hi, I have found this forum a god send in the last couple of months and, you will find a wealth of great advice. Everybody has their little tricks so to speak in their own management. A large number of people immediately jump onto Google and, I’m no exception but, don’t get stressed by what you read. Achalasia is a mine field and, everybody has different problems associated with this disease. My advice, don’t jump to the worst conclusion but, have the tests as a quickly as possible so that you can manage your symptoms and, I wish you the very best of luck. Keep calm and, take care