I haven’t eaten in a month... what to do?

Hi everyone.

It all started when I had to chew my food for a really long time and avoid certain foods. I became uncomfortable going to restaurants because I was afraid I would choke on it the food (things like spinach,celery, melted cheese). This got progressively worse over the course of a couple months. I thought maybe it was because I had just gotten braces.

It has now been a month since I’ve been unable to eat solid food and it’s driving me crazy. I can’t even tolerate “thick” liquids like smoothies or thicker soups.

My symptoms started out as:

•**difficulty swallowing**

•feels like my esophagus is  closing

•feels like food gets stuck/can almost feel of scraping as it goes down

•slight trouble breathing

•belching after drinking

•chest burning/severe tightness when trying to eat food

I’ve since been to emerg four different times. They checked my breathing with a stethoscope, touched my neck area, looked at my throat quickly, checked my vitals & did blood work - everything turned out normal apparently. Out of the different doctors, only one said she noticed one side of my neck has “thicker skin” (right side)- so she ordered an ultrasound of my neck and thyroid.

Currently, I’m just barely getting enough nutrients to get through the day. Lately I’ve been very tired and sensitive to cold. Since I’ve cut out food, my only symptoms are:

•swallowing difficulty still

•feels like my throat is tight

•sensation like something’s stuck

•excessive saliva/dry throat

•very slight wheezing sound when taking deep breaths

I have a consultation for an endoscopy but that isn’t until next week. I’m constantly worried 24/7 and feel like any second my throat might close completely or I might choke on a drink and die.  I’ve had anxiety for years, but have never had these throat symptoms, so I believe something’s truly wrong. Although I’m a fit, young adult who has no history or smoking or frequent alcohol use, I’m terrified it could be the C word.

The doctors keep sending me home with nothing, saying I have to wait to see the specialist. Also, I have an auto-immune disease if that affects anything. Does anyone else have any similar experiences? Any tips/reassurance on how to not be so worried about it?

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