My story and how I beat globus sensation
Posted , 164 users are following.
I made a promise that if I got better I would share my story on this discussion board in the hope that I may help someone. All the posts on here were a great comfort to me when I was experiencing this awful condition.
It all happened about 8 weeks ago. I was in the theatre and just sat down to begin the show when I ate a sweet normally, took a sip of water normally and afterwards felt like I was having difficulty swallowing. My mouth went super dry and I felt like a had a lump in my throat and my tongue was enlarged (it wasn't). I thought perhaps I was having a reaction to something so before the interval I had to leave and get out of there. I felt complete terror and danger and thought I was going to die. My husband was worried and took me to A&E. I couldnt breathe properly but was not wheezing. I felt like someone was strangling me, standing on my neck and I was in a complete panic that came out of nowhere. Apparently I had a panic attack or severe anxiety episode. Well, I didnt believe this diagnosis because I had over the years suffered from anxiety on and off and bouts of low mood but even when I have faced the most difficult times in my life, never have I had a panic attack so wondered why on such a happy day I would develop this. Anyway the initial attack was only the start of my problems, I was told the symptoms of my choking sensation would go away within a few hours. It didnt. This made it worse and I was not so easily going to put this down to stress as most things seem to be these days. I went to my GP who said I did seem to have some swelling in my neck and ordered me an ultrasound. As I couldn't wait 3 weeks for the paperwork to come through I saw an ENT consultant privately who put a camera up my nose and down my throat and said everyhing looked perfect and likely to be globus sensation which is common when experiencing panic attacks and anxiety. This only gave me some comfort because I was still feeling these awful symptoms. After the 4th week I had scan and this showed nothing. My thyroid was perfect, which I suspected may be the issue due to my high thyroid antibodies, although I knew I had normal thyroid function. This was also some comfort. I was suffering, and it was really really getting me down. Having to get up every day and go to work was so hard and I was so anxious I was not sleeping or eating well. I thought I would have it forever. After a while I started to think, well this isn't going to kill me as time has proven, its not getting worse or better so I need to start trying things to see if anything helps. I also had a strange crawling sensation in my neck not on top of my skin but underneath - hard to explain. Also when I put chin to chest I felt like the part between my neck and chin was swollen. I tried breathing exercises, hot water bottles, hot baths, drinking red wine, taking NSAI's, drinking loads of water, trying to eat better, sleep better, watching funny films but nothing worked. I then found a couple of websites online suggesting a very simple neck exercise to do many times throughout the day and specifically for globus sufferers. I started to do this and over a week the symptoms started to ease and has got better and better to the point that its only 5% there. The most important part is to make sure your shoulders are always down and pushed back as far as you can. No hunched shoulders or it won't work. Then carefully, with mouth closed, ease your neck back as far as it can go, all the time looking up to the ceiling. You should be able to feel yourself stretching your neck. It may make you cough a little. Then roll your head a little to left and right and centre. It probably won't work the first go. you have to do it many times a day over a week or so.
My GP said that panic attacks can cause a lot of problems in the neck, real tension and muscles, and other structures and a horrid sensation of a lump in your neck. I have to understand now that this is the cause.
Apologies for the long post but it's a long story.
I hope it helps someone.
Good luck to you all and take care of yourselves.
x
35 likes, 1120 replies
meldiggety chippy12
Edited
Hi Fellow Globus Sufferers,
Sorry I'm a little late to the party! I've had mild cases of globus on and off throughout my life, mostly when I've hesitantly taken a new medication that didn't agree with me. But because there was always a reason for it, even thought it was uncomfortable, I knew it would go away (ie: after I stopped taking the new med). A couple months back I had horrible pain in the upper left hand side of my stomach. It went on for a couple weeks. I could only eat liquified veggies/fruit and a tiny bit of protein because eating made it worse. My stomach under my ribs was filled with so much pressure (almost felt like negative pressure) and felt knotted up and nauseous. The Dr. did blood tests, tested for parasites, and I had an CT scan - everything came out totally normal. During that time, I had globus too - to the point where I would start to panic that my espophagus/trachea area would become completely blocked. Eventually the globus subsided when the acute stomach issue did. Now I just have stomach discomfort - mostly on and off gnawing feeling, a little nausea, and just a feeling that my gut is off somehow (slowed down digestion, air pockets in my gut, etc). Then just yesterday, here comes the bad globus and this time much worse - like I'm being choked! But, along with that, it feels either like I need to swallow something that is stuck or like I have a bunch of trapped air at the base of my throat/neck. Every once in awhile, all the pressure comes out in a bunch of tiny burps. I try to force more out but get to a stopping point where nothing comes and I have to stop because of the pressure. I burp every single time I drink something - even water or herbal tea. I can swallow but it feels different when you swallow and feel like something is trapped.
I'm very discouraged because I know my Doc will just say it's GERD and to take some antacids but when I've done that it hasn't helped. Plus, I know that antacids make your stomach worse off in the long run because it prevents your bodies natural enzymes and acids from being produced. So, here is why I'm confused - I have eliminated wheat from my diet (which I've had intolerance to) and don't each much corn or soy either. I rarely have dairy or caffeine. I eat lots of veggies, fruit, good fats, meat, and fish. I take high quality probiotics everyday, along with fish oil and vit D (I was deficient before), I have bone broth weekly (gut healer), I drink lots of herbal tea and water, I take long walks nearly everyday and do lots of stretching. I feel like I put a lot of effort into my health and don't try to just do "quick fixes" or rely on medication. So, why is this happening? I went online and tried to find ways to heal this globus - what I've done so far that hasn't made a difference is press on accupressure points throughout the body that are supposed to open up the throat/esophagus area, drink 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar in one glass of water 10 min before eating to stimulate my bodies own enzymes and stomach acid for better digestion (in case the lump I feel is pressure from undigested food), yoga exercises for opening the esophagus/throat, walking, wearing a healing gemstone necklace, meditation, drinking cold and warm water, and gargling with sea salt water. So far, nothing has changed! I'm going to try the exercises you mentioned as I'm willing to try anything at this point! I'm in the process of studying for a 3 day exam to get my license to practice law, so I know that I do have stress in my life but it doesn't feel out of control. What does feel out of control is trying to focus while it feels as though I'm being choked out! Any advice or camaraderie is appreciated!
Anyone else have the burps or feeling like you need to burp in order to relieve pressure but can't?
I hope you are all feeling better than I am!
nancy33226 chippy12
Posted
For many years, I suffered from a constant sensation of a lump in my throat when swallowing. The first time it occurred I was 40 years old and it was intermittent for 20 years. The doctor I saw then said it was globus, and caused by the fact that I hadn't had a baby and was getting old! He referred me to a psychiatrist. I didn't go. Even when physical symptoms are caused by stress and mental stuff (and I have plenty of that) I find there is usually a physical component that can be treated.
The lump sensation went unexplained and untreated. It was possibly associated with stress. I believe that during that time I also had acid reflux which was not diagnosed until 2011, when I was 61 years old. I took omeprazole for two years, then weaned myself off it and controlled the acid reflux sensation with other methods.
After about 3-4 years of the constant lump sensation, I discovered that if I turned my head to the left before I swallowed, the sensation might go away. It also bothered me less when I drank a beer before eating. I did much physical therapy for my posture (for other reasons) and after about a year the sensation stopped.
I have a schatzi ring at the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and have had trouble swallowing (different from globus). I’ve had three “throat stretches” over the last decade, the most recent Sept 2015 after I had some difficulty swallowing. At that time the doctor said that the ring was not very tight and he only stretched it a small amount. He does not think that is the problem now: recently I have had difficulty swallowing large pills and food like bread, it seems to get stuck higher up than the LES, perhaps at the Upper esoph. sphincter (UES). I had a modified barium swallow which showed two instances of leaking a drop of thin liquid into the airway. That’s all. No constriction at the UES. The speech therapist theorizes that the LES might be constricted and the esophagus backing up to the UES, slowing down swallowing and keeping liquids at the level of the airway.
My theory is that the UES went into spasm for those few years that I felt the lump sensation, and something caused it to relax, perhaps exercise, then it was reactivated by increased acid reflux.
michael29966 chippy12
Edited
Thankyou soooooo much for your article - I have exactly the same as what you described and it is unbelievably horrible - I have started your exercises and already on day one notice a reduction in symptoms - I'm so glad you wrote this as nobody seems to have heard of it let alone has a remedy - doc put me on diazepam which helped but didn't solve it - thankyou once again
peter34524 chippy12
Posted
Hi
?Thank you for the info. I was wondering how you are doing right now and if you have any other suggestion to help others to completly get rid of the globus sensation.
Thanks again
deon28030 chippy12
Posted
Hi! Yes, I would also like to know how you are doing now. The stretching excercises actually don't help me very much
And I completely changed my diet which didn't help me very much. And I even started meditation in the morning which doesn't help me very much
((((( So sad.
-Deon
ricky34929 chippy12
Edited
does any of you have this same symptom but with small amount blood spitting sometimes. I went and did all the medical procedures like most of you here and the dr. told me about this Globus Symptom. I didnt do the exercise yet(will do it)
peter34524 ricky34929
Posted
redpants ricky34929
Edited
This Nightmare for me started in Jan 2017 with reflux & Nausea no acid no heartburn a few days before leaving from Australia in May to the UK I had a cough up blood episode , which I had again when in the UK ( I am a dual resident } . So I had a X ray showed a problem then a Cat scan also showed nodules on my lungs but was told not cancer . I also had a Gaswoscopy which showed a Hiatus Hernia and inflammation in the food pipe . I have also suffered with Tinnitus for over 20 years and found the PPI made it worse I notice that is a known side effect !
I class my condition as Silent reflux and had Globus symptoms for 3 months I been put on Omeprazole & Pantoprazole and have found they don't help I took them for 5 weeks and currently weaning my self off them . After I have been off them for 5 days I will do the Baking soda test when you research Silent Reflux a lot people report PPI medication does not work . Currently working on natural therapies . Had 2 more bad coughing attacks where I cough up small amounts of blood also had the odd chocking attack its a horrible condition . Spend a lot of the day sucking on lollies & find fisherman's friends helps & chewing gum helps to prevent me clearing my throat & dry coughs . My heart goes out to all who suffer ! Studying things to help heal my food pipe and incorporating them in my diet Manuka honey , Aloe Vera juice and researching more.
Has anyone tried Acupuncture or Hypnosis ! If its in are heads no doctor its in my Throat then the Hypnosis might work !
Sorry I am Dyslexic so hope you can understand what I am trying to convey ?
To reduce acid at night I have my bed raised 8 Inches ,I don't go to bed 3hrs after I eat , I eat 6 small meals a day to reduce pressure on my stomach , I eat lots soft foods , I find oatmeal is good with Manuka honey . The trouble with his condition it effects your appetite & keeping weight on is an issue ! I keep a trigger food diary and for me Onions , Tomatoes , fizzy drinks , fatty foods , alcohol create dramas !
Trying to recover so I can do the journey back to Australia .
Never give up every day somebody like me is walking in your shoes suffering, all you hear don't cough don't clear your throat ect , I wish it was that easy !
Good luck I update more as I trying things , not tried the digestive enzymes yet . Has anyone else tried the olive oil ? not tried that !
PPS I have a lump under my arm pit notice a few of you have a simular problem !
terrie27149 redpants
Edited
Wow, you do have alot going on. Sure hope you can find some answers. I too suffer with globus as wrll as acid. I had silent reflux and started taking nexium. When I got iff, had a horrid attack that woke me in late night. Haven't goton back on but using 2 tsp vinegar in cup water daily. This seems to help. I also have lie a polyp on side of my epiglotis. ENT did scope and claims it's lower tonsils. Didnt know we had levels of tonsils, but that area is usually uncomfortable as eell. Hoping we soon get some answers. Yes, several of us have the swollen lymph nodes under arms. Must be due to inflammation in our bodies. I believe it's not only in our throats but all throughout our bodies..going to research that..take care..
katie16755 terrie27149
Posted
We all seem to suffer similar problems! Strange with the glands under our armpits 🤔
I had my CRP levels tested ( they test for inflammation in the body) mine are low, I also had my tonsils removed so globus isn't caused by that.
Do you guys feel acid even when you haven't eaten? I do, I don't understand as I thought you get acid from eating then laying down!
Still so much research to do, let's hope we all get there one day!!
terrie27149 katie16755
Posted
Oh yes maam, I get acid when I dont eat. I have also noticed when I lay down at night on my side if the pillow goes into my side of throat, it's kinda uncomfortable..so fed up with all the different symptoms. I did see on a Web site that alit of ppl that take Lansoprazole suffer with the aches in muscles as a side effect. So forget who was saying they felt achy but if that's the case, it could be med side effect..Iv got another ENT appt next week, Goin to ask about tht test..
katie16755 terrie27149
Posted
So it seems I get acid if I do eat, acid if I don't! Can't win!!
I read last night that salt can cause acid as it relaxes the oesophagul sphincter, well I take a lot of Celtic salt as I have low blood pressure and was under the illusion that as it was full of minerals it was great, maybe not for me!!
I'm back from holiday so time to be strict, I will also book Drs appointment.
Good luck with ENT, there is also the barium swallow test, I'm scared of having endoscopy so may ask for that!!
terrie27149 katie16755
Posted
Mmmmm I do do himalayan.salt..wonder if that's a culprit?
Hope you get it all figured out as well. Will keep updated with what ENT says..I hate to c his reaction when I tell him I'm not taking ppi. I may not even tell him, see what he says about the irritation, if good, then may tell him ..."oh by the way doc, yr ppi sux, I'm takin ACV...lol
katie16755 terrie27149
Posted
Well I wonder, I've been having a lot recently as I read that a concoction of honey and Celtic/Himalayan salt helps you sleep deeply so I've been taking quite a bit 😬 Haven't added any to my food today and haven't started the day with warm water, lime and salt and no real acid 🤔 Still globus but if I can get rid of the acid I'll be happy!! Still too early to tell!!
Good luck with ENT x
katie16755 terrie27149
Posted
haha!! Tell him his ppi's are just a way of getting you to shut up and not get to the real cause!! Also blocking absorption of other minerals etc!!! See what he says!! Bet he wouldn't take them!!
terrie27149 katie16755
Posted
I'd like to know how many would take them. Yea I should tell him that..I ate spaghettI for supper. Sure hope it doesn't get me in a bit..I eat early. 5:00 pm. I do the acv in mornings.try to slow dwn on the spicy and greasy..Sometimes I can eat and it doesn't bother me, but other times, Me oh my..child please!!!
terrie27149 katie16755
Posted
charo88321 terrie27149
Posted
Terri
That's very interesting
I've been using a lot of castor oil in the cold compressed version for its anti-inflammatory properties and apply on the areas that I have lymph nodes like the neck, under arms and my stomach and to help with digestion and it's been helping so far .
Good grettings to you all 😊
katie16755 terrie27149
Posted
I love lavender oil! Only thing was someone told me it can effect your hormones and that would be the last thing I need 🙄😂😂
terrie27149 katie16755
Posted
Lol..awww come on, what's one more thing on yr plate..haha..no, thyme effects hormones, but never heard of lavender and iv done essential oils for a good while and read up alot..but understand if nervous bout it..
but just saying, it is amazing for helping ya rest..
terrie27149 charo88321
Posted
Hi Charo, hope all is well with you..I LOVE ESSENTIAL OILS. The lemon helps me tremendously with the aches in my neck..Peppermint AMAZING for headaches, and lavender is great for stress and calming and helps me sleep so deep. I can't sing the tunes of thm enough..
just wish there was one for acid reflux and globus..
terrie27149 charo88321
Posted
Also lemon helps clean out lymph system..
I have been using organic acv under my arms. Someone said tht on this forum or another one, so I thot hey, gonna do tht, so iv been doing tht nightly. I thought you said tht..can't remember..
katie16755 terrie27149
Posted
I use ACV under my arms! I use in the day as a deodorant, I find it better than proper deodorant, well I put my lavender on last night and checked my Fitbit this morning and not a very good night 😂 Will have to experiment!!
Will try lemon for my neck though as always painful!!
I'm sure I'd read somewhere that lavender raises oestrogen levels 🤔 Hopefully not then! I love frankincense, my favourite!!
charo88321 terrie27149
Posted
I have to say that since I avoided carbs and processed foods I have not had the globus
Is all about yeast
Cut the carbs that are bad for you and increases inflammation
Is been a journey for me cause I love potatoes and rice but I found that when I'm hungry aged cheese fills my cravings for carbs even though it has low carbs feels that has a lot
katie16755 charo88321
Edited
That's brilliant!!!
I'm slightly better with the acid since giving up the Celtic sea salt, will have to give up potatoes too 😞I do eat sweet potato though 😋
terrie27149 katie16755
Posted
Katie, Ok yes, I thought it was one of yall that said tht about acv under arms. Iv been doing that at night. Seems to really help.
Oh no, you had a bad night with the lavender..Man, I hate to hear that. Yes, I too like the frankincense as well. I think iv got most all. My friends husband was hurting in his neck and shoulder and he is now a firm believer in lemon as well after using it. Hope it works for yr neck aches as well..Sometimes I mix up my peppermint with my lemon. That gives it a good kick in the ole snout..
I ft hunk I may try a little peppermint in globus area on neck and see what happens. My globus does seem to be so much better. Acid doesn't hurt as bad, but throat still looKS irritated..gotta feeling my ENT may win this bout between meds and acv..
terrie27149 charo88321
Posted
Charo....NO, NO, NO, say it ain't so about the carbs. I love my taters and rice and breads..
okay, I will cut way down. I do LOVE cheese and iv already stopped process foods because of how bad it is for you..I do need to incorporate more veggies and fruits, which I do daily, but maybe do extra veggies in place of carbs..even tho beans don't bother me at all, I will keep beans and greens on my menu. Love those both..I really do want so bad to eat healthier..I'm really working on it. You wouldn't blev how much I save at grocery now that I only buy foods to cook and not all the ready made easy stuff and snacks..I only snack on popcorn now, no chips, no sandwich meats, less beef more chicken, some meals at least 2 times a week, no meat at all. Today I bought fish, not much a fish eater but Goin to try ..
charo88321 terrie27149
Posted
😂 I know Terrie
Tell me about it. I used to eat tons of potatoes and had to give it up . This is an inflammatory disease and bad and starchy carbs promote inflammation because bacteria feeds on anything that turns into sugar unfortunately. I also read that you have to eat a variety of foods. Eating the same foods every day also creates information so don't eat the same snack every day. Cheese is only good if is Aged . Make sure it says that on the label . I keep rubbing my castor oil in my neck, under arms, stomach and of course my feet everyday to fight inflammation. Remember that the skin is the largest organ we have and absorbs everything to the bloodstream. My inflammation under my arms have gone dots lot.
But has to be Organic cold press castor oil. Buy the best quality you can find.
Every time I feel any kind of itchy in the throat I take a teaspoon of extra virgin organic olive oil and it goes away. It works better than anti-acid medicine.
Good luck my friend!
terrie27149 charo88321
Posted
Oh wow Charo, that's good info girl..Thank you! Goin to find me some of that organic oil for sure..I tell ya, its so much info to obsorb...:0......but next buy, compressed castor oil. So our parents definetly knew something by giving their kids castor oil when they were sick! Got to go back to original methods that use to work..
terrie27149
Posted
katie16755 charo88321
Posted
Great info charo 🤗