Problems swallowing, GP believes it is anxiety but...
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For the last year I have had severe problems swallowing, anything more than soup, porridge or tinned mince and powdered potatoes causes me terrible problems, I have lost 6 stone in this whole year. I have been for endoscopy -clear, barium swallow-clear- and a stomach scan which is also clear. problem is that for example, I tried to eat a mushy and very mild vegetable curry and that was it, I was off, burping, forced burping because I feel like something is trapped in my throat, this is severe as I start to spasm and feel like I am choking to death. This also occurs after eating my usual shepherds pie with the above ingredients.
If it is anxiety it is only brought on by not being able to eat- I used to eat a lot, all kinds of food, now it is just the above. My Gp said she believes it to be anxiety, but like last night, 20 minutes after eating and burping, the food literally comes back up by itself, I cannot stop this, I wish to eat! I choke and splutter, become very light headed and disorientated along with a strange feeling as if I am walking on air.. or air filled balloons.
I also tend to have a metallic taste in my mouth which is horrid, constant lump in the throat, I ate porridge this morning and have been gaseous ever since, along with other odd symptoms as my eyesight has become worse over the last year, I am insanely itchy all the time, especially under my right shoulder blade.. this is really intense.
I was however on Simvistatin for a while and had the nasty side effects like carpal tunnel, this also supposedly may cause problems with swallowing, I stopped them four weeks ago and the carpal tunnel has gone and the majority of all the other symptoms, except with I just cannot eat anything solid, I have chickens and used to have a couple of eggs every day, now I loathe the strange taste of the egg white.. I am 50 years of age and honestly feel that I shall not be around much longer.
Any advice would be welcome, I have an appointment on the 31st March with a consultant whom I believe is going to go through all the tests with me.. I am afraid if they say it is anxiety as I feel like my problem is not in the mind but is physical.
Thank you for taking the time to read.
1 like, 94 replies
melissa77
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Guest melissa77
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Hi, I see that it's been 4 years since your post, but have you ever been tested for Lyme disease?
jennifer217
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AlanT
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melissa77
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janski
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I have had severe depression and a symptom of this is what someone called the throat monster! you are unable to swallow .food gets stuck etc. weight loss occurs obviously as your appetite is also affected.
it does sound however as if something else far more serious is going on and I feel that something is being missed.
Just persevere and you will find out your problem.....hope its soon for you.
karla64860 janski
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janski karla64860
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I am sorry you are feeling this ....its horrid I know!
You need to ask for a Barium swallow this will diagnose the condition you have.
Good luckÂ
Maryclare1 janski
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Hi Janski,
I have had difficulties swallowing my food for the past two years and the doctors have put it down to anxiety as it began when i first started experiencing severe depression. I like your term the "throat monster" as this is exactly what it is!! Can i ask you how do you cope with it?
AlanJM Maryclare1
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You might also find it helpful to download 'A Patinet's Guide to Achalasia' through Free e-books, or the website of the oesophageal patients Association
Maryclare1 AlanJM
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       i have been looking up achalasia and it isnot pleasant reading!! Are you a sufferer yourself? I am a bit different in the sense that i have huge difficulties swallowing liquids but not so much difficulty swallowing food but when i eat and drink together it is tricky. i think i need to return to the doctors.
AlanJM Maryclare1
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Maryclare1 AlanJM
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       Yes i am trying the small sips and it does help.
I read the material you mentioned on the oesophageal patients association,thankyou. I am lying low with flu at the moment but when i recover i am going to visit my doctor as he thinks it is all in my head.
Thanks ,
Mary​
jamie62411 Maryclare1
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Hi,
Yes I am a sufferer from Achalasia with Cardio Spasms. So after you go through the testing and there are only 3 test that will give you the answers. Then get involved with a group that has good interaction. Because we all have it but there are various symptoms and advancements. In the States FB is a good way to start and I can get you info on groups. I for instance can drink fluids but can't down breads and meats easily. I wish you well and please do send me a friend request. Jamie Moore and a giraffe is my face!
jamie62411
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Oh I must tell you that if your doctor thinks it's in your head FIRE him. Manometry, Barium swallow and EDG are the test. This is a disease without cure and get ahold of NORD. These are rare disease supporters. Only one in 200k people get our disease.
janski Maryclare1
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As it is a symptom of anxiety and depression it does fade in time.Â
Divert your attention to other things if possible, If it is Achalasia however it is a different matter.
Being able to swallow my food down with this condition is sometimes a
nightmare. I talk myself through it that it always goes down in the end!
Information is powerful and energising.....do research all that you can.
best of luck
JanskiÂ
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Maryclare1 janski
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        many thanks for all your very useful advice. I really do appreciate it. I am lying low with the flu at present but will return to the doctor when i get over this and ask for a referral. As you say yoursef, information is powerful and energising!
Bless you
Maryclare
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Maryclare1 jamie62411
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       Many thanks for all your great advice. I will take it on board and will stay in touch.
Many thanks,
Mary Clare
Maryclare1 janski
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        you mention that as it is a symptom of anxiety and depression it does fade in time, that is reassuring!! I have had my symptoms since my depression began, then they faded but now are back with a vengence. Are you on fb? Id really like to keep in touch as we share common conditions, ie depression. Would you be up for more contact? Hopefully so as i feel like you that information is power and sharing increases our knowledge.
Bless you,
Mary Clare
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aaron56708 Maryclare1
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counselling that's what I'm having to do as I have the same problem I have a endoscopy tomorrow and hopefully that will say what's wrong with me also stress is a very big part of it
hope you get sorted soon
AlanJM aaron56708
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Tension does affect the nerves and muscles, sometimes where there is a point of some form of weakness. So even when people do have surgical treatment, it always helps if they can relax around food and swallowing, something that is easier said than done. But many people do find complementary therapies and relaxation techniques helpful, and if it helps to clarify things and reduce stress, counselling could well help also.
?Achalasia is associated with how the nerve endings driving the swallowing muscles operate, rather than the muscles themselves, and it would be helpful to share that with your counsellor.
Maryclare1 aaron56708
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            Hi aaron, i hope your procedure went well, aaron.
Hopefully they can get to the root of the problem, it is not pleasant at all.
Keep in touch.
Maryclare1
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aaron56708 Maryclare1
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hi Mary I didn't go through with ittttt as I had a anxiety and panic attack I was in hysterics but rebooked for the 20th this month I'm so terrified of being awake I'll keep you up to date
Maryclare1 aaron56708
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            I am so sorry to hear that you could not proceed with the procedure.
It would be really terrifying, it would be so much easier to be asleep for it.
I am glad that you rebooked.
From now until then you can practise your breathing and chat to your counseller, they will help you cope with the anxiety.
I went to the dentist yesterday, i was there in January and could hardly sit in the chair as i was so anxious. I was told i needed fillings and kept cancelling my appointment.
I went yesterday and i was dreading it, i practised my breathing and got through it.
Now i know this is not on the same level as your procedure but it was huge for me.
You will be able to do this, aaron.
Keep in touch.
Mary clare1
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