Hi,
My gastrointestinal problems are legion now. I had an endoscopy colonoscopy two weeks ago, and the doctor was frankly appalled at the conditions he encountered.
Both my esophagus and my bowel show serious dysmotility. That means that the contractions that move stuff along are weak, and sometimes stop working entirely. In addition there was significant inflammation and the lining of my esophagus was sloughing off. I had a polyp removed from my colon was well.
Last night we had a fancy party where I live....amazing decoration, a live band, and food to die for. Well, I had three or four bites of the food...and nothing went down. The food stopped about midway down and the pain stopped me.
The type of dysmotility I have is sometimes called the 'nutcracker' variety. My esophagus clamps down on the food and it is painful.
I have to 'force' myself to expel the food (don't ask) but the condition continued all evening and my plate of food was basically untouched. if you knew me you would know that I always eat everything!
I know that certain 'textures' of food are most likely to trigger this problem (if anything I eat actually triggers it). Dense foods like chicken breast or bagels seem the worst.
When the problem sets in, even liquids just stop at the 'nutcracker' point and don't go down.
Does anyone else have this?
I'm sure it's part of the neuropathy caused by my Immune System attacking me.
I just have to be very conscious of what I'm putting in my mouth...evaluate the food carefully, take very small bites and wait and see. This is so NOT ME.
Well, I guess it has to be the new me. There aren't any treatments that I can find on-line. But I'm talking again with my GI team in about three weeks, to discuss test results, symptoms and options.
On the positive side, I'm at the lowest weight in 20 years. I've lost 50 pounds in the past 5 years...so that's a positive.
Elaine
Elaine,
I was wondering how you were doing. I really haven?t been reading a lot of posts because I?ve been busy taking care of other people, but that?s not a bad thing.
I?ve been feeling okay (but not great) but able to do what I need to, so that is a blessing.
I do not have the severe problems that you have with your motility, but I?ve been kind of miserable lately with my Digestion. My esophagus is very dry and I know things move very slowly through my system. Yesterday I was craving hard crusty bread with butter and so I indulged with a very large chunk.
Later, I started experiencing stomach pain and cramping - and this has happened before on several occasions. I wasn?t able to eat supper and I had made an amazing dinner that everyone else thoroughly enjoyed! I just felt miserable like nothing could move forward at a certain point.
Finally, I started throwing up but it was so scary cause I had trouble getting it up. I felt like things were stuck in my esophagus and at one point I felt like I was choking and couldn?t breathe. I went to bed early, and this morning I can take water and some of my meds.
I do not believe that I have a virus because when this happens to me no one else gets sick. I feel it?s my Sjogrens! I just had an Endoscopy and I do have Bad GERD, Barrett?s esophagus, inflammation and all the rest, but I take meds and usually I?m okay.
I wonder if it was the chunkiness of the bread? Did I not chew it well? This has happened before and I?m totally knocked out for a day.
I?ve been busy taking care of my grandkids and my husband and I think maybe I don?t drink enough water or chew my food well enough?
I love to eat! But I guess I have to be careful.
Your fancy party sounds amazing! I hope you are able to enjoy many more without having to deal with these issues.
I?m sorry you are having these terrible issues, but it reminds me that we are not alone.
I hope your day is a good one,
Kathy
Thanks Kathy,
You DO have lots of esophageal problems and I know Barrett's must be carefully monitored.
Yes, we live in a senior living community, secluded on 23 acres, and there are many delightful activities, all day long, something for everyone and the occasional 'big bash'. We moved here so I could just roll out the door and join in! And it works.
I was thinking a muscle relaxant might help with the spasms in my esophagus, but how could I swallow the pill so it gets into my system???? Catch 22 for sure.
And yes, we are not alone!
Love, Elaine
Elaine, I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with this.
I do have some minor issues that are worrying me. I feel like my esophagus is dry and I've had 3 scares with choking. I'm now being very careful and thinking about what I'm eating. Unfortunately I have not not lost any weight -- which would help my health overall.
Take good care.
Marie
Maybe just smash the pills and put them in apple sauce. That's what my uncle used to do. That might go down well.
Always check labels or with your pharmacist about crushing pills, or even breaking them in half. Some are coated with specific coverings to dissolve in certain areas of the digestive system , to provide best effect. Others are timed release, and breaking them open may alter that so that all the drug is absorbed quickly, instead of being slowly released.
Dear Sixty, thanks for your reply.
I never have any problem taking pills and can swallow 15 at a time, usually.
I was talking about how I could I get a pill down when my esophagus is clamped shut and even water stops above the closed part. I wouldn't be able to take any pills, like a muscle relaxant, to help my esophagus relax, because the pill would stop above the closed part, so wouldn't get into my system to relax my muscles.
There is no treatment for this problem I guess. My gastroenterologist had no suggestions. They are more concerned about the gastric erosions, etc. and the GERD. I don't have Barrett's which is good news, of course.
Regards, Elaine