scared

[bluegardenia]

hi everybody. some minutes ago i had a terrible experience. like i said many times , for me the problem is dry throat and im extremely careful when im eating. it takes almost one hour to eat what i used to eat in 20 minutes and im never relaxed.i mean that for me, meal time is the worst  and scary moment bec pieces of food can stay there and stuck in my throat for hours even with sauces or if i drink water or liquids and  its not only that but also some flavours seem to provoke a spasm or to go in the wrong place, hope i explained. something  has changed in my throat. i made the swallowing test while on rx but they say that everyything is ok but of course they bdont give you real food while testing but the liquid with contrast and its different. i had a terrible moment just  just now with the juice of grape and i would like to know if it happens to someone else, thanks

[Joe S.]

I had a problem with a piece of chicken getting stuck. They went in with a scope to remove it. Then told me I had a Ring that needed to be expanded in my throat. That procedure did help for a number of years. The problem does return from time to time now. Carbonation seems to help get things down.

[Kathy57]

Blue,

Sorry you are having such a scary time.  I have a friend with Sjogren's that has to really chew and chew and chew her food before she swallows and really can't eat much meat.  Part of it is that her esophagus doesn't contract normally.  She has had Sjogren's for years.

I have not had this issue but the last time I had an upper endoscopy it was very painful because the doctor had to dialate my esophagus.  It hurt to swallow for days afterward!  I sometimes have trouble chewing and swallowing when my mouth is very dry. 

I wish I had better advice to give to you.  I'm sure there are others who can offer more support.

Kathy

[irish]

One thing that might help is to turn your head to the right or left and look across your shoulder and glance over the edge of your shoulder. Swallow and you will find that this helps to open the throat some. You might be wise to see a gastrointestinal doctor and have some tests to check your muscle contractions in your esophagus. If the muscular contractions or motility are slowed it affects how the fast the swallowing process goes.

You might want to try using some Biotene oral gel and squeeze some into your mouth and swallow it as you swish it around. It doesn't taste very bad and it doesn't take very much. Now when you swallow your mouth won't be so dry and your throat may be more apt to get food down.

Have you ever gone for swallowing rehab or speech therapy. I had this and it does help some. Being you
haven't had a diagnosis of swallowing impairment you might want to have the esophageal motility test and ask the doc if he thinks this would be of help to you. Good luck. Irish

[SjoGirl]

You do not appear to be taking Evoxac or Salagen, have you tried either one. I started having significant issues with swallowing and also became concerned, the Evoxac has been a god send.

[bluegardenia]

thanks so much for your kind replies. i cannot take salagen or evoxac bec they could worsen heart issues.
i believe my problem depends for a strange sensitivity of my throat. i had the same issue yesterday night with a soup that had a strong taste,  not so strong for anybody else.im not allergic  to any of its recipe, i know but my  larynx reacted badly. may b bec its usually  so dry im more sensitive?? when i make fibroscopies everything looks normal

[Sharon]

Sorry you're going through this Blue!
Probably a long shot, but I've read there are also other conditions that can cause swallowing difficulties
such as Myasthenia Gravis.
Hope you find some relief soon.

[irish]

The first thing I would advise you to do is to buy a thickener that you can add to fluids if that is a problem. I would also not eat anything like grapes or olives if they are chancey. Also, remember to look over the end of your shoulder blade to help open the throat up.

Yes, it might be wise to be checked for myasthenia gravis. I have this disease and have had several swallowing tests. Also, it does depend of what you eat what you do the test. I have had several different foods like puddings, etc milk, etc.  Everyone has a different reason for having a swallowing problem and it might be good to get a second opinion and to have blood work for myasthenia gravis. The blood work is the acetylcholine blood level and the antistriated---shoot, it just flew through my mind. I am in a motel using their computer and almost ready for it to shut down. Maybe someone else can fill in that blank for me please. Yuu probably need to see a neurologist to get checked for other neurological conditions. Do not be afraid to do these things cause finding out what is going on helps keep us from going crazy. Also, remember that thicker foods go down better---for most people find the foods that work for you and try to build a good nutritional diet around that while you are finding out more info.

You can buy the thickeners at a drug store, The secret is to not get things too thick or you need a pickaxe. Good luck. Irish

[bluegardenia]

thanks so much for your suggestions. i think that i do not explain well myself. i have problems to swallow dry things but i can swallow water tea or more or less every liquid. i noticed that some things like  a certain kind of honey, wine or grapes CAN choke or close or give me the impression to close my throat.  i have problems with strong hodours and perfumes and flavours, going to the hairdresser to bleach my hair scares me so i bring a mask. i dont think its neurological its just the flavour or odour

[Judie P]

Allergic reaction?