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dysphagis (difficulty swallowing)

gabpaul
gabpaul
Hello,

Does anyone else suffer from Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)? It is driving me batty, and it has been very bad for the past few weeks. I also have Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (an autoimmune disease), which can cause both anxiety and dysphagia, and many other things that I suffer from.

Sometimes it is hard to simply swallow saliva. This always causes a panic attack. There are times where I just want to go to the ER. I have Xanax, but I dont want to take it every day.

So I spend every day thirsty, hungry, and on the verge of a panic attack, which is not good for my autoimmune disorder.

Most of my many doctors downplay the dysphagia. However, I am seeing a gastroenterologist in 2 weeks for the dysphagia and IBS.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Gabrielle
deleted_user
deleted_user
I never had true Dysphagia. I was just afraid that I "could" have it. I wondered if I had it. I feared that I had it. I treated myself like I had it and I ate like I had it. But I never had it. So basically I wasted a lot of time for nothing.
I'm sorrry to hear you are having a bad time. Hopefully the GI will be able to help you out.
gabpaul
gabpaul
Thanks!
deleted_user
deleted_user
trust me I know your pain...it is a terrible feeling!!
lilacs22
lilacs22
Gabrielle, insuffer from dysphagia and am currently having a bad flare up and I am going through the testing phase again. However this time it is much worse than the previous occurrences :(. I have one more test to go (EGD with biopsy). On my video swallow, it clearly showed a new problem (looks like an obstruction) that stops the food and liquids and then with the second swallow they squeeze by on the side. Needless to say, i am very concerned :(. Waiting now for the call from the doc on the results of a esophagael barium X-ray. Would love to talk with you in regards to your symptoms.
gabpaul
gabpaul
Sure we can talk! I just posted about dysphagia in another discussion just today. It is the bane of my existence. I am waiting for the results of an esophagus X-ray and barium swallow and an esophageal manometry (which was an awful experience). Basically, it is hard for me to eat right now, so I avoid food at times. Then I lose weight and spend by day hungry and dizzy. I go through bad phases, and I am in one right now. Swallowing has been a problem on a daily basis for 5 or so months now. Liquids are hard to swallow at times too.

My problem is not a blockage yet. I have the dysphagia with starting the swallow doesnt work. It is really embarrassing in restaurants! (Sometimes, I avoid them.)

It causes my husband and me a great deal of anxiety. Feel free to private email me if you want.

Good luck!

Gabrielle
gramybear
gramybear
Yes, I go through the same thing and it's scary at times. I want to swallow so badly but then I think I get myself in a panic and make it worse just to swallow. It's really bad if I'm eating anything like bread. I haven't been to my GI Specialist for awhile now but mine could be caused from my Barrett's Esophagus. Try not to panic when you feel that way. What helps me is when I think about the guy doing the MRI and telling me not to swallow. Well hello, of course I'm going to swallow then! And it's also easier when you are lying down. Hope this helps a little.
gabpaul
gabpaul
Any advice helps! Thanks!