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Why is this happening? What can I do?
So since March 19th, when I first had a panic attack (since then they have stopped). I have had difficulty swallowing, solids are liquids. Aside from small periods of respite. The front of my neck always feels tight and constricted, when I swallow the sensation is though my oesophagus has narrowed in size or is numb to sensation (and I am going to choke). I am repeatedly told it is due to acid reflux and anxiety and I am taking the medication, although with great difficulty and following diet guidelines set but it doesn't improve. During this period I have lost 13kg of weight and am struggling to find hope I'll ever return to normal. I also constantly feel lightheaded, unable to concentrate or think, and lethargic. sometimes feel great pressure in my head and face. I simply would like to ask, does anyone have any advice? Or expertise they would like to share? I would try anything at this point.
Also like to know what meds you're taking. Doctors blame everything on acid reflux, but if it were that you would be feeling heartburn and the like, not just this difficulty swallowing. Reflux is a digestive disorder, and the medication for it is not for long-term use unless absolutely necessary because it suppresses the stomach's production of acid and it must produce it in order to digest protein and minerals. So when you take suppressant drugs it starts to produce more and more acid to do this, and your doctor will keep prescribing more and more drugs creating what's called rebound acidity. if you really had that problem you can fix it with gentler things, such as not eating soon before going to bed (lying down causes the acid to flow up rather than stay in the stomach digesting your food), and using some natural remedies that coat the stomach rather than suppress the acid. But again, I don't think, having had this problem for years, that you're describing it. You might have what's called a herniated esophagus, but I'm guessing this is a symptom of anxiety and not something caused by an ulcer or reflux. Just a guess based on my own experience with this. I do have a herniated esophagus that went along with a bleeding ulcer I had many years ago, and sometimes I have a problem swallowing water or pills -- sometimes just goes down the wrong pipe more than it would otherwise and leaves a feeling of pressure in my throat. I fix it with a small swig of aloe vera juice right after I take pills, which is what I mean by there being a lot of things in nature people have used for years to help with digestive problems that don't create more problems if you know which parts of plants to use and which ones to use, which you can either learn or find a doctor who knows about this kind of thing to help. But again, what you're describing along with an anxiety problem your doctors are telling you that you have suggests relaxation techniques and some therapy for your lingering anxiety from those panic attacks or whatever caused them might be the better and longer fix. Good luck.
2 Comments
And I should add, antidepressants didn't help any -- they come along with digestive problems as well, but this also can be addressed. Something I find is that those of us who suffer anxiety, including me, often eat too quickly and don't chew our food enough, and that means swallowing larger chunks of food -- why they call it wolfing down your food. If you calm down you will slow down.
The medication I am taking is Lansoprazole, Gaviscon and nasonex spray.
1"I am repeatedly told it is due to acid reflux and anxiety" - I presume your doc told you this.
2 What med are you taking?
3 You are anxious, which can be all consuming at times (sometimes all the time), so likely these symptoms would go away if you can find a way to get the anxiety under control. Since the esophagus is frightening you, I think you need to talk to someone (likely a doc) who can take the time to explain the physics of your esophagus, which might help you understand that nothing is wrong with yours. My understanding of your situation is doc said the esophagus is ok, but you are thinking it doesn't work right most of the time.
2 What med are you taking?
3 You are anxious, which can be all consuming at times (sometimes all the time), so likely these symptoms would go away if you can find a way to get the anxiety under control. Since the esophagus is frightening you, I think you need to talk to someone (likely a doc) who can take the time to explain the physics of your esophagus, which might help you understand that nothing is wrong with yours. My understanding of your situation is doc said the esophagus is ok, but you are thinking it doesn't work right most of the time.
1 Comments
Yes the doctor told me this. Lansoprazole, gaviscon, nasonex spray (for a nasal issue). Although this is random, I had a CT head scan before the swallowing issues began, and have been paranoid it is due to radiation. Also, thank you for the advice.
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