It feels like I'm choking on food?

Carol,

That's what my hiatal hernia feels like. I've had it for 35 years and I often have to go to the ER because I can't tolerate the pain. It's much like labor pain. There have been countless nights when I've had to sit up in a chair and, well, I'll call and tell you about it because I just can't write about it. But I'd had it for years before they finally diagnosed it with an upper GI. Something like half of the population has one but most people don't have symptoms. I'll share more with you another day. Today is not a good day for me.

In case that's what it is, take maalox or mylanta, get a script for acifex, elevate your head while in bed, don't wear anything tight around your middle, and don't eat raw onions, jalapenos, or peppermint. And talk to your doctor about it. You've probably heard me talk about my Green Lizzard here and that has been a lifesaver. It's a prescription liquid that contains an antacid, lidocaine, and an antispasmodic. It helps more than any pain med I have.

I don't know if gastritis causes the symptoms you're having or not. Forgive me for not writing more now. I hope it gets better. It can be pretty miserable.

Pat

Hi hun, I'm sorry you aren't doing well. I know this weather has me pretty beat down. I can't even go out of the house and have to turn up the heat to try to dry the place out. It's like a big weight on my chest. Not heart attack kind of thing just my useless set of lungs. So many people are being admited in the hospital that I know because pnemonia is going around like crazy here.

I actually do have a small hiatal hernia they found when they were looking for somthing else when I was in the hospital a couple of years ago. I don't get the indigestion often. Except when I eat a hotdog loaded with onionn and than go to bed. But than that serves me right!

I hope you start feeling better soon. we have plenty of time to chat on the phone when we are both healthy at the same time. Maybe june? You shouldn't be running around trying to do all this paper work and house selling stuff. I know there are somthing that have to get done but I really hate that you have to do this stuff when you aren't doing well. It just takes so much longer to recover.

try to rest and take care

love ya hun

carol

What you have is called dysphagia.  Many different things can cause swallowing problems and it is common with lupus and other AI diseases.  My case was so bad I could not even swallow my own saliva for 3 months and had a feeding tube inserted in my stomach.  There is nothing you can take to improve it....speech therapy will do that.

Lupus can affect your muscles and most likely that is the cause.  As I said there are many other causes so without seeing a speech pathologist and being tested you cannot determine what is wrong.

My case was caused by my muscle disease, polymyositis which severely weakned the muscles used for back of the tongue movement and laryngheal elevation.  Both of these actions are necessary for swallowing.  Speech therapists can also teach you strategies for safely swallowing food and liquids.

Discuss this with your doctor.

Bill

Hi Carol,

   I agree with Bill that alot of different things an attribute to swallowing problems. I did have a Hiatal Hernia a few years ago. I couldn't sleep unless I had my upper body raised. When I laid down, it felt like I was drowning. I had terrible reflux, pain and choking spells. I had it repaired and these problems have gone away.

   I do have problems swallowing now at times from Sjogren's or muscle issues. It's like the food either goes down unexpected or I have trouble getting it down. I keep forgetting to talk to my doctor about this but, I'm making a note to take when I go again.

   I hope you find out whats going on and get some relief soon. Please take care and rest. Keep us updated. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

                                                        Love, Babs

Thanks alot everyone for all the info. I'm worried if I mention it they will stick somthing down my throat. I am so sick of getting poked and proded. But I guess if that will help to resolve the issue I sure don't want to get as bad as some of you have. I did notice today that it even was a minor discomfort when I drink a cup of coffee. I have had two rheumy's ask me if it ever hurt I said yes 1 told me that PBC will cause it and the other said CREST will cause it.
Do you ever feel completely comfused and overwhelmed?
thanks again I guess I need to start making my list for the newest rheumy I havn't seen yet. I sure hope this is my 3rd and last one. :(.
love ya guys
carol