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fear of swallowing

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Posted 7/27/2007 11:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi.

A few years ago I had a fear of swallowing. My parents told me it was because I thought about it, and I haven't spoken to a doctor about it. I only had the problem for a month, and it  mysteriously went away. A few weeks ago I once again had trouble swallowing. The only way I can get myself to swallow my food, is by drinking milk or water while chewing. At dinner I'm alway worried that someone will make me laugh, or the phone will ring and I'll choke. At times when I find it hard to swallow I sneak in my room and eat. Whenever I have trouble swallowing I freak out, thinking I might choke or the food might go down wrong. does anyone else have this problem? I have no idea what to do. If anyone could help me, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks.

 

Post Edited (supergirl938) : 7/28/2007 1:04:35 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/27/2007 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Supergirl,
Welcome to Healing Well. I am sorry you have the fear of swallowing. Do you still live at home with your parents. If you do, I feel it would be best to start by telling them and then a complete check up by a physician to be sure you have no physicial problems going on.
Please stay with us. Your welcome here and there are a lot of wonderful members.
Posted 7/27/2007 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
When I was 14 or 15, I had a very similar problem.  If anything would feel funny when I swallow, I would get so nervous.  I didn't realize this until 20 years(everything was fine) that my whole family has anxiety issues.  I thought I was going to choke or something.   I went to ENT and was told that everything was fine with my throat.   I had lost 20 pounds by that time.  Moral of the story, I know it will hard but if everything checks out okay, get ahold of it.  The only reason that I am on this site is because I wasn't aware it was anxiety causing my problems as a youth.  I am now 35 and have been sick for a couple of months.  I was fine for 20 years but I didn't realize what was happening til yesterday.  I have never been on any meds or had any other emotional problems.  Actually, I have a high deman job and have been very successful.  I had been having a series of panic attacks that actually made me physical ill.  It started a week after the birth of our first child.  My parents told me yesterday that they have anxiety/depression issues so I am going to the Doc to find out what to do.  I understand what you are going through.  I am fighting my battle right now.  I am ready just to put it behind me and enjoy my beautiful 4 month old little girl.  Tim


Post Edited (t331) : 7/27/2007 11:12:47 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/27/2007 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there. I haven't been on in ages, just came by to take a quick look and wanted to let you know I can relate.  I don't generally have a fear of swallowing, but whenever I have to take a pill or I swallow food that's a little to big,  I'm afraid that I will choke on it. My advice would be to eat slowly, take small bites and chew your food really well. It's good ettiquette anyways, right? I also prefer to have something to drink while I'm eating, there's nothing wrong with that.  I think your parents are right about thinking about swallowing too much.
Posted 7/28/2007 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
I am sorry for your trouble,  I have never been through that with food but I have a problem with pills.

I feel like a baby when the doc gives me pills that are larger than I can swallow or can be crushed up.

I feel dumb asking the doc to please give me a tiny tiny pill or one that I can crush up.

I think it is the same fear sorta, I mean I always think I will choke or it will go down the wrong way and get stuck.

I am not sure what to tell you but maybe if you turn off the phone ringer and tell yourself,

 I am going to take small bites and chew well and everything will be fine. Maybe that could help.

Good luck !

 

Posted 7/28/2007 4:48 AM (GMT 0)
After I posted this, I knew that it had to be that when I eat, I am afraid of choking and I do think way to much. Throughout my life I have had panic attacks and worry to much. And tonight I tried not to think about it while I ate, and it helped. All of your advice helped. Thank you guys for noticing my post and replying. I really appriciate your help. And I'm going to see a doctor about this.
Posted 7/28/2007 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning
Kudos to you Supergirl. I am glad to see that you have thought this through and your going to see your physician.
Gentle Hugs to you.
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