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Lump in Throat- Trouble Swallowing Pills

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Posted 1/17/2008 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
I had my esophagus dilated about a month ago. Since then I have had a fear of swallowing. I am getting much better about eating food, but get nervous about pills.

I work as a substitute teacher and it is stressful for me. Every day I have to go in and face a new school office, then a new classroom with new lesson plans and new kids. Some classes are very mannerly and other classes are sheer hell. Some of the other regular teachers at the schools I work at are friendly and helpful...others act like I am invisible and act snooty if I ask them where the restroom is.

I seem to have a constant lump in my throat during the day. I know this is from anxiety. I also suffer from GERD. I take xanax for the anxiety and it helps for a while. I also take a lot of Mylanta to keep my stomach from hurting.

I have to take a lot of medication and it often feels like the pills get stuck. I'm not sure if they actually do, or if this is just a feeling. It's right at the spot where my Adam's apple is.

Does anyone have any ideas for swallowing pills?

What about the lump in the thraot? Any ideas on getting rid of it?

Thanks for all help and advice:)

Posted 1/17/2008 12:15 AM (GMT 0)

Hello and I understand the part about working as a sub.  In nursing we have the agency nurses and they have to be pretty hard shelled as they are often  resented by some with low tolerance for anything new in their space.

I can see why you feel like you have a lump in your throat, you probably want to have a good cry.  As for the pills, have you tried taking them with applesauce or ice cream? Chase them with lots of water.........I hope this helps you in some small way. Gentle Hugs.

Posted 1/17/2008 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks stkitt! I have tried applesauce but not ice cream. I also have luck with yogurt and pudding cups.

Yeah, it's weird to me that teachers aren't friendlier to the subs. After all, we are covering their classes so they can be home sick or have a day off or whatever. It's not as though we make a million dollars.

I have to say that many teachers are super kind and friendly. It mostly depends on the school. I am trying to get a regular position for next year and you can bet I know which schools I am NOT going to be applying to.
Posted 1/25/2008 10:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hello. After I chocked on food alone I couldn't swallow for a loooong time. Specially in public places - I hated restaurants. Even I was hungry at that time but I couldn't eat because I felt that lamp in my throat. So, I was eating mostly soups. After sometime I started to eat normally (it took me about 2 years!), but I couldn't swallow a pills. I used to crash them and eat with yogurt. Then I started to drink whole pills with yougurt. I would suggest you to do the same. Have a liquid yogurt or regular one, put a pill inside the spoon, and then take 2-3 spoons of yogurt on top - it won't stuck in your throat - guaranteed! Also, it works if you take with food, just chew something (cookie, bread will work great) and when you are ready to swallow - put a pill in your mouth. With amount of food pill goes right away to stomack. After some time I started to take pills with water, I just was concentrating or reading something around while I'm swallowing. Our brain can't concentrate at two things at once, so either your concentration goes into your swallowing, or simply read some signes around or look at something and describe the thing in your head - it worked so well for me! Sometime I holded pill in my mouth untill is melted - couldn't swallow, but after these mini techniques which I discovered for my self, I started to live normal again. Hopefully this will help :-)
Regards. :-)
Posted 1/27/2008 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the ideas Elen...I will definitely try some of them! :)
Posted 1/29/2008 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, yes, one more - take pill with banana! yeah You can keep in your bag, can eat any time, no need to chew much, it is slippery (is that the word?  eyes  ) enough to go to your stomach directly. Also, in addition to my previous posting, I want to be more specific, you have to read something or concentrate on something during swallowing, exactly at same moment. I guarantee it will work! I was the most phobic person to swallow!

Good luck!

 

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