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Posted 4/7/2013 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone! I am new to the group, but not to panic and anxiety. I am looking for support because I have come to a point where i simply can't cope. I feel horrible sometimes and I just need a place to talk.

My main symptoms are trouble swallowing, in pretty much all phases as different times. Like today, I just feel like I can't swallow...period. Like my brain simply forgot how. Other times, I can swallow, but choke up a little like there is something in my throat. I also have a hard time when I feel like I have to coordinate my swallowing with breathing. It's just plain weird and scary! Anyone else with the same symptoms? BTW, I'm 38 and developed this symptom when I was 19. That's a pretty long time to deal with this.

I've seen a neurologist, ENT, heart specialist (some chest pain and fatigue) and all tests were normal except the EMG with the neurologist. My right index finger twitches, but he said that was mild carpel tunnel. CT's MRI, MRV, barium swallow, echo, stress test, ultrasounds are all normal. You'd think I'd believe this was panic and anxiety by now. I just can't though. I am thinking of seeing a gastro and an endo soon.

Any thoughts or relations?
Posted 4/8/2013 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi gbaby and welcome.

I am sorry to hear of your anxiety and symptoms that are causing you to not feel well.

We understand, and many here have had similar experiences.

It seems that you have this covered from a medical standpoint...have you thought about approaching the anxiety through therapy at any point? (oh, and what was the abnormal EMG indicative of?)

Therapy helped tame my health anxiety, and eliminate my panic attacks. CBT in particular is very effective for the things that you describe struggling with in your post.

I can also make some good book recommendations for dealing with health anxiety if you are interested.

Keep posting with us as well. It is really healing to be a part of a community of people who understand. We are here to listen and support!

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 4/8/2013 3:10 AM (GMT 0)
Gbaby
Sounds just like most of us, even sounds normal for us, sometimes I choke on a swallow of water, I feel
like my swallow reflex is not working properly, I never take a pill that I don't wonder if it will go down or
throw me into a fit, I am however getting better I guess its because i'm so old, guess I have wore out
every fear and phobia a person can have.
You are still a young woman with lots of life ahead, please don't waist it rehearsing some desease,
hell if you try to have everything known to mankind some day you might get unlucky!
One way to get over the fear of dying is to live!
We are here if you need us.
Larry ***

Post Edited (lgm1942) : 4/11/2013 9:20:11 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/8/2013 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
gbaby08,

Hey there and welcome to HealingWell.  We are glad you found us and are hoping that you stick with us as we love our new members.  Pull up a chair and stay awhile.

Many people experience a lump-like sensation in their throat,  and they, like you, are typically very worried. . The medical term for a lump-like sensation in the throat is a “globus” sensation, like you have a world globe stuck in the back of your throat. Often this lump has been there a while and seems to be getting worse. It may be felt every time you swallow or even every time you talk. What is going on?

One thing comes to mind is GERD and you already mentioned that you are considering seeing a GI specialist qwwhich I think may be a good idea for you.

One of the most common causes of swelling in this area is acid reflux coming up from the stomach and burning the posterior larynx. The acid reflux effectively causes an acid burn of the throat tissues resulting in swelling that feels like a golf ball is stuck in the throat.

However, there are many treatments for GERD so don't start to over think  my comments.

If you see the GI physician and all is well than I would do as others suggested, work on controlling your anxiety. 

As Larry said, "One way to get over the fear of dying is to live!"  Larry is a very wise man and I am practicing taking his comment to heart for myself.

Remember we are here for you so keep on talking with us and know we care.  We are one big family here and every member is equal.

Blessings,

Kitt

 

Posted 4/8/2013 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Just want to offer a warm welcome. This place is great and you will receive a lot of advice and support here! :)

I have times when I feel I cannot swallow as well. Its terrifying. I describe it the same as you did, as if I "forgot" how to swallow. ??? Weirdest thing, but sends me into a panic every time. I highly recommend trying to treat your anxiety instead of going for further tests. They are expensive and I can almost positively guess (based on the others) that they will all come out fine! :)

I have been through it as well. MRI, EKG, Cardiac event monitor, x-rays.... nothing found. I have started seeing a CBT therapist, ordered a book about Health Anxiety that the moderator Scaredy Cat had recommended and I continue to have faith in God. I understand all too well what you are going thru... please consider treating anxiety and I hope you will get relief from this darned anxiety!
Posted 4/10/2013 6:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hello all and thank you for the warm welcome!

Thank you very much for the words of wisdom and book recommendations.

I am checking into CBT. I hope they offer something in my area!

Well, I am up again tonight because I can't swallow. Just out of the blue my head tells me to swallow, then everything thing that is supposed to happen after that stops and it makes my body somewhat lean forward (i'm not doing intentionally) and I also can't breath for a bit. Tonight was probably the longest episode, maybe 20 seconds of complete limbo. I didn't know what was going to happen, honestly.

I can handle to lump in the throat feeling, but the total shutdown I feel sometimes absolutely has be thinking I will die....classic panic, right :)
Posted 4/10/2013 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
Poor love!

If you keep reading on here and see how the thought of not being able to swallow is linked to panic/anxiety and especially the not being able to breathe deeply part...

When one concentrates deeply on anything, they can almost find the power to make it happen. It's a little like this...for some reason your mind is set on insisting you cannot swallow, even though of course you can...and so your mind then 'believes' you...

Try repeating to yourself, 'i'm fine, I'm okay, I am alive, it will pass' over and over again.

Have a glass of your favourite drink and see how you swallow!

Distraction is also key to overcoming panic..once you realise in hindsight that you were actually panicking and your throat wasn't closing up for good or your breathing had halted once and for all, you'll realx in the truth...which is it is pure panic.

Panic is a thief (to steal Larry's expression!) and no one deserves to have to put up with it!

LP
Posted 4/11/2013 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your kinds words littlepetal!

So the swallowing and pain in my jaw joints was so bad yesterday I made a dr. Appt. by the time I got there my ears felt like they were going to pop! I have a double ear infection and my doctor said it sounds like I have TMJ. My jaw pops so bad all of the time. He said the TMJ probably caused the ear infection and swallowing issues I have had recently. I am going to seek out a specialist for the mouthpiece to help. Wouldn't it be crazy if half my life I've been dealing with a result of TMJ and developed anxiety due to that.?.?.

My left eardrum also ruptured last night, so back to the doc I go. Luckily I haven't had anymore swallowing issues since my last post. I'll take this painful rupturd eardrum over swallowing issues ANY day!
Posted 4/11/2013 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome and so glad you are here. I am going through a rough patch lately and am always arounf if you need to vent or talk. I have found understsnding here like no other place...welcome
Posted 4/13/2013 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
Gbaby, Gizzy is a real cool girl, she has a lot of God given insight, the kind of person one wants for a best
Friend.

Larry
Posted 4/13/2013 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all! I'm so glad to be here and especially glad to have such positive people helping me through this!

I have actually felt great the past several days as far as Anxiety goes! It's a wonderful feeling.

I hope you are feeling somewhat better gozmofab. Im here to talk if you need it.
Posted 4/14/2013 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum you have found a good place to speak with others you can relate we are like a family here so keep posting and you will get the support you are looking for.

Hibee
Posted 4/17/2013 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
Oh my!

I've not been able to come on here for a few days so am catching up.

I cannot believe what happened! I'm sorry you have an ear infection and the ear drum burst (poor you!), but it is an explanation for the swallowing difficulties and you know, it will probably fade entirely now!

TMJ...so painful...I hope this goes too v quickly.

Very pleased and happy to hear it's been resolved but we're always here for you.

LP
Posted 4/18/2013 7:44 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the welcome Hibbe!

Littlepetal, I'm still suffering with the ears, especially the one with the busted eardrum. I've always had problems with my ears and TMJ, I just never associated them with my swallowing. I know after all these years I have developed anxiety and panic attacks because of them, but I don't think the panic came first. Now I just can't get it to go away :-)
Posted 4/18/2013 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi gbaby
My name is Emily I'm 37 I can relate I just got diagnosed with this as well along with irregular heartbeat. I have been searching online for places to talk and maybe get some ideas on how to better help myself during work and home because the friends and certain family members look at me and say you look fine and I know they get tired of hearing me talk about how I feel. I noticed when I have bad attacks I get all the signs back again now I tell myself to just breath and try to relax more. My doctor says it could be due to stress or lack of sleep. I had these problems sense December of last year. Learning new things on how to cope it's hard but having a support group does help that's why I joind this group as well. I'm also looking for ideas on what foods to eat to help relax I noticed foods play a part in this as well.
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