Anxiety stopping me from swallowing

Hello Murf and welcome!

We are glad you're joining us...though sorry to hear of your returning anxiety and new symptom.:(

However, this is a common issue, so know you are not alone.

What are your coping strategies for anxiety management? Do you or have you taken meds...done therapy and/or self help? Perhaps, it is time to revisit one or more of these treatment options? (we have a great Resource section full of excellent self help material in the first thread at the top of the main forum page here.)

Once you've lowered your overall anxiety level, you should find relief from your symptoms.

For now, do you have some Boost or Ensure shakes that you can get by with? They are pricey, but worth it for the nutrients they give you when you can't tolerate solids.

Call your doctor today and get a recovery plan in place if you've not done so already...

...and keep us posted, and we'll keep you in support!

M.,

It is great that you are going to be attending therapy! This is going to help you so much in learning essential tools for anxiety management!

Your Rx is a good step as well...and the two treatment options together are a winning combination for many people.:)

Definitely get started with some of the self help from our Resources too...

...as well as doing a 'Search' here in the forums for more info regarding your issue. Click on the 'Search' icon (upper right toolbar) and input key words: globus, lump in throat, swallowing issues, cricopharyngeal spasm...

Wishing you the best in your recovery start up. Keep us updated on your progress, and we'll keep you encouraged!

S.C.

I definitely wouldn't force food. Just take it slowly. I used to have an intense fear of swallowing when I was young after chocking on a piece of candy. At first I started with shakes like Ensure & Boost, and gradually moved onto things like soup and yogurt and then when I gained my courage I integrated other things and eventually went back to eating completely solid foods! Be gentle with yourself and be patient. You'll get there!

Not being able to eat because of anxiety happens to me too. Not so much of a fear of swallowing, more like the idea of food was so nauseating that you might as well have told me to eat sand.

Meal replacement shakes are great. My husband would make me green protein smoothies too. Do you have anyone who can help with that? There were also these peanut butter bars (Perfect Food Bars) that I would nibble on throughout the day, they are super calorie dense and loaded with good fats. I lived on the smoothies and bars until I had an appetite again. And I'll tell you, that first donut I ate after the worst was over, might have been the most delicious thing I've ever eaten!

I've always said the anxiety and depression diet is the easiest diet I've ever been on :D

Hang in there friend, it passes. Make sure you call your dr as much as you need, it made me feel better to just have eyes on me during the worst part.