Quasi-pseudo dysphagia (*possible HA trigger*)

Ok, here's the deal...

I'm havinga cancerous thyroid removed in a couple of months (that alone is giving me anxiety, but that's not the issue here right now).

The problem here is that I suffer from a strange condition where if I feel I can't or don't swallow, a panic attack ensues. The surgeon doing the operation told me there's a very slight chance I won't be able to or will have difficulty swallowing after the surgery for up to 3 months, eeep!

I'm sure there isn't any physical reason why I should get anxiety, but, when I go to the dentist and they have that dam over my mouth and I can't swallow for a few minutes, I get a feeling similar to being asphyxiated. I'm not looking forward to the prospect of not swallowing for a few months, even though the chances of that are slim.

So...

does anyone know of any medication that can combat this (I'm seeing a doc in a week, but it would be helpful to at least know there's some relief)?

Post Edited By Moderator (Scaredy Cat) : 2/24/2016 9:12:41 AM (GMT-7)

Hello Module and welcome!

First of all, I encourage you to discuss all of your concerns with your doctor (and your after care team) as they can help to reassure you and give you the best treatment plan, should this be an issue.

However, try not to anticipate anything like this happening, and keep your thoughts and visualization positive...because chances are, everything will be just fine.:)

Are you currently in therapy? If so, ask your therapist for suggestions bin staying calm and relaxed. ..so the tight throat due to anxiety doesn't come into play. Also, please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great self help material. Keeping your overall anxiety levels as low as possible is key.

Finally, can you ask your doctor for a short term Rx for a benzodiazepine? This medicine is very effective at shutting down panic. ..including physical symptoms such as tight throat sensations. This would not only help with your comfort level...but could help determine whether your symptom was indeed a physical issue...or a manifestation of anxiety.

I wish you the very best in your procedure and recovery!! Thoughts and prayers going out to you. Post with us anytime for support...we will be here to cheer you on!!

Scaredy Cat

*I did add a flag on your title, since we have members who are health anxious, so this allows them to know which threads they may want to skip.