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Swallowing Problem

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Posted 9/28/2006 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
I have this swallowing problem that is most noticeable in restaurants or around others.  I know it's directly related to anxiety.  I just can't stop ruminating about having "it" while I'm eating in a restaurant, etc.  Anyone have any suggestions or was to get over this annoying obsession.

Thanks,

Tuna

Posted 9/28/2006 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
I dont have anything to offer you on this one. I am sure someone will be by to help ya out tho.
Posted 9/28/2006 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
Oh the dreaded "lump in the throat"! I hear ya-was one of my first anxiety symptoms. Are you drinking plenty of water all the time? Taking small bites with a good sip of H20 helps also, but hydrating all through out the day is the best for me. If you can concentrate on isolating the muscles of the throat and conciously relaxing them not only @ time of problem but periodically through the day that works wonders too. Sorry that you are going through this it is not fun, but it is also harmless. My mother had this at times of stress and went to plenty of dr. appnts. convinced there was something horribly wrong w/ throat. It was nothing but anxiety. Don't dwell on it and do the water/relaxation and it should be better!

Take care
Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/28/2006 10:17 PM (GMT 0)

tom tuna

what exactly happens?

a fear of choking on the food causing a coughing fit from the food going down the wrong way  with embarrasment is common

so is the lump in the throat feeling

Posted 9/28/2006 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
Im sorry tuna, i have never had this happen but i know it has to be scarey, i hope you get plenty of good advice though. take care
shell
Posted 9/29/2006 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
Tuna, I know EXACTLY what you are going through.... with me at first it started in public places and than it got worse and got to be where i couldn't even swallow food sitting at home alone. I did this for about eight months... yeah eight months...lost 35 pounds the DR's kept checking me for every disease in the book because of my quick weight loss but nothing.. it was my anxiety. How do you get over it? That's a tough question, mine stopped when my anxiety levels went down. I still have trouble in public I mean I have made great progress but when I'm out at restraunts I have to swallow a little bit at a time to avoid panicing about it.

It's very frustrating and annoying, it's just something that takes a little time to overcome. If you have any more questions about it i'd be happy to help!

Take Care!

Posted 9/29/2006 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
I am gald you have gotten great input already and I too agre it is anxiety and "the lump in the throat feeling" Plenty of water is agood thing so it Wednesday post on breathing deeply,also try rubbing your throat (Inconspicuosly) (sp ) and take smaller portions maybe
I knwo I ahve had to just gently rub thraot and breth to have this temporarily go away for me ......It helps me anyways just my 2 cents
Hope you find a ways too be able to realx your throat muscles
Take care '
Lyn
Posted 9/30/2006 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
yes i have had the throat problenms for about 7 months now .....at first i stoped eating solids for 4 months and lost 50 pounds, now i eat a bit but very slowly....my anxiety givces me a dry thorat and th4e lump in throat feeling....i hope u feel better soon but aslong as you understand its anxiety , just know it cant hurt you and try and relax :). i no its easy to say lol
Posted 1/10/2011 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
I had this problem the first time I ever had anxiety. I started out weighing 150 lbs. Choked on a piece of steak. And wouldn't eat barely anything for a few months. I would only drink bottled water. Eat yogurt or boost shakes. I was so scared all the time. I even had a tube put down my throat because after weeks I still felt like something was stuck in my throat. (Which the test came back negative) Finally I got over it, Thank god!!! But I got down to 118 lbs (which was kinda awesome) NOw I can eat steak but just always chew a small piece in like 20-30 chews. Oh ya, I also wouldn't eat alone for like 6 months.
Posted 1/10/2011 9:01 AM (GMT 0)
I know EXACTLY how you feel also.Just know that it's your anxiety and that it will pass.I have the same problem in restraunts too.I take very small bites and chew my food like there is no tomorrow!!However i do avoid drinking anything sometimes because im scared i will drown.Remember,this WILL pass.
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