15 replies to this topic

[Clementine]

This last couple of weeks I've noticed food sticking in my throat. I was hoping it would go away but it keeps happening. Now what. I just saw my rheumatologist and did not tell him because I was not sure. Maybe it IS just normal...but I don't think so.
Thanks,
Jen

[bookworm]

Hi, Jen!

I had a problem with food sticking in my throat and it got so bad that I never could make it through a meal without leaving the table to bring it up. Then I would start over and eat more slowly, drink more water and so forth. But, often, I would have to leave the table again because food just wasn't going down.

In my case, it was caused by scarring from the terrible acid reflux that I had. I thought I had good control of the reflux with chewable antacid tablets. What I didn't realize was that the acid came and I neutralized it with an antacid, but, before it was neutralized, the acid touched my throat and esophagus and was burning and causing scars, which were causing me trouble swalling. My doctor got me on a different medicine that prevents the acid reflux altogether and I no longer have the problem.

I'm not a doctor and I don't know if you have the same problem as I did. Definitely tell your doctor about this (and all symptoms!).

I hope your problem can be corrected as easily and painlessly as mine was!



Mary in Texas

[LisaBulman]

Hi Jennifer,
Ok, it is NOT normal! I have my esophogus stretched once every year or two. Now I have to make sure I eat small pieces of everything. If I am having any type of meat it needs to be cut into really small pieces, bread needs to be in small pieces as well and I need to have plenty of water to wash it all down.

I think you should bring this up to your doctor!

Hugs,
Lisa

[WestCoast1]

Hi there Jen,
I think that you can have acid reflux and not even know its happening. It is always a safe bet to have the esophogus checked out when dealing with this issue.

Since you already had your rhemy apt. maybe a nurse there can relay the message and see what they want to do about it?

[peanut]

Hey Jen,

Lots of liquid, small bites, chew lots and you'll probably want to see a GI or talk to your rheumatologist.

hugs,

peanuthead

[janey]

Jen,
During year one, getting food stuck and having difficulty in swallowing we part of the reason that I lost 60 pounds in 6 months. Waiters were tipped according to how well they kept my water glass full. It went away for a couple of years, but during the two months that I was off immunosuppresants, it started to come back, but not near as bad. You should bring this up to your doctor. My rheumatologist ask me on ever visit "How's your swallowing?"

I agree with everyone else: tiny bites, chew your food lots, and wash it down with liquid.

Big Hugs,

[relicmom1]

Hey Jen,
I have had my esophagus stretched about 4 times over the past three years.I was under the impression that this is part of the scleroderma damage. Not the last time (which was a lmost 2 weeks ago) but the last time he used a smaller gauge whatever because he says the continunal need to stretch the already damaged tissue will eventually cause the esophagus to possibly tear. Two weeks ago he went ahead and used the previous larger whatever because the time before last didn't last but for about 3 or 4 months. I would get food/meds stuck anywhere fromt he back of my throat to the bottom of my chest. Mostly right in the middle. It caused such an excrutiating pain and water wouldn't even push it down, spit wouldn't even trickle past whatever was stuck. I would have to go and try to bring it back up , but I guess the motility of my esophagus wasn't working either up or dwon becasue I had a time getting it unstuck and back up. Even after the dilatation, I have to eat super small bites, chew up super super good and swallow very carefully. I am usually tired of eating before I get full You would think I'd lose weight, but alas no All that said, you should definately be evaluated.
Just my 2 cents....

[Sweet]

Hi Jen,

I am so sorry you are having this problem! Isn't that the way it also goes - we start having a problem once we leave the doctor office? Please give your doctor a call. He/she needs to know about this.

[Clementine]

My swallowing problem is not exactly a problem...it's just something I have noticed happening lately. It seems that it is only small pieces that get caught and if I swallow real hard it goes away. I want to believe it's not the scleroderma and this would happen to anyone, but maybe that is denial. I dont feel like it's bad enough to see the GI Dr. yet. However, I do have a hiatal hernia and I've read this could be the reason I'm having food stuck.

Thanks everyone for all the information and help. Ugh. Why why why.
Jennifer

[peanut]

Because we are just that lucky.
Maybe I should go buy a lotto ticket.

peanuthead

[CraigR]

I have some difficulty due to secondary Sjogren's Syndrome, not esophagus problems. I must have plenty of water unless the meal is very moist (soup or stew).

I share Janey's sentiment about tipping waiters (as well as choosing retsaurants) by how well they keep my water glass full!

Craig

[peanut]

Maybe my sjogren's has something to do with my swallowing problem... hum.. no one's ever brought that up before.

peanuthead

[barefut]

Janey,

I have always had that tipping policy too!

Barefut

[luvbnmom3]

Last year I noticed, like you said, a change in the swallowing...it wasn't really a problem. For me I noticed that whenever I brushed my teeth, I kept having to spit & spit & spit because it seemed to produce saliva or something & I couldn't swallow it down & keep it down. Then later it became more that I needed some liquids sometimes with dry foods, then I noticed specific things ALWAYS were a problem, like any kind of nuts or grainy foods, pieces are ALWAYS stuck. Right now it seems to be more of a lack of moisture thing for me because my mouth is so dry, I can't even eat 1 bite of a tiny pretzel stick without needing water to finish chewing it.

I'd say definetly mention it....seems allot of stuff starts off where we notice a change that's simply something different but not nessarily a problem. My primary care physician said I had GERD & that you can have that acid thing going on & not know it... as westcoast1 mentioned.

[TJ903]

Jennifer,

Just had my first 'dialation last month, and from reading the other posts looks like it won't be my last. You definately need to follow up on this. I too have lost weight, and for awhile blamed it on my TMJ, but both are to blame alas...

Best wishes - TJ

[Clementine]

Thanks everyone, this information is so valuable. Oddly enough, I don't have any problem swallowing chocolate, ice cream, anything sweet.
Jennifer