Swallowing

Years ago, I tried Cymbalta for some neuropathy issues...one of the reasons I stopped was the odd feeling that the order of muscle contractions that made swallowing happened were difficult-an 'out of sequence' sensation. I was having breakfast with my daughter, a speech language pathologist, the first time it happened, so I described this to her and asked if it was even possible( or am I just weird?):) She confirmed that it was a possible thing, so I started researching Cymbalta and found this WAY down the list of side effects. Tried it again recently for joint pain, with similar throat sensations, extremely dry mouth, as if my salivary glands just stopped working, and bladder relaxation issues, as well. Stopped it again...throwing all this out there in case you have a medication that could be causing your problem, too! Best wishes in solving your mystery...I remember the scariness of wondering if swallowing was going to happen.

Thank you Jill. I will look at the meds I take.

The only thing is, I had not started any new meds in the month since I’ve had the “flare” kick up and things have gotten worse.

Unless being on a med for a long time could cause it…

That definitely is the scariest experience next to shortness of breath…so, these automatic things are getting on my nerves! Lol. I’m trying to have a sense of humor while being in spasm now. My back and feet are a mess.

Today swallowing was ok. I was not tired and will make sure I eat early.

My neurologist told me I need my swallowing evaluated by a gastroenterologist. I thought that was a first. I always thought that was the ENT’s department. Hey thats new.

I called his office and of course - he is on leave and they don’t know for how long. It could run into the time of my appointment which is kind of out there.

So, I am not sure if I should wait and just go to him at my scheduled time or look for someone else?? (depending on if this gets more frequent). Roadblocks everywhere.

It will be okay. Thank you so much for your input.

DO NOT put this off because the doctor is on leave. that's a terrible inconvenience to you. what, the office couldn't schedule you with someone else? they are totally useless. fire them all. get a different doctor. it's your right. also that should be the ear, nose & throat doctor. hence throat.. which you swallow with.

now another thing. seniors and elderly can & do forget HOW to swallow. i used to work in a nursing home. and there were a few who had this problem. seeing how you're 56. it shouldn't be too hard to retrain yourself with a PT. good luck, d

Hi Danny,

My initial thought was ENT. However, when I told my neuro about the issue, she said I should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist. I thought she made a mistake. I called the gastro and asked if they evaluate for swallowing issues. They said yes. I will call them again to see if they can do anything for me.

I do feel put in a bind over his “leave” and they were unsure his return date. I will call them and see if they have anyone covering for him if not I will go elsewhere. Have no choice but to do that. But, to go to someone new may take a long time too. It typically takes a month and more often much longer to set up appointments with specialists. I might double book to cover the bases.

Thanks so much for the encouragement. It means a lot. I am being very careful as I eat. Have water at my side with every bite. If I’m too tired, I am not eating.

This morning I had trouble with my medication. It was all so slow going down. Gulp, gulp and repeat. Then they feel like they are getting stuck in transit. So more water. I followed with applesauce so I could get something smooth down. It’s not always like this but is more often. I just had yogurt and peaches for breakfast….

It seems I have to do things slower, eat, drink, move. I’m basically feeling like I’m moving backwards these days.
I guess I will count of divvying up PT appointments between my ailments and issues!

Thank you. It’s important to have hope 🙂

i don't want to give you false hope. but it sounds like trouble with your esophagus muscles. water, applesauce and yogurt all seem to be going down better than meds and any type of solid foods.
please, do double book. then need be keep the one closest to the date you want. never hurts. and do keep hope ❤. d

Thank you Danny. I wil do that. Hopeful things work out without needing another medication. ❤️

Hope never hurts. nor cost you anything. keep in touch with me. and let me know. i care. d

I have the same sensation when I swallow sometimes! It is frightening, when like a piece of bread seems to get stuck in the back of my throat, and I can’t swallow, and, sometimes, feel like I’m choking. In my case, I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and the swallowing issue was minor at first, but after six years, has gotten worse. The good news is that I, and, hopefully, you, can get therapy, from a speech therapist, on how to help yourself when swallowing! Therapy does work! So I encourage you to talk with your Doctor about getting swallowing therapy, from a speech therapist! Good luck!

Thank you foundry. I am so sorry about your diagnosis. My guy has a cousin who has had that for some time now.

I appreciate your input. It is terribly anxiety provoking. To forget how to initiate a swallow induces panic in me. I wait for the inspiration (whatever causes swallowing) mechanism to engage and until it does I freeze and don't take a breath in until I can swallow. So that is a coping mechanism.

I will be calling a gastroenterologist to evaluate the swallowing today and hopefully get me into physical therapy. I hope therapy helps this problem I seem to be having. I am encouraged. Thank you so much!

I have a few issues that need therapy. I hope they can be divided up to cover the bases for the year of therapy insurance allots me.

💜

Wishing you the best of luck! Take care!! 💚