← Return to Nerve pain and difficulty swallowing: I could really use some help

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@jeffrapp

Hello jcbonne1. I am truly sorry for your problems, in particular since they are so widespread throughout your body, which makes finding a "specialist" so difficult.
I have read through most of your posts, and those of other who are trying to help.
Since this is a peripheral neuropathy forum, I am curious as to why you are posting here. The "nerve problems" you describe are not typical of PN, although as anyone who has it would agree, there are probably no really absolutely typical presentations of this maddening disease.
The answers you are getting, although certainly well meant, are all over the map, which relates to your widespread symptoms. I don't believe this is an appropriate way for you to get an "answer". All these suggestions, some of which are contradictory, will ultimately make you more confused. You also seem to be trying to hard to manage your own medical care.
Although not impossible, it is unusual for a person to develop so many problems related to so many body areas in such a short period of time. This may be why you cannot find one or even two specialists who can make a specific diagnosis.
I believe you need to find a generalist, such as a good internist, who will act as your navigator, referring you to appropriate specialists when indicated, and gathering up all the information in one place.
It is very difficult for anyone, even a medical professional, to diagnose an illness from afar. However, permit me to make an educated guess as to what may be some of your problem.
You describe a sensation of not being able to swallow, and sometimes, even to breathe. You also describe a strange reaction to listening to Led Zeppelin, who I assume you listened to when you were younger, which may be bringing up subconscious feelings of loss.
I believe you also described your heart racing.
All these can be symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. There is a condition called "globus hystericus", which exactly describes your swallowing symptoms. One can have that and still have a more physical problem like Barrett's esophogitis.
When you feel like you can't swallow, are you breathing rapidly and experiencing a rapid heart beat (like 90-100 or more beats per minute)? If so, try to control your breathing, or even better, breath into a paper bag, and see what happens. Rapid breathing causes the blood to become too alkaline, which then triggers weird feelings all over your body.
Of course, you need to have the professionals rule out any physical problems before a psychological diagnosis is made. You certainly can have both. In fact, some physical problem may be triggering the psychological one.
Anxiety and panic attacks are treatable. So is Barrett's esophogitis, and divirticulosis. Don't give up hope!

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Replies to "Hello jcbonne1. I am truly sorry for your problems, in particular since they are so widespread..."

Thank's for your reply Jennifer, wouldn't Lyme disease show up on advanced blood work? Also I'd like to ask anyone who has experience with anxiety or panic disorders the following. Although it doesn't explain my nerve pain most of my friends think that my swallowing issues are being caused by serious anxiety.
Before I get into that though my Neurologist has referred me to get a swallow study he doesn't think my neck issues are causing my swallowing difficulties and although he said he needs confirmation from the results of the swallow study right now is almost certain that my swallowing issues and nerve pain are unrelated.
My friends say I'm a fairly tightly wrapped guy think that the swallowing problems are anxiety related.
In the past I've been to the ER several times
because I thought I couldn't breathe and was going to suffocate but I've never had swallowing issues before. I googled severe anxiety and it can cause hypersalivation, difficulty swallowing, feeling like your going to choke or die and pass out it also says it can cause hunger. During this whole time I get extremely hungry late at night and oddly enough I feel like eating when the swallowing gets bad. I do have difficulty swallowing food but some of the articles I've read I've read say it could also make swallowing food difficult further more I've read that anxiety can cause pins and needles pain which is how I describe my pain.
I'm having a hard time grasping the concept that I'm making myself sick and could use some feedback, I can't remember if I've mentioned that I'm also bipolar but have been stable for years with my meds thank you for any thoughts any of you might have!