I have esophageal dysmotility, as well. As the bolus (bite of food) travels down the esophagus, rings fire in sequence to move it to the stomach. Those rings (in my case, at least) fire at random, so the bolus gets squeezed down, but then another ring squeezes it upward, continuing this back and forth until the bolus finally gets to the bottom and the door opens to allow it to enter the stomach. In addition, the bolus stops at random places, sometimes stops in the bottom waiting for the door to open. There's a real risk of aspirating food and liquid.
Another thing that happens is that mucous builds up and slows down the process even more.
A related problem that I have is that the base of my tongue doesn't work right, so food or liquid may leak while chewing, and it's not strong enough to create sufficient pressure in the esophagus to propel the bolus through the esophagus.
So, are you going to see a speech therapist or speech pathologist? Sounds strange, but they can give you exercises and a lot of helpful information that will make swallowing easier and safer.
Hi Jim....gailfaith here again, but on a different subject! I got to thinking about you all that have esophagus problems. What happens when and if you have to vomit? I can't help but wonder as I've been told that there may come a time with my Myotonic Dystrophy that swallowing may become a problem.
@jimhd
Good info! I have an appt with my Motility Gastro Dr but not til Dec. I've been dealing with this problem for YEARS! THEY finally did the 24 hr Manometry and PH study tests and that's how they found out. I was just told yesterday. I have been struggling with the choking on food, liquid or saliva (aspirating too) for years! It's very scary when I catch this, choke and can't catch my breath as I'm choking! Tell me on please, which specialists other than the Speech one, should I be seeing? The one I have is INEFFECTIVE ESOPHAGIAL MOTILITY.
I'm taking 1800mg of gabapentin daily for cramping, tremor and paresthesia. It helps and fortunately I have no side effects other than drowsiness. It also dulls my lower back pain.
I'm taking 1800mg of gabapentin daily for cramping, tremor and paresthesia. It helps and fortunately I have no side effects other than drowsiness. It also dulls my lower back pain.
@I also took 1800mg abstention daily plus the Fentanyl pain patch and was practically comatose. I had the same symptoms you do but although I got good relief and could sleep, I was unable to function. My doc cut dose in half but have much less relief. I also received a neurostimulator a few years ago.
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@darlia
I have esophageal dysmotility, as well. As the bolus (bite of food) travels down the esophagus, rings fire in sequence to move it to the stomach. Those rings (in my case, at least) fire at random, so the bolus gets squeezed down, but then another ring squeezes it upward, continuing this back and forth until the bolus finally gets to the bottom and the door opens to allow it to enter the stomach. In addition, the bolus stops at random places, sometimes stops in the bottom waiting for the door to open. There's a real risk of aspirating food and liquid.
Another thing that happens is that mucous builds up and slows down the process even more.
A related problem that I have is that the base of my tongue doesn't work right, so food or liquid may leak while chewing, and it's not strong enough to create sufficient pressure in the esophagus to propel the bolus through the esophagus.
So, are you going to see a speech therapist or speech pathologist? Sounds strange, but they can give you exercises and a lot of helpful information that will make swallowing easier and safer.
Time for supper, so gotta go.
Jim
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3 ReactionsHi Jim....gailfaith here again, but on a different subject! I got to thinking about you all that have esophagus problems. What happens when and if you have to vomit? I can't help but wonder as I've been told that there may come a time with my Myotonic Dystrophy that swallowing may become a problem.
You responded to the wrong "expert" - I have no idea either what it is or what it's connected to ... I asked the question - what is it?
I do not use any Beta Blockers
@jimhd
Good info! I have an appt with my Motility Gastro Dr but not til Dec. I've been dealing with this problem for YEARS! THEY finally did the 24 hr Manometry and PH study tests and that's how they found out. I was just told yesterday. I have been struggling with the choking on food, liquid or saliva (aspirating too) for years! It's very scary when I catch this, choke and can't catch my breath as I'm choking! Tell me on please, which specialists other than the Speech one, should I be seeing? The one I have is INEFFECTIVE ESOPHAGIAL MOTILITY.
My neurologist suggested increasing my Gabapentin, 300mg,to three times daily, up from two times. 600mg doses are more common she said.
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1 Reaction@ujeeniack , I'm now taking Gabapentin, 600 mg three times a day. Still have a lot of numbness and pain, but sleeping better
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1 ReactionI'm taking 1800mg of gabapentin daily for cramping, tremor and paresthesia. It helps and fortunately I have no side effects other than drowsiness. It also dulls my lower back pain.
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1 Reaction@gailfaith
That issue hasn't come up yet, so I don't know. It's not something I would choose to do.
Jim
@I also took 1800mg abstention daily plus the Fentanyl pain patch and was practically comatose. I had the same symptoms you do but although I got good relief and could sleep, I was unable to function. My doc cut dose in half but have much less relief. I also received a neurostimulator a few years ago.