Dysphagia

@kathan55
I would request a copy of all medical records. They may send hard copies or electronic versions. You may also be able to contact the lab directly to request copies of the bloodwork done.

Rheumatologists have not been much help to me. They test and test and send you for bloodwork but don’t seem to offer much in terms of treatment options or referrals to other specialists based on symptoms. I had things show up in bloodwork but they never said anything to me (that Inhad markers for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and anti phospholipid syndrome).

For swallowing issues, you can see a neurologist and/or gastroenterologist to request a swallow study to see if there is a nerve damage/functional issue or structural issue. You may be able to see if an ENT or speech therapist could help you.

Thank you for responding and for giving me some great suggestions!!

There’s a medication called hyoscyamine ( I may not have spelled that correctly) which treats several conditions, one of which is overproduction of saliva/drooling. I also have severe difficulty swallowing. I had an endoscopy and it was discovered that I had significant narrowing of the esophagus and scarring of the esophagus. Possibly due to acid reflux/bile reflux issues. I also have a functional GI disorder and had my gallbladder removed and have acid and bile malfunction. During the endoscopy my esophagus was stretched which seemed to improve the swallowing problem slightly.
I would highly recommend that you continue your search for a competent physician who is willing to investigate. I would start with an Ear, Nose and throat specialist. Also a GI doctor and push for an endoscopy. Either of those 2 specialists should be able to prescribe the medication I mentioned above. Please don’t stop looking for help. Choking is a real concern with this type of condition.

Thank you so much for responding, sharing your experience and giving me several great suggestions! I will definitely follow up with those things. Thanks again. 🤗

I went for a barium swallowing test and it showed a stricture in my throat and the GI dr widened it which solved a swallowing problem at that time. I do have an autoimmune disorder called Myastenia Gravis though that causes swallowing issues too.
You can request download of records within the menu dropdown in mychart if they don’t show up when you first login.
Most of my doctors won’t do anything about my lab results when they’re almost or are out of range unless it’s been going on for a long while. I just monitor them myself and when I start feeling bad consistently then I complain. It is what it is with these drs

Thank you for your reply. I think most doctors feel that if you’re not dying, don’t worry about it!! So I’m gonna try not to worry about it unless it gets really bad. Then I’ll talk to my family doctor.
Once again, thanks!