[jazzytonk]

Hi everyone, I just wondered if anyone as problems swallowing? food seems to stick in my gullet but not every mouthful, I can be eating normally when one mouthful sticks, it happens with drinks as well. Last weekend I was rushed into hospital with chest pain, ECG was fine, the doctor said it could have been an esophageal spasm, what ever that is, they said the symptoms are the same as a heart attack, the trouble is, if I do have a heart attack now I will just sit there thinking the pain will go away in a few mins, I am now waithing for a scan on my heart and an endoscopy, I am on raberazone for heartburn and now an asprin (just to be on the same side) their words not mine but the raberazone isn't working now. Any suggestions?
Jazzy

 

[wheeliefab]

Hello yes people with lupus can get this. It's known as Dysphagia. I've experienced problems similar to those you describe when I'm in a flare up.
There is a Charity called Lupus UK who did an article on Dysphagia in their "News and Views" mag - I think it was a few years ago ? 2006.
I'm sorry I can't find my old mag copies so I can't remember what it said, but perhaps someone else on this site has access to old copies of "News and Views" and would be willing to send you a photocopy of the article or perhaps try chat room to see if a moderator on this site knows how you could get this info. I suppose you could try contacting Lupus UK head office for a copy via the web site http://www.lupusuk.com/index.asp

If you live in UK I'd recommend that anyone with Lupus joins Lupus UK if you are not all ready a member.

 

[Lily]

Hi jazzy,

I'm glad they are covering both angles here, it might be difficult to establish the cause without further investigation and it sounds like they really are very unsure! Which isnt very reassuring for you :wink2: :hug:

I get some swallowing problems and I dont think I have eosophageal problems, I think mine is mainly due to having Sjogrens and also have some nervous system/muscle contraction problems as a result of CNS lupus. So as you can see the causes can be many and varied.

Here's as excellent article on Dysphagia should it turn out to be that. It explains the common causes and it also mentions how these problems can be very common in SLE.

http://www.utmb.edu/otoref/grnds/Dysphagia-2001-11/Dysphagia-2001-11.htm

I hope it doesnt happen frequently for you and that you can find out what's going on soon.

love
Lily

 

[florie]

Hello jazzytonk,
I am thrilled that you mentioned this swallowing problem. For i have recently posted about this same thing. Look into my threads under seach and put in my name(florie).
There has to be some connection here with having either sjorgens or systemic lupus,or even both.I do believe my nervous system is afected by the lupus but the agravating thing is that the blood work doesn't actually show that i am having a flare. Just wanted you to know that you are not alone on this and i hope you feel better soon.

Lily's post reply was very helpful for me,for now i have something to possibly bring up to my office visit with the ent and my swallow tests. I will bring up DYSPHAGIA and see what he says.
Thanks Lily you are a god bless to me.
take care all..Hugs, Florie

 

[jazzytonk]

Hi and thanks for taking the time to reply to my message, I am going through all the tests at the monent and find it a bit scary, I just wish they could give me some answers, I have just had to ring work and let them know I won't beable to go back, I have been off work for 12 weeks and now my doc's given me a sick note for another 12 weeks, I know my health comes first but it makes me feel bad about it. I am so glad I found this web site, I don't feel as lonley as I did.
Take care and thanks again
Jazzy

 

[Meryl2]

Meryl

Hi
I had this problem about 12 months ago. I was sent for a throat scan and it revealed multiple nodular goiter - small cysts in my throat. I have just had another throat scan to make sure they have not grown and I see the specialist a week next Tuesday for the results. The trouble is when you can't swallow you tend to panic which makes it even worse.

Good luck and take care

Meryl

 

[jazzytonk]

Hi Meryl I hope your next scan goes ok. Good luck
Jazzy

 

[halfpintfl]

Hi Jazzy, I have the same thing also. Mine was found with an endoscopy, the second one. The first one went fine, they gave me little sips of water, fine. When my gastro-dr. saw me after and gave me the news, I said no way, I told him that the first time that it happened to me it was in a fine-dining resturant, and I spit water and food all over the isle and a few people. I was not taking that chance again. He ordered the test re-done, and in the middle of the test, to ask me to swallow a baby asprin as a
trial. That did it, it all came up. He had to set up a date to try to stretch my esophagus, it worked once, lasted about two yrs. and needed it again. The second time, my esophagus spasumed around his instrument, he had to stop, wait, then it let go and he had to stop the procedure.
He has me on prescription-strength Pepcid, and it is working, how long, I don't know. I wish I could help you more,but I can't. Just get an endoscopy, I wish you well.:wink2: ​

 

[jazzytonk]

Hi halfpintfl I am still waiting for an endoscopy, could be while on the nhs, the main problem is the actual swallowing, food or liquid seems to get stuck right behind the breast bone, not every mouthful only one or two mouthfuls of food usually in the middle of a meal or when drinking, the pain is really bad but once it clears I'm ok. I only bring the stuck food up occasionally, it usually goes down with an awful lot of swallowing. This is a very different feeling to the so called esophogeal spasm I had last weekend. I am very frightened of that pain coming back, if that is what a heart attack feels like I feel so sorry for anyone who has had one. I do thank everyone for the support I have recieved, it's amazing how much better I feel just being able to chat on here and know I'm not on my own.
Best wishes to all
Jazzy

 

[LolaLola]

Jazzy, a friend with this problem read in an article that sipping lemonade helps the spasm because of the carbon content.
x Lola

 

[jazzytonk]

Hi Lola I've heard about lemonade, I tried it, all I did was hic cup for about half an hour, It took my mind off other thing though lol x jazzy

 

[halfpintfl]

Hi Jazzy, I just wanted to tell you that I was told that right after
the endoscopy, to drink all my drinks close to room temp. Nothing
too hot or cold. And I cut all my food into tiny, tiny, tiny, pieces
so It would not hurt my throat. These two things I did for a little
over six mos. and it really worked, especially the drink part. I hope
this helps, and please be careful and be well.

 

[jazzytonk]

Hi halfpintfl I'll give it a go and see if it helps, cheers. x jazzy

 

[halfpintfl]

Jazzy, that's what I was trying to say, mine, food or water, gets to th very back of my throat, and as it tries to curve to go down, that is where it gets stuck. Like you said, with enough water, most of the time it will go down. Good Luck and let me know when you get your test done.