Swallowing Problems - Anxiety?

[Louj]

Hello all! I’m looking for some help and or suggestions maybe anyone who is going through the same issues as myself. 

I’ve always had anxiety but managed it well for many years. One day 3 weeks ago I just started to feel like I was choking on my food, like it would catch in my throat. From there it’s just gotten worse - that anxiety loop where you fear it, become scared of the sensation - so it keeps going. 

It’s really scary and at the point where I am eating minimal daily and loosing weight rapidly. The doctor has put me on Lovan to help but it’s only day 3. I’ve had this before many years ago but cannot remember how I recovered. This time unfortunately feels worse & I’m struggling to cope. I’m not even getting hungry anymore as my stomach just have shrunk so much. I know it’s all phycological as I can drink water normally and sometimes food then BAM I get that choking feeling and back to square one.

Hoping to share these feelings with others that may be dealing with this.

Thanks in advance 🫶🏻 

[Beeee]

Hello Louj,

I'm sorry to hear what you're going through, constantly feeling like you're choking on your food sounds like a terrifying experience. 

It's great to see that you have reached out to your doctor who is trying to help. When you had this same experience a few years ago and developed coping strategies, was this through the help of a psychologist? That might be another option to discuss with your doctor to help you overcome this anxiety. 

Are there any safe foods that you feel okay eating? Or would having a distraction while you eat be helpful? Such as a TV show or music.

Wishing you the best,

Beeee

[Petal22]

Hi Louj,

Im sorry you are feeling this way I understand it would be difficult.

A psychologist may be helpful for what you are experiencing or a certain type of therapy.

Have you ever done any type of therapy for your anxiety?

Ive done exposure therapy before but this was for certain thoughts I was experiencing I was able to desensitise myself to these intrusive thoughts.

Maybe you ask your doctor about this type of therapy or another one that they think could help you if you want to.

[jaz28]

Hi there,

I am sorry you experienced this, it must be very distressing. I am glad you have contacted your doctor, but is there any way you could see a psychologist to help work through your anxiety?

The first step is acknowledging it, it is good that you recognise it is anxiety so you know what is going on. But now you need to manage it again, I think speaking to your doctor about more treatment would be ideal.

I hope things improve,

Jaz xx