fear of swallowing

Deb 45 · Post by **Deb 45** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 2:31 pm

Well,

Just when I think that I've had every fear possible about my body, a new one has come up. Now I'm afraid to swallow my food. I can swallow water fine, and things like yogurt, but noodles are difficult, sandwiches take a long time. This has really hit an alltime high in the last 24 hours. I think its been gradually growing for over a year. I love eating! What a strange thing. Its like yesterday I could at least take a full mouthful of food. Today I ate breakfast ok, and after that I've been carefully taking small enough bites to avoid the fear. Its funny because I know this is unrealistic, but then in the middle of a chew of food, I panic, then I interrupt my own swallow in the middle and the feeling makes it worse. Of course through this I haven't choked. Lately having a lot of health fears, and lots of stress.

I was comforted to read that a lot of other people have the same fear. I guess I get to eat a lot of ice cream, because that's one food I'm not scared of.

Best wishes,

Deb

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 3:10 pm

Hi Deb,
My worst fear is health issues, I can't think of anything I didn't think I would get or already have. It's horrible, isnt it. Sometimes, when I take large vitamins, especially while I'm driving or alone, I will choke and not be able to clear it and just die! Silly huh? Well, we won't, I would just take tiny bites of food, to prove you will be able to swallow (and you will!) in other words, take baby steps, you'll be just fine. I hope this helped a little. Suzzie

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 7:49 pm

Thanks Suzie,

That does help. I also have the fear of choking while driving. I wish I could tell my doctor about this. Its bothering me, but I feel ashamed to say anything to her. I think its time to put this lady on notice. I shouldn't have to hide symptoms from my primary doc because I feel like she wouldn't get it. Its her job to answer my questions. If she's not sensitive enough to handle it, then I think I need to find someone else.

Thanks,

Deb

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 10:03 pm

Hey Deb,

I totally understand about your fear of swallowing and choking. For a long time you wouldn't catch me out anywhere without a bottle of water. When I first went to my Dr. about this, she sent me to have test done(beryil swallow) to rule out any physical happenings. Of course there was nothing wrong, just anxiety and panic attacks manifesting in my throat. I know it's hard but you can get passed this, I did. Remember, you are not going to choke! Best wishes.

Lance

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 7:35 am

Thank you for the posts. It has helped me. I am new to this program and this is one of my latest symptoms the closing of my throat and choking....I constantly feel a tightness in my throat until I do not pay attention to it. This is so hard sometimes...But, knowing you all are dealing with is as well helps....and are getting better.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 7:45 am

The sensations in your throat are just muscle tightness from tension. If you experience a feeling of a lump it is the same thing. There is no lump. It is just a sensation. Make that tight throat, lump, etc OK to be there. You can still eat. I recommend you stay with solid foods. Eat small bites if that makes you feel better. Wash it down with water. So what. It's OK. Feel the anxiety through it all. The anxiety will pass and soon that "bully" will leave you alone because your nonavoidance is really your key to healing.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 8:12 am

I actually thought I was the only one that this had ever happened to until I heard someone talk about it in the program. Just push through it. Don't avoid solid food. First acknowledge that it is anxiety, there's nothing physically wrong with you. Take smaller bites if you have to. When it's happened to me, I would try to swallow little by little using water. It's very scary, I know. But it is just anxiety, it's ok.

Good luck, we're all here with you!! You will soon get past this.

Best,
Steph

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 8:51 am

I have dealt with anxiety for about 7 years and since I just had my first son 3 1/2 months ago this is one of my main worries!!! I can barely eat and when I do swallow I feel like it is still there and then I think I can't breathe good! It is so miserable!

PMA · Post by **PMA** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 8:59 am

Remember - It only feels like it hasn't gone down. It really has. Drink water if that helps to reassure you. It's only a sensation that comes from tight muscles in your throat. Everything is still open and clear. This really will pass. Be patient and soothe your fears. Comfort yourself.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:10 am

You have No idea how much I can relate. I had that swallowing issue before. It's gone away with positive self talk and belief in myself (th program helps with that) Here is a link you may wanna check out that I wrote a while ago. Dont worry. This dos go away!!!!

<A HREF="http://bbs.stresscenter.com/eve/forums/ ... 1891029754" TARGET=_blank>http://bbs.stresscenter.com/eve/forums/ ... 1029754</A>