It's been quite some time, well years since I've posted on these boards..I just needed to get away from it all as it was taking a huge toll on my psyche, I"m sure some of you can understand that.
Anyhow, it's been 8 yrs since I had an LLMD since moving to the SE from NJ and it's been 8 years since I've been able to swallow solid foods. I have the stomach tests and they only showed a small sliding hiatus hernia but also massive inflammation from the my throat down through my small intestines. I've been on all the acid meds that I could handle, they either didnt work, made me sick or made the heartburn worse.
My MD here in the south doesn't know what to do with me and he's really not interested in learning. I've found all the doctors I've gone to here aren't real interested. I have been seeing my MD for about 5 yrs and I stay with because I know atleast if I bring him something he will discuss it with me and tell me what is the best action to take whether is be seeing a specialist or trying a medication.
I feel my swallowing problem is coming from the Lyme, Babesia, and Erlichia being in my brain affecting the cranial nerves. I also have horrible all over body spasms and twitches that I have been on Ativan 1 mg 3 times a day for the last 4 years. In order for me to get some kind of nutrition, I have to take an Ativan and sleep and even then I can only get down scrambled eggs in the morning drowned in a white butter sauce and then some soup in the afternoon that has been blenderized.
I know there have been others who have had trouble with solid foods and I was wondering if you ever recovered from it and if so did you find out exactly what part of the body was causing it and what you did for it to get better? Thanks for any info you can offer.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
We're all different, so all we can do is say what works for each of us.
For me, it's affected by the cervical vertebrae, like C1, C2 and C4. I know, because I ask the chiropractors which vertebrae they're adjusting.
Vertebrae that are out of place can pull on soft tissues, including the nerves that affect swallowing.
I am able to get chiro treatment for this symptom, but it does come and go, depending on my neck situation.
A chiropractor also said it affects more folks who have lost a natural neck curve, which in my case is true -
I have kind of a straight neck instead of the usual curvature, thus the neck has to work harder.
Don't know if that's true for others with swallowing problems or not.
Posted by Rumigirl (Member # 15091) on :
17yrsAndCouting,
This really should go under Medical Questions.
You really need an LLMD pronto!! This is a serious symptom, and having had this for 8 years?! Do whatever you have to do to get in to see the best LLMD that you can.
Mandy, the blonde woman in Under Our Skin had this and recovered. But I'm sure the longer it goes on unaddressed, the harder it is to treat. Please, don't neglect yourself any longer!
Posted by glm1111 (Member # 16556) on :
My swallowing difficulties have improved greatly with antiparasitic tx, namely herbs. Parasites and worms can play a MAJOR part in Lyme disease as a co-infection.
They can hibernate and proliferate in the small intestine. There is a lot of info here that you can find by doing a search under parasites.
Gael
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
I have swallowing problems that are getting worse; I haven't brought them up to the LLD because I always forget and don't really notice until others mention how much I choke.
I choke more on liquids though. It's very hard to drink water without choking. But it's getting worse and I've been choking now on solids, too. It's been tough to drink without choking for a long time; years; but now it's gotten worse.
Anyone have trouble with drinking?
Posted by 17yrsAndCouting (Member # 27961) on :
Thank you all for responding with your advice and opinions.. I appreciate them all...
Robin I wanted to specifically address your post.. I have the same issue you do.. I found out that my neck no longer has a curvature either.. I have no idea who long it's been this way.. About 1 year ago I complained to my MD about headaches that were starting at the base of my skull and he took and Xray.. he said my neck was no longer curved it was straight.. As I said, I don't know how long it's been this way..
Also over the years my spine seems to be curved as well.. my ribs on the right side stick way out to the side.. I consulted a chiro about my neck a few months ago but there was a problem with my insurance and then my husband is dealing with health issue's and I let it go.. I think I will call them back tomorrow and see what I have to do about my insurance.. Thanks again..
PS: Sorry I posted this in the wrong forum.. Should I repost in the Medical Questions forum? Thanks