Help swallowing problems

[Raychael19]

I'm a 19 yr old female. I've experienced anxiety since I was 13. I had a son 11 weeks ago & he is the best thing that's ever happened to me. I was fine & had no anxiety until these last 3 weeks I haven't been able to eat a lot I feel like I can't swallow or that I'll choke on my food or it'll get stuck therefore I try to avoid eating anything solid 😖 I just wanna get better & feel healthy again for my son. Has anyone experienced swallowing problems with anxiety? What should I do?

[Redhots7]

You need to go see your GP.

[Redhots7]

It could be any of a number of things. Quit worrying, make an appointment with your doc and they will be able to check you out .

[Raychael19 in reply to Redhots7]

I have they want me to see a specialist.

[Jose13717]

Yes I have, all you have to do is stop thinking about it I know it's hard

[Raychael19 in reply to Jose13717]

Very 😕

[Jojo176]

This is quite a common symptom of anxiety! The more you think of it the more it happens! I suffered with it for years.The only thing that stopped it for me was propanalol.it changed my life this little tablet! I'm 95% better than I ever was after trying everything!

[Raychael19 in reply to Jojo176]

I've thought about trying a medication but im breastfeeding so it's a no go 😕

[Jojo176 in reply to Raychael19]

Hi check with your GP but I'm almost certain it's safe to breastfeed while on propanalol .

[Raychael19 in reply to Jojo176]

Okay I'll ask thanks

[Lbk64]

Hi, yes I've had this. I have it especially when I'm out for dinner and it is definitely worse when you focus on it. Claire Weekes was a great therapist and she spoke about the feeling of choking in one of her books. She said that if you keep chewing without focusing on the swallowing part of eating, what happens is the swallow reflex will eventually take over and you will swallow. I know myself that I have to just keep chewing and not 'try' to swallow. It gets better. Anxiety likes to make is scared of outselves.

[Raychael19 in reply to Lbk64]

Thank you & hopefully it'll get better soon.

[thirdage in reply to Lbk64]

Claire Weekes was fantastic - her books were as if she was there talking to you. I still refer to mine when I have to,

[Lbk64 in reply to thirdage]

Me too. I need to re read it myself. Dealing with some stupid symptoms again atm and they're starting to get the better of me. :/

[Lynl]

It is anxiety and it really feels like what you said but have water with you and drink a bit as you swallow your food and you will see you can get past it. Good luck to you and God Bless you and your new sweet baby ❤️

[Raychael19 in reply to Lynl]

Thank you & yes Water does help that's the only way I've been able to eat a little.

[patrica60]

Have you tried concentrating on something else whilst you eat ?

[Raychael19 in reply to patrica60]

I've tried but it's like I can't help but to focus on it no matter how hard I try

[patrica60 in reply to Raychael19]

I only eat when I am watching something I enjoy on tv,find it helps.

[Cloe8]

Yes I have same problem I feel I can eat and swalliw better when I have a hot drink with my foid normally a cup of tea it has made a Hugh difference good luck and congrats on your new baby feel better

[Raychael19 in reply to Cloe8]

Thank you & I'll give that a try

[Raychael19]

Thanks for all the replies. I went to the Dr the other day & will be seeing a Specialist to make sure it's nothing more than anxiety. They said until then to eat soft foods. I just hope this goes away soon. I'm breastfeeding & I know it's not good to miss meals 😢

[patrica60 in reply to Raychael19]

could it be the baby blues?

[Caroline289]

Congratulations on the birth of your baby son! Already, you have been through a lot and hormones will be flying all over the place! I have had anxiety and could'nt swallow I just couldn't understand it either, but you are not alone. Be kind to yourself and try not to overthink it. In the meantime you need nutrients so May I suggest you try soup and only have small amounts and eat slowly - I used to hold the food in my mouth and I would breath in and out (calmly) through my nose and when I felt my throat relaxing I could swallow! Just to rule out any problems with your throat I would also visit your GP. I wish you happy days with your lovely baby....please don't over worry. Take carexxxxxxx