Need support so anxious

[Allison198]

Hi everyone

I've had health anxiety for years it waxs and weans over time were I go ok then it gets really terrible again

I developed reflux 3 weeks ago and I haven't ever had it before , me being scared of any physical changes in my body it freaked me out big time

My doctor sent me for a test that checks your swallowing it's a xray and I had to drunk a gross drink to highlight my throat and esophagus .

I got the test results back and it says my esophagus is narrowed moderately because I have a rare congenital birth defect were one of the aortic arteries is behind my esophagus and is pushing into my esophagus.

The testing man said that when the liquid went down my esophagus it didnt stop or slow down were it is narrowed and my esophagus has most likely accommodated to the narrowing as I was born with it , and i have never chocked from any food getting stuck in my esophagus which is good but to me very super confusing.

I'm so anxious now I wish I never had the test because now I know theres something wrong with me and I'm scared to eat .

I have booked in for another swallowing test to make sure the liquid doesn't get caught in the narrowed spot , I'm having the test this Tuesday again and I'll go for there I guess.

My life has changed over night and I just cant believe that after all the scans and blood tests over the years that was just my mind causing the symptoms now I actually have something I'm shocked .

Has anyone with bad health anxiety ever actually had a diagnosis when you thought it was just another anxiety thing ?

[Agora1]

Hi Allison198, it does happen. I know it's a hard thing to accept when we have

gone our whole lives with "it's anxiety" and all of a sudden, there is a real physical

issue. Just because we have anxiety doesn't mean we are immune to getting other

issues during our lifetime. Some may be congenital (as yours) or about just being

human and things happen.

Our life doesn't really change, it just pauses for a moment while we have that issue

taken care of and then go forward with our lives. Unlike anxiety that can take our

lives away for a time, get better and then come back. Because there isn't a surgery

or magic pill that can cure anxiety. With the issue you have and modern medical

technology, this can be over in weeks rather than the years anxiety robs us of.

I wish you well with the upcoming swallow test. I had that at one time and everything

turned out okay. Keep us updated Allison. You will be okay. Stay positive. We support

you through this bump in the road. You are not alone. xx

[Allison198 in reply to Agora1]

Hi thanks for your reply

The shock has got me so anxious no one wants anything wrong with them but having health anxiety on top has me in a spin .

What sucks is the congenital thing i have is that rare no one really understands it so I cant get any true solid advice or answers , that is driving me crazy trust me to have something like that my God

I'm glad I have support on here because I feel unwell mentally right now and I'm trying to not stress my family or friends out they stress I'm going mentally bad like I have in the past .

[Agora1 in reply to Allison198]

Allison, don't beat yourself down. It is very normal to be scared, even more so when

you have health anxiety or just anxiety in general. I can't tell you how I have freaked

out with each and every physical issue I have gone through. Surgeries and Procedures

included. I've been in and out of hospitals during my lifetime. Each and every time

I would get mentally bad. And yet, each and every time I got through it.

I want to support you the best I can. Whatever I can do, I'm here for you.

Keeping you in my thoughts. Agora1 xx

[Allison198 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you so much

[Kkimm]

Hi Allison

It is very understandable to worry alot if you find out you have a physical condition when you suffer from anxiety . I think you should take reassurance from the fact that you have had this all your life and the clinician told you that your body has adapted to it so it sounds as if it is unlikely to cause you ongoing problems if you are able no not worry about it. That is easier said than done if you have anxiety.

I suffered from a swallowing problem due to anxiety which is now gone and gave the detail of it in a reply to Leebr today.

Very best wishes to you

Kim

[Allison198 in reply to Kkimm]

Thanks for your reply I'm trying to think positive I'll know more Tuesday when I do a repeat test I'm praying to God it's the same as the last one and no barium drink gets stuck or slows down at the narrowed part of my esophagus if it doesnt I'll be so happy and relieved.

It's good you got over your swallowing anxiety I didnt see that post I'll have to have a search

[Kkimm in reply to Allison198]

Hi Allison

How did you get on with your repeat swallowing test?

Hope you are feeling better?

Kim

[Cat33]

I had similar when I had chest pains and was rushed into hospital with a suspected heart attack all ok nothing serious but after tests they found I did have heart problem I was born with It was a shock like you but I was reassured that I was fine I also now have a reason for my palpitations so I've stopped stressing about that

I think at the moment it's a shock for you but please please be reassured they are looking after you You say you have been told your esophagus has accommated the narrowing You have never choked before and doesn't sound like you will start now

Have the test again and I KNOW its easy to say but try not to worry yourself try to do relaxation exercises to help you keep calm

It's a shock for you now but in time you will stop thinking about it like me When my heart flutters now I have a reason for it and I know I'm fine

I hope I've made sense and I hope you feel so much better very soon

Take lots of care of yourself sending a healing hug 🤗

[Allison198 in reply to Cat33]

Thanks cat33

Yes the shock is what it is I honestly thought it was one off my anxiety OCD things then to be told this , wow .

I'm doing the test again this Tuesday and seeing a specialist on Wednesday hopefully this can be cleared up .

The trouble is what I have is very rare so not many doctors would no much about it .

I have something called Retro esophageal calvical artery behind my esophagus it's not supposed to be there and it has compressed into my esophagus weather it's always been compressed or just started is what's really bothering me and not being able to talk to a doctor that's familiar with this is real hard cause I'm stuck with tons of questions.

I'm taking one day at a time right now

Thanks for sharing your story with me it helped

[babyhippo67]

Ayes,I went to E&R for pins and needles in my arm and came out after an x-ray to be told I had an extra rib sticking out near my neck. A birth defect

Had never noticed it but after this became paranoid that I was gonna die. It sticks right out when I look in the mirror,but I'd never noticed it I am 50!!!!!!!!!! Xx

[babyhippo67 in reply to babyhippo67]

Also they thought I had a heart murmer

[Allison198 in reply to babyhippo67]

Hi thanks for replying

It's a shock isnt it ?

I hope your ok with that extra rib do you get symptoms from that?