Swallowing difficulties with pouch at back of mouth

[gemim]

Hello , wanted to ask if any of you have been told after a barium swallow investigation that you have a pouch at the back of your mouth? I’m waiting to see the gastroenterologist next month. I have had swallowing difficulties for over a year now - particularly tablets and capsules but also fresh fruit, anything hard with skin on etc. My endoscopy last year didn’t show anything which seems strange. Any advice on what to expect and ask at my appointment would be appreciated. Thanks.

gemim ( SLE +Sjogren’s)

[MusicalFurbaby]

Hi Gemim, this might sound strange but well done on finding a cause! I had a barium swallow a couple years back but they didn’t find any pouches. Like you, I was having trouble swallowing, especially pills, that were getting stuck in my throat for days. I frequently choke on food and cough something up at least once per meal.

I saw my gastro who ordered a motility test as well, and it turns out I have hypocontractile osophageal syndrome where my osophageous does not activate enough when food is going down. Hence the coughing and choking. There’s no treatment for it, except to eat slower—and I’m already the slowest eater in the universe!

I believe the treatment for pouches is to basically sow the sides together so that they are sealed off. That way, food can no longer get caught there. I believe it’s a pretty routine procedure. Let us know how you get on with the gastro, and all the best! 👍💕

[gemim in reply to MusicalFurbaby]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I also have slightly reduced motility in my oesophagus which is another contributing factor to the swallowing difficulties. Will keep you posted on what is recommended for the pouch.

Gemim

[ShannonB]

I’m sorry to hear this. Following this as I await a barium swallow test for night time breathing issues and also struggle as you describe. Endoscopy also was fine. What do they say they can do?

[gemim in reply to ShannonB]

Thanks for your reply. Trust you don’t have to wait too too long for your Barium swallow test. I’m waiting to see what the gastroenterologist has to say but in MusicalFurbaby’s reply she said that they sow up the two sides of the pouch to close it off. Let us know how you get on.

Gemim

[MrsMarigold]

Hi Gemim. I relate to all above though never told I have pouches. My esophagus is very narrow and I have an EGD twice a year. My gastroenterologist is the one who has educated me the most about this problem. He says autoimmune diseases, lupus frequently damages the esophagus and actually I’m not sure we have a solution. Currently I’m using PPI at morning and famitodine at night for acid reflux which is another problem we get. Especially with all the meds. I have to eat small meals and very slowly. At night I take my meds with a lot of water and wait half hour before lying down.

My takeaway from my gastroenterologist who is super is this is all part of the disease and manage it as best we can. MrsMarigold

[gemim in reply to MrsMarigold]

Thanks, MrsMarigold. Helpful to know that others have similar problems. I have started eating softer food and try to eat more slowly which does seem to help. I’ve been on Omeleazole 20mg twice daily for the past year or so (previously 20mg daily). We’ll see what my gastroenterologist has to say about the pouch.

Gemim