is swallowing food a problem with rd ?

I have started to notice discomfort when eating is this a problem you could get with rd

[nomoreheels]

Hiya you - only now realised who you are duh! Love the new name & profile pic. Our garden's full of yous (?) at the mo & we were only watching a programme yesterday about bees & although some of the things we knew there was so much more we didn't know & was really interesting.

I don't remember which mix of meds you're on but I have problems with eating at lunch time. It doesn't seem to matter whether I have a sandwich, salad or soup, about 3/4 through I feel full & can't eat any more & when I have a drink to try to help it down I can feel where it's stuck. It was on my list to mention last Friday at my Rheumy appointment but so much time was taken up with my other issues & a steroid injection I didn't get to that one. It didn't help she was clock watching either & as it was I went 20 mins over my 'allotted' time I think it's one of my meds but pinpointing it is another thing!!! Conversely I'm fine for my evening meal so can only put it down to one of them as I take all but one in the morning. She's suggesting to my GP I have a script review so will bring it up then.

Sorry it's not a clear cut response by maybe someone else has a better one.

Hope you're ok otherwise? x

[Hidden in reply to nomoreheels]

you always have a good clear response to peoples post you have a way with words you could write a book about rd it just a jungle to me .I wondered how long it would take for people to twig on to my new name, I am only on pain killers at the moment and I have tramadol looming ,I am waiting to see a neurologist having coordination problems my gp thinks I may be having fits and has suspended my driving licence that was in march cant get to see hospital doctor till sept it is not connected to rd so they tell me

[nomoreheels in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your kind words, it's gratifying when someone says kind things though it's only stuff I've learnt through having it as I was clueless. My Consultant picked up on my wanting to know how to help myself as much as poss he pointed me to reliable sites to visit.

Is there a reason for just pain killers? I don't understand how you RD can be controlled with them, just the associated pain. Maybe if a DMARD could be introduced that would negate the need for tramadol or other strong pain meds & be of greater impact on your RD.

I'm sorry to read of your other problems but hope they get to the root of it quickly once they start investigating. It's no fun not driving is it? It's the freedom thing. Mine is more a matter of difficulty as we have a manual & it bugs me. I drove home the other evening, only a short journey but it was the first time in a while & boy did it hurt. We're in the process of getting an automatic & can't wait. I hope it's not too long before you're sorted & with a fair wind you'll have yours back.

Did my original reply ring any bells?

[Hidden]

I have been on dmards and they made my bowel bleed the steroids did nothing at all only bring on depression they advised metx but I refused now my gp is sorting my drugs for me till I am ready to take stronger drug we have the top rheumatology department in the uk its just me and drugs don't mix

[nomoreheels in reply to Hidden]

I'm sorry you have such problems with meds. I'm the total opposite & consider myself very fortunate as my h is much the same as you with them. It's such a shame you can't take MTX as it's done wonders for so many including me but it your GP's onto it then hopefully he'll sort the ones that'll suit you. It's great to hear you have a good Rheumy department. I miss the one I had from the start before coming back so much & have never been like I am now since before diagnosis.

Let me know how you get on. x

[earthwitch]

Two reasons I know of: first is degenerative disease of the neck (secondary to RA) that can either squish nerves a bit (the vagus nerve is the only that would impact on swallowing, I think), or can just contribute to your holding your head in a not particularly wonderful position for easy swallowing, or where there are osteophytes that are pressing into the oesophagus.

Other major reason would be gastrooesophageal reflux - very common with the meds, and common as you get older.

You do need to talk to your GP about this, and if there is any suggestion at all of reflux disease, then get it treated so it doesn't damage your oesophagus any more.

[Hidden in reply to earthwitch]

thank you that is good advice has I don't usually have this problem the food feels to be getting stuck has I swallow and sometimes it takes me by surprise I don't choke just feels different

[hatshepsut]

It does need investigation. I have similar problems. Was referred to ENT consultant, had a special xray which produced a video of my swallowing action. It showed that I have a web in my throat, and he said that MTX and sjorgens, making the throat dry, made the problem worse!

There is an op, but I will not have it unless it gets to the stage of being unable to eat altogether.

I really sympathise with you, I know how difficult this problem can be! I would recommend that you speak to your gp about it, it should be investigated asap. Best wishes. M x

[Hidden in reply to hatshepsut]

thank for your reply I will try to get to the doctors hope you are doing ok now

[JennySLT]

There are other nerves involved in swallowing too so that's a factor. Also, things like stress and tension can impair swallowing by making everything all the more tighter and I would imagine we all experience those to a certain degree. Good idea to see GP, good luck. Jenny

[Hidden in reply to JennySLT]

thank you for your input hope thing are well with you

[hatshepsut]

I'm ok thanks, some days are better than others! Hope you get some answers. M x