Difficulty Swallowing

[WIZARD6787]

This is not often mentioned on this forum but it is listed often as a symptom.

After my hospitalization for B12 deficiency 4 years ago I could not eat solid food for guessing a year. I also had no hunger.

I would experience aspiration. Often called food going down the wrong pipe. It was excruciating and could bring me to my knees.

I had to be very careful even drinking smoothies or shakes.

Not only has it resolved I can now drink very cold liquid with no issue and that has been an issue since my teens. I am 69 years old.

[ACritical121]

My mother had similar symptoms, in the end she occasionally tried to please us and she accepted a few small spoons of custard, not much else as her swallowing was severely affected. Her B12 deficiency had progressed over many years and wasn’t treated apart from a few days before my parents 60th wedding anniversary, she was given a few B12 injections, she was able to sit up in bed and be part of the celebrations. The injections were withheld and 6 weeks later she passed away. If I knew then what I know now…..Lots of senior citizens become B12 deficient and are not always properly treated, doctors way up what’s in their interest.

[KBird01]

The aspiration one is definitely one of my first symptoms that tell me I need 'topping up'. Mine is usually on saliva, rather than food or drink.

I also previously had a sensation of lump in my throat, which was investigated by the GP as possible thyroid. Following info on here, I think from Rexz , I realised this was a lessser-known symptom of iron deficiency. Despite my GP telling me my iron was fine, (I had low ferritin), I treated this with supplements and have had no recurrence.

Thanks as ever for sharing your observations WIZARD6787 . 😊

[PlatypusProfit8077 in reply to KBird01]

My throat feels tight or small often, especially when I turn my head. It’s not there all the time which is both frustrating and a relief because it’s quite a panic inducing sensation.

I always put it down to genetics as my Nan (born 1913) had problems with her oesophagus and often had trouble swallowing (although it was explained by a hiatus hernia, I now wonder about PA as she was always eating liver). My sister also has a small oesophagus and has needed B12 injections 🤔🤔🤔

[WIZARD6787 in reply to PlatypusProfit8077]

Thank you for sharing.

[MrsTuft]

Difficulty swallowing was one of many symptoms for me too. Gone with daily injections.

[WIZARD6787]

Thank you for sharing