Can Nifedipine cause muscle weakness in the oesophagus as I have seen mentioned on some web sites? If so, this is where I get confused.

[newton]

Suffering with Raynaulds and on Nifedipine I now have swollowing and digestive problems so have been told I also have Scleroderma. Could it not just be the medication for the Raynaulds and if so is it reversable once you stop taking the medication?

[zenabb]

I have been on Nifedipine for decades with no ill effects. Who told you that you have scleroderma? Have you seen a rheumatologist? Have you had tests? It could well be that swallowing and digestive problems are due to scleroderma. I have that and I deal with it. You are trying to find an easy answer; sorry, there isn't one. Good luck.

[newton in reply to zenabb]

Thanks zenabb, my rheumatologist thinks it is scleroderma, blood test up to now are negitive. Only just had results for manometry confirming the swollowing problems, hard skin on fingers I could be put down to hard graft. I'm not in denial but up to now I can see other reasons for all the symptoms and don't want to be pigeon holed in case diagnosis is incorrect, typical me, I question everything. Have just joined the RSA to help me learn more about scleroderma as it seems quite a complecated disease to understand. Any info gratefully recieved.

[lynbw]

Hi Newton ,i have been on nifedipine for a number of years . i also have raynauds and sclerorderma plus other problems . the digestive problems were there before i started Nifedipine , so i think you can rule that out . Your rheumatologist should investigate these problems for you and hopefully they will come up with the answer for you . best wishes lyn

[Thelma]

I also experienced swallowing problems 3 years before I was diagnosed with the Scleroderma and Raynaud conditions. The swallowing is better than when I first started having difficulties. Now I am more mindful to eat slowly, making sure meats are cut into very small pieces and to be relaxed during meal times. I am hopeful that your condition will improve..

[newton in reply to Thelma]

Thanks Thelma, I find I am learning to cope and adapt to the problem, always have a drink with my food, prefer foods with sauces or gravey, not dry, that goes for even a biscuit or cake, need something to help get it down. I find I can't eat large meals anymore and tend to graze during the day to help keep my weight.

[Thelma]

You are taking the right approaches Newton, you're listening to your body, being mindful, and following it accordingly. I have gotten used to pampering my body and multiple conditions as needed and it certainly does hep my comfort level. Complexities and pain certainly does comes w/our conditions, but we can train them not to be so invasive and balance them better I am noticing. I trust that we will prove that we can beat a lot of the conditions associated with our diseases - and maintain a certain level of activeness, and still have a life with keeping our discomforts at a minimum. Remember that you remain in my prayers. Have a wonderful week Newton.

[Maggs3petts]

Haven't heard that before and i've been taking Adalat (Nifedipine) since 1985. However, I was diagnosed a few years ago with oesophagitis so maybe there is a connection. I'll check with my GP next time I'm there.