esophogeal problems

[redmaggie]

hi there, im not sure if this is the right forum, but does anyone else suffer from food impactions, and if so did you get any treatment? (i have diagnosed dysmotility, erythromelalgia, reynauds etc etc. thought to be part of UCTD. i have auto antobodies but not specific to scleroderma) last night had a very painful impaction after a little boiled rice which lasted about 20 mins. couldn't swallow spit, lots of drooling and the constant cramp was ghastly. its hard not to panic. it happens about every month. i was seen at local gastro clinic a couple of years ago - and they did all the tests but discharged me. other than self help, eg eating slowly etc, does anyone have any professional help? thanks!

[Halfwayuphill]

Hi redmaggie,

Firstly I’m sure you are on the right forum as your problem is typical of UCTD/Scleroderma. I have had UCTD with high levels of RNP antibody for over 20 years. One of my first symptoms was problems swallowing choking etc. I now have problems with my whole digestive tract. Have you been tested for reflux or poor muscles in your oesophagus? Your rheumatologist should suggest these (endoscopy, tilt test and I can’t remember the name of the muscle one). A ct scan with contrast is another one. Perhaps when you had tests two years ago it wasn’t that bad. I found going on a ppi cleared my problem up for some years. They are right of course about chewing and small meals but this wouldn’t be enough if you have significant reflux.

Hope this helps

[OldTed60]

I’m so sorry you have this problem. Is this same as oesophageal spasms I wonder? I had these for a few years when off all PPI meds or too low a dose - mostly relating to swallowing cold food or drink. I still get them occasionally and they are really so scary but don’t go on as long as you describe - 20 minutes must be very alarming indeed you have my sympathies.

My GP diagnosed mine but didn’t really say the cause - I was diagnosed with primary Sjogren’s and Hypothyroidism at this time and was told it was dysmotility but now also diagnosed with silent reflux. I switched from Ranitidine to esomeprazole and this seemed to help a lot. Now diagnosed with seropositive Systemic Sclerosis but the ENT said silent reflux is more associated with Sjogren’s dryness so perhaps spasms are a mix of both. Since then I’ve been diagnosed with severe Gastroparesis, SIBO and slow transit - so I’m very much a GI dysmotility sufferer throughout. I haven’t found gastro very helpful at all but my neurologist (Erythromelalgia and migraine) got me on Domperidone - which has helped the most - although gastro moved me down to 1 a day because of cardiac risk associated. Other related CTD condition that causes swallowing problems is Myositis and I suspect I have this in my mix. But I’m maximally treated anyway so no point in putting me through tests now my rheumatologist says. If I were you I’d consider asking about motility testing and ask GP if you could try a PPI such as esomeprazole or famotidine perhaps? Also maybe try to see an ENT?

[Buttsy]

morning,

I like you struggle from time to time, I was under gastroenterologist and like you he did test changed my reflux medication to Esomeprazole and discharged me.

I am also under ENT for swallowing issue , due for a review in a few weeks , they keep there eye on me and advise., check throat with scope , did barium swallow ect.diagnosed laryngeal reflux, dysmotality .

It is scary when it happens.

I find I need to drink lots of water during a meal, eat slower, chew more ect.

I try coke if nothing else helps, the bubbles seem to help release any stuck food.

So maybe ENT could help.

Good luck

[Skrubbah]

hiya, I have systemic sclerosis and also have poor motility. I find rice an absolute nightmare and can usually only mange two or three forkfuls before it feels like I am eating glass. Risotto rice is fine. I drink a pint of water with my meals. Bread also causes the same problems. I find wetter meals are better. If you like rice then maybe try something like orzo as a substitute ? If find that is easier to swallow. Good luck!