Swallowing difficulties and fibromyalgia

joybedford

Hi I am looking for advice as to whether this is a common fibro symptom or is it cause for concern. I have had since the age of 15 oesophagitis . my GP says (although i never had any investigations) I have a weak sphincter muscle and this is causing regurgitation of acid which leads to oedema which leads to pain. It is agonising when it happens, severe chest pain that is only remedied by vomiting. I have learned to control this to some extent with diet, if I avoid foods to which I am intolerant and keep alcohol to a minimum it rarely occurs although it is unpredictable and stress related.
For the last 18 months to 2 years I have had difficulties with swallowing, it usually happens with foods like chicken, fish and bread. It feels like my oesophagus spasms and the food won't go down. It is very painful and I need a drink to help the food go down. It is happening more frequently recently. Is this common or should I see my GP. The thought of endoscopy terrifies me (I was a nurse and have seen too many).

canadjineh

Hi I am looking for advice as to whether this is a common fibro symptom or is it cause for concern. I have had since the age of 15 oesophagitis . my GP says (although i never had any investigations) I have a weak sphincter muscle and this is causing regurgitation of acid which leads to oedema which leads to pain. It is agonising when it happens, severe chest pain that is only remedied by vomiting. I have learned to control this to some extent with diet, if I avoid foods to which I am intolerant and keep alcohol to a minimum it rarely occurs although it is unpredictable and stress related.
For the last 18 months to 2 years I have had difficulties with swallowing, it usually happens with foods like chicken, fish and bread. It feels like my oesophagus spasms and the food won't go down. It is very painful and I need a drink to help the food go down. It is happening more frequently recently. Is this common or should I see my GP. The thought of endoscopy terrifies me (I was a nurse and have seen too many).

You seriously need to get this checked out - as a nurse you should know the dangers of Esophageal Reflux and cancer possibilities. I have never heard of this as a fibro symptom, BUT it is not uncommon in people with gluten problems, celiac disease which has shown a tie in to fibromyalgia and other autoimmune system problems. You should also get tested for the markers for celiac disease.

Please do it as soon as you can, this is not a healthy way to live... hugs & hoping you feel better soon.

joybedford

I have been tested for coeliac disease before and don't have it. I have also had gall bladder scans also ok. I have been tested as gluten and dairy intolerant and am just going back to the paleo diet (had great success with this before). I will ring my GP in the morning thanks for the advice.

canadjineh

I have been tested for coeliac disease before and don't have it. I have also had gall bladder scans also ok. I have been tested as gluten and dairy intolerant and am just going back to the paleo diet (had great success with this before). I will ring my GP in the morning thanks for the advice.

I hope all goes well and your GP sends you off to a gastroenterologist... I also tested negative for celiac disease, BUT by that time I had been eating wheat free for a couple years or so, so technically I should do the challenge diet & retest - but seriously what difference would it make to know that - I would still have to live totally GF, which I have for the past 4 years, but my GP says not to bother - do what is healthy for me. If you have had good results eating gluten & dairy free, I'd definitely continue with that. The bread obviously contains gluten, but what about the chicken or the fish - have they been crumb/batter coated or sauced or are they 'pure' form? Just something to think about.

joybedford

I follow the paleo diet so I don't eat anything crumbed at all. I recently went back to my standard diet and that's how I know bread does it. The chicken is just rubbed with olive oil and a little salt and thyme. I will speak to my GP this morning.