Never rains but it pours

[smokingboot]

Had a choking fit last night, serious enough for R to call an ambulance. What the hell is going on? I have had about six of these in my life, usually sorted by the application of full fat coke, as advised by the paramedics last time I needed an ambulance for this. Apparently, coca-cola often eases the throat muscles, something something science something bubbles something... but it wasn't happening last night. It changed not a thing because it couldn't get past the obstruction at all and I couldn't swallow. I was in trouble for over five minutes and began to think that the nightmare and the city of the bull was telling me something. The problem was sorted before we needed to make a dash to A&E. While the paramedics were very happy to take me to hospital, they understood that little might happen there beyond what they themselves were doing; checking my heart, my oxygen levels, the back of my throat, my ability to eat and drink. They stayed with me long after my embarrassment wished them gone. They recommended I go to the GP, get myself referred for an endoscopy but I'm sure I've had one before and it found nothing. I went through a barrage of checkups regarding all sorts of things and I seem to recall something oesophageal was tried, but maybe that was to check out something else. I don't know, there were so many bits and pieces. R noted that this happens with one particular meal repeatedly. He makes deconstructed kebabs with mint yoghurt, feta cheese, toasted pittas, tomato and cucumber and a little lamb fried in onions and cut into small pieces. It's always the lamb that gets stuck. This doesn't seem to happen with any other meal or meat.

My throat feels very scraped and sore this morning.

I feel especially bad because this is a time I should be looking after R, not the other way around. He seems OK. His aches from the crash seem to be clearing up and his mood is back to normal. But still.

The GP is a must. Things could get serious if this happens to me when alone. Lordy, I am sick of being sick and fed up of constantly needing help.

Comments

[mallorys_camera]

Very worrisome, my friend.

I'm wondering whether it might possibly be an anaphylactic reaction associated with Letrozole? They're rare, but they do happen.

(I've twice had... fits... where my trachea seemed to become paralyzed & I couldn't breathe. Both occurred when I was eating sushi with very strong wasabi, and consequently, I don't eat wasabi anymore, though I love it.)

[smokingboot]

I've had these for a few years now, since before the Letrozole . Tbh I thought that because my back teeth are gone (hangs head in shame!) maybe it's a case of not chewing enough before the swallowing reflex cuts in. But while the paramedics were sympathetic, I could tell they weren't sure this suggestion was entirely plausible.

Either way, I definitely need to get it sorted.

[thisnewday]

Sounds like the infamous "Steakhouse Syndrome." It's the result of a fibrous band, called a "Schatzky Ring," which forms around the lower end of the esophagus as a result of contact with excessive stomach acids. The latter is called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD.

Back in the day, they'd do an endoscopy for a visual evaluation of the esophagus and then use the scope to push past and break the ring.

The first time I had that done, it was without anesthesia and they literally told me to sit on my hands to prevent interference while they did the procedure!

When the condition recurred, a few years later, the procedure was repeated but with anesthesia. When I asked why the change, the doc told me that the person who'd said the anesthesia was unnecessary for this procedure had obviously never had it done to him, lol.

Although I've been on a couple of meds for the GERD over the many years since, eating slowly, chewing carefully, and avoiding problem foods has kept me out of the ER.

Hope the visit with your doc goes well...

[smokingboot]

This is such useful information, thank you!

I keep thinking that it's just chewing/swallowing too quickly that's the problem. But the advice was to get it checked.

[thisnewday]

Yes, I was quite young at the onset of this condition, mid to late twenties, and struggled with it for quite a while until I finally had an episode where the blockage did not clear on its own and I was forced to go to the ER.

After that, I was put in touch with the gastrointerologist who would handle my case from there on.

And keeping that appointment was absolutely the best thing I could've done for myself--aside from religiously following the advice which I was then given.

Again, wishing you well...