Questioningguy
New member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2017
- Messages
- 4
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Country
- CA
- State
- Ontario
- City
- Toronto
Hi,
I want to start by saying I am aware that this is a very serious illness and am in no way trying to make a mockery out of it, however, I'm here because I'm trying to educate myself on the disease to better assess whether I have it, what my risks are etc.
The last couple of months I've occasionally noticed myself having swallowing issues. This isn't the "feeling tight with a lump in the throat" feeling. This is actual swallowing issues. I suddenly will feel like I'm having trouble swallowing my saliva. Oddly enough, eating and drinking food and waters are fine for the most part.
What I notice is that swallowing has become labored for me, as oppose to a rather involuntary natural process. I'm swallowing excessively, can't seem to get my saliva down without pushing it to the back of my throat. Doing all sorts of odd throat movements with my muscles to create the sensation that I've swallowed etc. It's only happened on occasional times like maybe for an hour randomly while at work, during a meal in a public place.
Well this past week It's been a nightmare. I was up until 5 AM could not sleep watching TV when I noticed this sensation happening. It literally makes me jump when I cannot swallow or feel like I can't. Since then it's been happening almost all day everyday. Of course I've discussed this with my doctor who believes it is anxiety related.
But I am aware of this "bulbar" swallowing and slurred speech issue that occurs with ALS. I'm afraid the reason I'm having this swallowing trouble is due to some kind of muscle in my throat becoming paralyzed and not working so I have to work extra hard to swallow. Basically, that it;s not anxiety and some sort of neurological problem.
If anyone with education on this can give me some feedback that would be much appreciated. I'm literally obsessing over this swallowing issue, so much so that it's creating an intense feeling of doom and an inability to get on with my day.
Thanks!
I want to start by saying I am aware that this is a very serious illness and am in no way trying to make a mockery out of it, however, I'm here because I'm trying to educate myself on the disease to better assess whether I have it, what my risks are etc.
The last couple of months I've occasionally noticed myself having swallowing issues. This isn't the "feeling tight with a lump in the throat" feeling. This is actual swallowing issues. I suddenly will feel like I'm having trouble swallowing my saliva. Oddly enough, eating and drinking food and waters are fine for the most part.
What I notice is that swallowing has become labored for me, as oppose to a rather involuntary natural process. I'm swallowing excessively, can't seem to get my saliva down without pushing it to the back of my throat. Doing all sorts of odd throat movements with my muscles to create the sensation that I've swallowed etc. It's only happened on occasional times like maybe for an hour randomly while at work, during a meal in a public place.
Well this past week It's been a nightmare. I was up until 5 AM could not sleep watching TV when I noticed this sensation happening. It literally makes me jump when I cannot swallow or feel like I can't. Since then it's been happening almost all day everyday. Of course I've discussed this with my doctor who believes it is anxiety related.
But I am aware of this "bulbar" swallowing and slurred speech issue that occurs with ALS. I'm afraid the reason I'm having this swallowing trouble is due to some kind of muscle in my throat becoming paralyzed and not working so I have to work extra hard to swallow. Basically, that it;s not anxiety and some sort of neurological problem.
If anyone with education on this can give me some feedback that would be much appreciated. I'm literally obsessing over this swallowing issue, so much so that it's creating an intense feeling of doom and an inability to get on with my day.
Thanks!