| Topic: |
Sociology > Depression |
| User: |
"LittleBrownFish" |
| Date: |
11 Dec 2005 01:42:04 PM |
| Object: |
Conversion disorder - swallowing & breathing difficulties |
Hi,
I wonder if anyone can suggest any treatment options for me?
I first had the experience of not being able to swallow 5 years ago. I
don't recall any special stressors in my life at the time. This lasted
for a few months, was not 24/7, more a couple of times a week, then
vanished. It has come and gone with 18 month gaps in between, though I
cannot remember any special stressors during that time for me to link
it up with.
Then, in 2004, I heard about the beheading of Nick Berg in Iraq, and
developed the sensation of a lump in my throat. Internet searches
suggested 'globus hystericus', and my doctor was happy to accept that
as an explanation for my symptoms, as was I. The lump sensation
subsided when I was 'diagnosed'!!
Then I started having frightening sensations of not being able to
breath, and ended up having a Ventolin inhaler which did help my
symptoms (whether that was psychological or real help, I don't
know...it felt real). This lasted for about 6 months, then subsided on
its own.
Now I have the sensation of not being able to swallow again. It rarely
seems to happen on my own, so I am aware that it seems to be a social
anxiety thing. It also worsens when I think people are watching me
eating. I cover my mouth when eating and have to carefully time when I
am going to swallow, otherwise my throat just seems to lock up and the
food threatens to choke me as it sits at the back of my mouth.
I am an outgoing, confident person with a few neuroses, like most
people. I have been on 'red alert' for carcinogenic lumps on my body
since I was a teenager...due to my mother's early passing and have been
to my doctor 3 or 4 times with this over the last 25 years (nothing
diagnosed, unsurprisingly). Whilst I am aware that this is neurotic, I
think it is also realistic of me due to family history (3 grand parents
also died of cancer).
Bits of my history worthy of pointing out are that my father has been
diagnosed with 'globus' for about 35 years, wears a naso-gastric tube
and has gone down to 6 stone in weight. He is also a compulsive gambler
with a degree of OCD. He's now 68 yrs old.
My mother died at age 39 (I am now 37) of breast cancer when I was 9
years old.
My brother died, age 30 (not of cancer) when I was 24.
I am toying with trying hypnosis before I turn into my father! But if
anyone else has other suggestions for me to try, I will be very
grateful.
Regards
LittleBrownFish
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| User: "kali" |
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| Title: Re: Conversion disorder - swallowing & breathing difficulties |
11 Dec 2005 02:21:05 PM |
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Have you ever had a CAT scan of your throat area?
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| User: "Rhiannon" |
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| Title: Re: Conversion disorder - swallowing & breathing difficulties |
11 Dec 2005 02:28:37 PM |
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"kali" <dravazed@w-link.net> wrote in message
news:1134332465.537346.242650@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Have you ever had a CAT scan of your throat area?
That's what I was going to ask. What kind of physical tests have been done?
--
Rhiannon
rhianon@sympatico.ca
The Labyrinth
http://thelabyrinthofr.blogspot.com
.
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| User: "LittleBrownFish" |
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| Title: Re: Conversion disorder - swallowing & breathing difficulties |
11 Dec 2005 02:49:41 PM |
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None. My doctor had a quick look down my throat for the complaint re
the lump feeling, but was happy to summise, as I was, that it was, as
she put it, 'of psycho-genic nature'. No physical exams other than
looking down my throat have been done.
.
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| User: "Rhiannon" |
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| Title: Re: Conversion disorder - swallowing & breathing difficulties |
11 Dec 2005 02:54:44 PM |
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"LittleBrownFish" <weirdfeet@hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
news:1134334181.108643.103740@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
None. My doctor had a quick look down my throat for the complaint re
the lump feeling, but was happy to summise, as I was, that it was, as
she put it, 'of psycho-genic nature'. No physical exams other than
looking down my throat have been done.
It could very well be psycho-genic. I get that feeling of being unable to
swallow or breath when I have a panic attack which is to be expected, but it
seems prudent to rule out the physical before turning towards the mental or
emotional. It just makes sense to exhaust all possibilities. Your doctor
sounds a little too cavalier about the whole thing. If you can somehow push
for more tests I would give it a shot. I do know that psychological
problems can cause physical symptoms but may as well be sure so you know
which direction to go in with this problem.
--
Rhiannon
rhianon@sympatico.ca
The Labyrinth
http://thelabyrinthofr.blogspot.com
.
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| User: "yuluwirri" |
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| Title: Re: Conversion disorder - swallowing & breathing difficulties |
11 Dec 2005 03:06:41 PM |
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x-no-archive: yes
On 11 Dec 2005 12:49:41 -0800, "LittleBrownFish"
<weirdfeet@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:
None. My doctor had a quick look down my throat for the complaint re
the lump feeling, but was happy to summise, as I was, that it was, as
she put it, 'of psycho-genic nature'. No physical exams other than
looking down my throat have been done.
Well I am sorry that I assumed that there had been tests done, so I
would insist on having this looked at until you are completely sure
that it isn't a physical problem. This would be my first port of call.
Let us know how you go?
--
yuluwirri
~~~~~~~
Fish know.
~~~~~~~
yuluwirri@hotmail.com
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| User: "LittleBrownFish" |
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| Title: Re: Conversion disorder - swallowing & breathing difficulties |
11 Dec 2005 02:32:33 PM |
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Nope. I've been to my doctor with the throat lump sensation and the
breathing, but feel a bit of a hypochondriac going with yet another
unspecified, highly neurotic-sounding complaint. Although I know I will
have to get it checked out.
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| User: "yuluwirri" |
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| Title: Re: Conversion disorder - swallowing & breathing difficulties |
11 Dec 2005 02:55:55 PM |
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x-no-archive: yes
On 11 Dec 2005 11:42:04 -0800, "LittleBrownFish"
<weirdfeet@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:
Hi,
I wonder if anyone can suggest any treatment options for me?
I first had the experience of not being able to swallow 5 years ago. I
don't recall any special stressors in my life at the time. This lasted
for a few months, was not 24/7, more a couple of times a week, then
vanished. It has come and gone with 18 month gaps in between, though I
cannot remember any special stressors during that time for me to link
it up with.
Then, in 2004, I heard about the beheading of Nick Berg in Iraq, and
developed the sensation of a lump in my throat. Internet searches
suggested 'globus hystericus', and my doctor was happy to accept that
as an explanation for my symptoms, as was I. The lump sensation
subsided when I was 'diagnosed'!!
Then I started having frightening sensations of not being able to
breath, and ended up having a Ventolin inhaler which did help my
symptoms (whether that was psychological or real help, I don't
know...it felt real). This lasted for about 6 months, then subsided on
its own.
Now I have the sensation of not being able to swallow again. It rarely
seems to happen on my own, so I am aware that it seems to be a social
anxiety thing. It also worsens when I think people are watching me
eating. I cover my mouth when eating and have to carefully time when I
am going to swallow, otherwise my throat just seems to lock up and the
food threatens to choke me as it sits at the back of my mouth.
I am an outgoing, confident person with a few neuroses, like most
people. I have been on 'red alert' for carcinogenic lumps on my body
since I was a teenager...due to my mother's early passing and have been
to my doctor 3 or 4 times with this over the last 25 years (nothing
diagnosed, unsurprisingly). Whilst I am aware that this is neurotic, I
think it is also realistic of me due to family history (3 grand parents
also died of cancer).
Bits of my history worthy of pointing out are that my father has been
diagnosed with 'globus' for about 35 years, wears a naso-gastric tube
and has gone down to 6 stone in weight. He is also a compulsive gambler
with a degree of OCD. He's now 68 yrs old.
My mother died at age 39 (I am now 37) of breast cancer when I was 9
years old.
My brother died, age 30 (not of cancer) when I was 24.
I am toying with trying hypnosis before I turn into my father! But if
anyone else has other suggestions for me to try, I will be very
grateful.
Hello LittleBrownFish,
I understand what you are going through. I have had troubles with
swallowing for many years now, however it has eased to the point of
not being too much bother to me now. Sometimes I would wake up in the
middle of the night unable to breathe at all, and it really felt like
somebody was trying to throttle me. Most scary indeed however that has
passed too and only comes on me occasionally.
I believe that if your symptoms are indeed psychological in nature
(and at this point in time, you seem to have exhausted the physical
aspect) you would be wise to visit a professional skilled in helping
people with this kind of disorder. My problems were due to a diagnosed
panic/anxiety disorder and with the help of medication and Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy (I did this myself at home with the help of a
great little book called "Living With It" (it's about panic/anxiety
disorder), I have gained a great amount of relief.
I still relapse from time to time and still need to deal with an
overly anxious personality, however I am not longer afraid that I
cannot swallow food or get enough air into my lungs. I know it's a
frightening thing to happen, but there is hope. Get some help and best
of luck to you.
Regards
LittleBrownFish
--
yuluwirri
~~~~~~~
Fish know.
~~~~~~~
yuluwirri@hotmail.com
.
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| User: "LittleBrownFish" |
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| Title: Re: Conversion disorder - swallowing & breathing difficulties |
11 Dec 2005 03:05:14 PM |
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Thanks for that. I don't consider myself to be overly anxious, although
that could be because I've already converted my anxieties elsewhere, of
course. I am toying with trying a hypnotherapist to see if i can shift
something deeper to prevent this worsening.
I do get frightened when I suddenly can't swallow in public as I
genuinely feel I am about to choke. I go all red in the face, then
sweat a bit, then maybe cough it up....delightful. How terrifying and
humiliating. I guess dates are temporarily off-limits :(
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| User: "yuluwirri" |
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| Title: Re: Conversion disorder - swallowing & breathing difficulties |
11 Dec 2005 03:12:00 PM |
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x-no-archive: yes
On 11 Dec 2005 13:05:14 -0800, "LittleBrownFish"
<weirdfeet@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:
Thanks for that. I don't consider myself to be overly anxious, although
that could be because I've already converted my anxieties elsewhere, of
course. I am toying with trying a hypnotherapist to see if i can shift
something deeper to prevent this worsening.
Hypnotherapy can help I agree, however having read your other posts, I
would urge you to go for a second opinion to make sure that the cause
isn't physical in nature.
I do get frightened when I suddenly can't swallow in public as I
genuinely feel I am about to choke. I go all red in the face, then
sweat a bit, then maybe cough it up....delightful. How terrifying and
humiliating. I guess dates are temporarily off-limits :(
Aww you never know. You might meet somebody who understands. I can
remember doing the same thing in middle of the street. I thought I was
going to die right then and there. I can still remember vividly the
first time I had an "attack". It can get better, but do get yourself
checked out thoroughly first hey?
--
yuluwirri
~~~~~~~
Fish know.
~~~~~~~
yuluwirri@hotmail.com
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| User: "Rhiannon" |
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| Title: Re: Conversion disorder - swallowing & breathing difficulties |
11 Dec 2005 05:04:25 PM |
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"yuluwirri" <yuluwirri@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:gc5pp1dkhte7uag88fha65d16lpgibr6kc@4ax.com...
Aww you never know. You might meet somebody who understands. I can
remember doing the same thing in middle of the street. I thought I was
going to die right then and there. I can still remember vividly the
first time I had an "attack". It can get better, but do get yourself
checked out thoroughly first hey?
--
yuluwirri
~~~~~~~
Fish know.
~~~~~~~
yuluwirri@hotmail.com
That has happened to me while Christmas shopping. The crowds of people
bring on a panic attack. I feel claustrophobic. Same thing...all hot...and
uncomfortable...like I can't breath. I remember when my boys were little
just dropping everything we were carrying and dragging them out of a store
because I HAD to leave. It was awful. I started shopping early in the
morning while everyone is at work and it hasn't happened in a long time.
--
Rhiannon
rhianon@sympatico.ca
The Labyrinth
http://thelabyrinthofr.blogspot.com
.
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| User: "yuluwirri" |
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| Title: Re: Conversion disorder - swallowing & breathing difficulties |
12 Dec 2005 01:37:51 PM |
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x-no-archive: yes
On Sun, 11 Dec 2005 18:04:25 -0500, "Rhiannon" <rhianon@sympatico.ca>
wrote:
"yuluwirri" <yuluwirri@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:gc5pp1dkhte7uag88fha65d16lpgibr6kc@4ax.com...
Aww you never know. You might meet somebody who understands. I can
remember doing the same thing in middle of the street. I thought I was
going to die right then and there. I can still remember vividly the
first time I had an "attack". It can get better, but do get yourself
checked out thoroughly first hey?
That has happened to me while Christmas shopping. The crowds of people
bring on a panic attack. I feel claustrophobic. Same thing...all hot...and
uncomfortable...like I can't breath. I remember when my boys were little
just dropping everything we were carrying and dragging them out of a store
because I HAD to leave. It was awful. I started shopping early in the
morning while everyone is at work and it hasn't happened in a long time.
It is awful Rhiannon and it comes on so suddenly doesn't it? I can
remember just simply walking down a busy street in the city and then
my throat just closed over completely (or it felt like it). I started
to turn bright red and cough and gag, and I thought I would drop right
there in the middle of the street. After a little while it went away,
but I still remember the very first time it happened.
With the other kind of panic attacks where I felt as though I
couldn't breathe, I really thought I was having an asthma attack. In
the end I would bring my peak flow monitor everywhere I went, and when
I felt the panic attack coming on, I would check my breathing to see
if it was a panic attack or asthma attack. To this very day, I
sometimes need to actually sing the "alphabet song" in order to
convince myself that I can breathe and it's only a panic attack and
that this soon will pass.
--
yuluwirri
~~~~~~~
Fish know.
~~~~~~~
yuluwirri@hotmail.com
.
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| User: "LittleBrownFish" |
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| Title: Re: Conversion disorder - swallowing & breathing difficulties |
13 Dec 2005 05:08:42 AM |
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I've booked a hypnotherapy appointment for tomorrow morning! I really
don't think my problem is physical because it comes and goes, and
rarely happens when I'm on my own. So to stop this silliness, I am
trying a hypnotherapist and hope he can help me to dig a bit deeper
into my head and see where this anxiety stems from, then see if I can
get it out of my system in a more healthy way other than all these
strange and scary physical ailments.
Wish me luck! I'll tell you how it went tomorrow!
Regards,
LBF
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| User: "Rhiannon" |
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| Title: Re: Conversion disorder - swallowing & breathing difficulties |
13 Dec 2005 10:55:41 AM |
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"LittleBrownFish" <weirdfeet@hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
news:1134472121.985625.173430@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
I've booked a hypnotherapy appointment for tomorrow morning! I really
don't think my problem is physical because it comes and goes, and
rarely happens when I'm on my own. So to stop this silliness, I am
trying a hypnotherapist and hope he can help me to dig a bit deeper
into my head and see where this anxiety stems from, then see if I can
get it out of my system in a more healthy way other than all these
strange and scary physical ailments.
Wish me luck! I'll tell you how it went tomorrow!
Regards,
LBF
Good luck! I'm really curious to know how it goes.
--
Rhi
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| User: "yuluwirri" |
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| Title: Re: Conversion disorder - swallowing & breathing difficulties |
13 Dec 2005 01:46:38 PM |
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x-no-archive: yes
On 13 Dec 2005 03:08:42 -0800, "LittleBrownFish"
<weirdfeet@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:
I've booked a hypnotherapy appointment for tomorrow morning! I really
don't think my problem is physical because it comes and goes, and
rarely happens when I'm on my own. So to stop this silliness, I am
trying a hypnotherapist and hope he can help me to dig a bit deeper
into my head and see where this anxiety stems from, then see if I can
get it out of my system in a more healthy way other than all these
strange and scary physical ailments.
Wish me luck! I'll tell you how it went tomorrow!
All the very best!
Regards,
LBF
--
yuluwirri
~~~~~~~
Fish know.
~~~~~~~
yuluwirri@hotmail.com
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| User: "LittleBrownFish" |
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| Title: Re: Conversion disorder - swallowing & breathing difficulties |
11 Dec 2005 03:17:30 PM |
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Yes, it makes sense. I know the physical needs to be checked out first,
but feel a bit silly going back to my doctor with more neuroses.
However, she is understanding and will get over another visit from me,
so that is what I shall do!
PS...I'm a centaur, not a fish!
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