Tricia

The only topics I could find on this were very old. I’m hoping someone else knows what will help. I’m 41 years old. I have dysautonomia from vascular Ehlers Danlos, Sjögrens, POTS, LQTS, etc. Sometimes if I can’t get my pills down at night this will happen. First I cough then I start reaching for a long period and very strongly which basically makes me choke because I can’t breathe. I can feel the veins popping out in my head. Sometimes it lasts for hours. Yesterday was the first time it was in the afternoon and from swallowing saliva because I way overdid it. It’s also the first time I thought I was going to pass out. It starts in my esophagus right at the top of the sternum. It feels kind of like if you think of your esophagus like a sock and something is reaching in to pull it inside out and holding it. My only guess is maybe a muscle spasm? Some previous posts suggested it was dry mouth. I am on medication for dry mouth and I know what that choking feels like. This isn’t the same. And it doesn’t feel like vomiting although it occasionally causes vomiting in between. Food with medicine doesn’t help me swallow. The biggest help is what I call negotiating with my esophagus to cooperate. I guess you could call it meditation or mind over matter. Hot drinks help but then I worry about the medications dissolving in the wrong spot. Its getting so much worse. Yesterday was the first day I thought I was going to die and I’m someone that stays calm, rational and positive through everything. I was so oxygen deprived I was starting to black out. Thankfully it started to subside just in time. My doctors are no help. I haven’t had any recent swallowing tests but trying yet another GI and have an appointment to ask my GP. If you can offer any help I would appreciate it. Obviously when it’s happening I can’t swallow any medications. I am try essential oils that may help it subside. I’m very scared. I’m a single mother with 4 kids and I need to be here for them or they will go to their abusive father. I am in Michigan and have been everywhere locally and also to Cleveland Clinic and Mayo in MN. I’m willing to go anywhere for help. Thank you!