Joybot

I've gotten to a point where I could only eat food if I'm drunk, or has a buzz going.

But when I'm sober, I can't swallow food without wanting to gag.

It just feels like I have food stuck in my throat all the time and I hate that feeling. The gag reflex just makes eating so uncomfortable.

I practically could feel it slowly going down my esophagus and sometime, it feels like it would stuck at the bottom of my throat.

I have purposely not want to eat in a group setting if there are no alcohol served, or if I don't have any in my system.

Lunch time at work was especially painful because I could feel my stomach growling, but I can't bring myself to eat anything.

When it comes to pills, oh my lord, It takes me a very long time to attempt to swallow one. I can't take Centrum vitamins anymore because it's just too big.

I know it isn't a condition because like I'd said, it goes away if I stopped drinking for a week.

Right now, I have relapsed back into drinking but am also going to attempt sobriety again because I look unwell since I've been drinking quite hard since coming back on the drink for three whole weeks.

I don't know what it is. My throat just seems to tighten up when I'm sober but is loose and normal when I am drunk.

Anyone ever goes through this? It is very uncomfortable.

Dee74

I've had no experience like that but it sounds like something to check out with your Dr, if only to rule out a physical cause?

D

ScottFromWI

I'd agree with Dee, seeing a doc might not be a bad idea at all.

Having said that, if I am reading correctly you say that the issue goes away completely after not drinking for a week? If so the solution is pretty simple, right?

Joybot

it is and I'm working on that.

August252015

Oh yes. I had daily, painful and consistent versions of gagging, throwing up bile, etc. Taking very small bites was eventually the only solution and even then not 100%, and I avoided certain foods.

Our esophagus and all related throat constrictions, functions, etc are badly damaged by long term alcohol abuse. The only solution is sobriety- some people find that there is enough damage done that it doesn't complete go away, or a lingering choking kind of cough or other troublesome symptoms persist.

Def having a dr help is essential - along with everything our bodies have gone thru this is something we need professional help with- and there is hope, provided we quit drinking for good.

Hope you choose to do those things.

Joybot

I'm taking Librium as we speak and wouldn't you know it, I am good and well on eating and swallowing. That didn't take long. Hah.

But thanks, August, for sharing.

August252015

Pills became hard for me to swallow too.
Just to clarify, if you are drinking on Librium I am sure you know that's a bad idea for a number of reasons.

zjw

i had this. felt like a lump in my throat. I also smoked so not sure if it was booze or smokes. it took about 8 months of not doing either for it to clear up. some might have said it was anxiety related too I dunno. I probably shoulda have had it checked out but i was too terrified it was cancer or something so just felt ignorance was bliss. Prolly not the best approach however.

aspiringwriter8

Joybot, have you tried a calorie rich liquids? I am experiencing a similar issue. Carnations instant breakfast is a life saver. I also have been eating applesauce, bananas, and peanut butter.

My primary explained that my issue of swallowing is due to a combination of anxiety and physical trauma alcohol has done to my body. My body doesn't know how to be sober--I have to teach it by being consistent, eating regularly , et cetera.

Definitely recommend seeing your primary for medical advice.

Tc4ever

Joy. I went through this exact thing the way you are describing it. My doctor found a cyst on thyroid. It was a "Thyral glossal duct cyst" or something close to that. I was a heavy wine drinker during this time and think it would have been worth a try to quit drinking for a while before i went to the doctor except I couldn't quit at that time. I hope this helps.
Peace Tc

Jillian2563

Hey Joybot,

I know this is an old thread but have you been to the doctor or has it gotten any better? I am experiencing the same thing. One reason I kept drinking, because it would “relax” where I could eat better and obviously didn’t think about it because of the drinking as well. I reached out to an ENT to see if I could get an appt although not sure if this is the right dr to see. Hoping it gets better as time goes on. Only 8 days sober.

Ladysadie

Jillian, I know this is an old thread too but wanted to let you know that having a dr check you out is one way to eliminate a worry. I too had the throat thing going on, which was scary for me. I got so bad with the gag thing that when I would brush my teeth -- particularly my inside teeth -- it would trigger the throw-up reflex. It stopped when I quit drinking. But definitely get a doctor check you out. Throat and esophageal cancers are sometimes a result of chronic alcohol abuse. Prayers to you for a positive outcome!