
Hi Dr Ivo I’m Still Having Problems Eating And Swallowing.

I’m still having problems eating and swallowing. I’m so focused on if the food and pills are going down that I feel like it’s getting stuck. I’ve developed a fear to eat and swallow my pills. I can’t stop thinking that I have a swallowing disorder and this is why I’m experiencing these sensations. I feel the pills coming back up in my throat after swallowing them, is that even possible? How can I overcome this? I’m trying to listen to everything you’ve told me but I can’t stop focusing anytime I have to eat and/or swallow my medication. My mouth becomes so dry especially as the day goes on, not sure if this is what’s causing my problem. Bulbar ALS is still in my head, that’s why I have this sensation of everything stuck in the back of my throat, because the muscles are weak. Can you provide any clarification?
Would you like to talk to a psychiatrist?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this follow up.
You certainly need to take this off your mind. As long as you as so focused and afraid of this ALS which is totally not a possibility for you, the more symptoms you would experience and report. If you have difficulties getting over it, I will probably recommend you see a psychiatrist to offer coping approaches. Let me know if this is something you would like to consider.
No pills are stuck and none are retuning from the stomach into the throat. If this were the case, we would have been talking on more worrisome experiences and accidents. Between, none has ever returned and proves that there is really nothing going on here.
I hope this helps. I look forward hearing from you. I have a single favor to request from you---Tell yourself am healthy tonight before going to bed.


I’ve spoken to a psychiatrist and they put me on effexor, lexapro and xanax. I looked inside my throat and saw that my uvula is long, its laying on my tongue. What causes this? Can I send a picture? Does a long uvula indicate Bulbar ALS? Is my soft palate collapsed? It feels like something is constantly there, and I try to swallow it and it doesn’t go away.
Long uvula does not indicate bulbar ALS!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the follow up.
There is no relationship between ALS and long uvula. I have looked at the attached image and there is nothing grossly abnormal about this. I will suggest you let your psychiatrist know you are still battling with these thoughts so that they can optimize treatment and maybe add other psychotherapeutic measures.
Let me know how this goes. I wish you well.


The soft palate is not collapsed!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for following up.
I am happy you are following up with your psychiatrist next week. The soft palate is definitely not collapsed. If it were, your breathing would have been very difficult.
I hope this addresses your worries.


Am humbled by these words!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for your kind words.
I am rooting for you. I know you would do great. Keep telling yourself the nice and positive things. ALS is definitely not part of your medical challenges at this time.
Stay well and until next, I wish you well, always. :)


No!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
There is no reason to seek medical attention for this at this time. I have not seen any hugely troubling findings or red flags at this time to warrant a visit to your doctor.
I hope this helps. Let e know how the visit with your psychiatrist goes. Above you, you are the most valuable person to yourself at this time. If you could let go of the fear of having debilitating and serious disease conditions, you would do amazing.
I wish you well.

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