Swallowing Issues

[candtlaw]

  I know I have been a bit MIA, but life is just so full these days.......... I did recently have my 1yr MRI and it showed my AN cells werenot reproducing and was a bit smaller. mms but any shrinkage is cool

   I wanted to ask you all about swallowing issues. I have been having what I though is allergy/sinus issues since just before we found the AN. I am taking a daily Zyrtec tablet and still have the feeling of a lump in my throat most all day everyday. Thougt it was due to a drainage issues. It feels kind of like swollen glands. Of course it gets better and worse and back again......... I get a big lump sometimes and then it will go away b4 the dr apt or right before the MRIs they order.... My radiation guy always asks any trouble swallowing and til know it hasn't dawned on me it might not be my allergies so I never asked why? I have been to my gp numerous times and had chest xrays etc for this ratteling low in my chest that gets worst at night but even after steriods doesnt go away.... Is this my hypochondriaism creeping in again? Can you all help me make since of this?

[Jim Scott]

Cindy:

Swallowing problems due to AN involvement on the 9th and 10th 'swallowing nerves' can be a symptom of an Acoustic Neuroma.  However, the MRI doesn't lie and if your tumor is shrinking it may well not be the cause of your swallowing difficulties.  Allergies can certainly cause that 'lump in the throat' feeling.  I know, I've experienced it.  Obviously, this situation requires further investigation by medical professionals.  I know you'll pursue that option and I trust that it will ultimately prove successful.

Jim

[mk]

It is so strange that you mention this. My throat is really sensitive, I get frequent laryngitis and all. I never thought that this could have something to do with the AN. However, I have realized recently that it is always my right gland that is swollen (the one on the AN side) and when this happens (only occasionally) I feel uncomfortable when I swallow, like having swollen tonsils. Although I have been thinking about it, I could never find a way to associate this to the AN, at least based on what I have read. Now that you brought this up, together with Jim's explanation about the 9th and 10th nerves, it makes me wonder .... Has anyone else experienced something like this?

Marianna

[goinbatty]

I haven't experienced that with the AN but years back I did.  I felt like I had to constantly be swallowing to try to clear whatever it was.  My throat wasn't sore at all.  I was working in a hospital at the time and talked to a GI.  He gave me Reglan which worked within 2 days.  He said it may have been a small esophageal tear.  This hasn't occurred since. 

[candtlaw]

thanks so much for your GREAT explination Jim.... I knew that someone here would know. I absolutly love having you all here to chat with and talk about health concerns as I know my husband has heard enough of me worrying about my health! lol.......  We have a lot of corn and beans around our area too that I am sure are not helping me with allergies....

[candtlaw]

It is sooooo very hard Marianna when one wonders about symptoms etc.. what caused what symptoms started from where?? Uggggggg. It seems like a never ending circle sometimes..... lots of questions and wondering, strange stuff with no answers!

thanks goinbatty...... I had never thought of anything like that. hmmmmmmmmmmm  Did it seem to come and go before your Reglan dose?