Anxiety, Throat Tightness, and Ductogram

[Gloria123]

Hi all,The past 12 hours or so, I have had a very weird feeling of tightness in my throat, almost like someone is strangling me. I can still swallow, but feel like there is a constant lump in my throat.I know I'm experiencing more anxiety right now, because I'm about to go get a ductogram (like a mammogram), and am hoping this is all related to anxiety, but it is weird....I am also having a lot of reflux.Anyone else experience this. Of course, I'm worried about the swallowing faction of all of this. Ugh.....!!!Mitra

 

[christinasgirl123]

Big huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuug mitra my friend! You already KNOW the reason for your swallowing issues, most if us have been there. It is absolutely normal, and tightening throat "feelings" are not even a tiny tiny tiny little bit related to any kind of bad disease.

 

[Gloria123]

Thanks Chrissi.... It's just really, really bad today. I feel like someone is trying to strangle me and it's hard to eat. Hopefully it will be gone by tomorrow!

 

[GHayes420]

Hi mitra. Throat stuff always freaks me out too. I keep having this clicking in my throat that freaks me out daily for the past month. I also get this lump in the back of my throat. I came to realize the lump was just drainage in the end. Still have the clicking though. In your case I can all but guarantee that you are having some sort of reaction to your upcoming stressors. Hang in there! It will either get better tomorrow or else get better after the stress passes.regards,GregCLUB FRED member

 

[JohnnyRocket]

Yep, you are describing the same thing so many others have been through, including myself. And this thing has zero to do with a sinister disease.

 

[Gloria123]

Thanks guys. Turns out I have to have surgery to get this thing removed (small growth in my milk duct). She didn't think it was cancer, but told me that's why I need to go to the surgeon. So the whole drama continues. While it's a) more like to be benign, and b) really small (6 mm) - I would imagine that I will be okay even if it's the worst case scenario.I took a xanax, and it sure helped. My swallowing issues are gone. Hopefully they won't return when I get back to normal after my xanax!I appreciate all the support.Mitra (Club FRED member, 5 months going strong! )

 

[herty18]

Acid reflux + Anxiety + Throat Tightness = GERDEven if the reflux is not acidic it can still irritate the esophogus. This causes the muscles to tighten up and hence you feel like the muscles in your throat are tight. It is very common for people who have acid reflux.

 

[Gloria123]

I never thought I had acid reflux but it really feels like it. It felt like I had a big "bubble" in my throat (that I wished I could burp out) but couldn't, and on occasion I got that burning reflux come up.Thanks guys for all your input.Mitra

 

[herty18]

Be careful with taking acid reducing medicines as they can cause lots of other problems. You might want try some tums to see if it makes you feel better. I drink things like camomile and ginger tea which help settle my stomach and can help with reflux. I also got a wedge pillow because alot of people have the most problems when they are lying down sleeping.