Difficulty Swallowing

[trixilator]

I have a problem swallowing. Its getting progressively worse and I'm on waiting list for ENT.
Meanwhile I cant down the emeprazole tablets Ive taken for years for heartburn so am having problems with that. Has anyone in similar circumstances come up with a solution. I emailed the drug company asking if the medication is available in liquid form but, of course, theres been no response....

[Jackdaw33]

Ask your GP.

[Mamyalynne]

Ask your GP to prescribe the liquid to be made up for you.

[jennyjoan]

In the meantime of getting to GP - perhaps you could crush the tablets put them into a little taste of your favourite liquid and knock them back. Good luck trixy.

[douglas9401]

They're not to be crushed or chewed.

[jennyjoan]

Oh well whatever Dougie - I am terrible in following the law of medics. if I want something down - I will crush.

[douglas9401]

That's the spirit, although other approaches are available.

[woofgang]

JJ my mother did that with some large capsules she was prescribed and it burned all the skin from the inside of her mouth.

[Sqad]

" I'm on waiting list for ENT. "

Do you mean that you are on the list for consultation OR you have been seen and you are on the list for an operation or procedure?
If you can't swallow the Omeprazole, there is little point in taking them as their action will be lost. I suspect that you were taking them for "acid reflux (GERD)" and in which case i would stop the tablets and buy a liquid antacid e.g Maalox as a temporary measure and see how it goes.
If this controls your "acid burning" then fine, keep on with the change of tactics, but if it doesn't and you still get reflux, then see your GP to expedite your E.N.T appointment.

[NoMercy]

How long have you had a problem swallowing and have you ever been given a reason for this? Any associated weight loss? Sorry to ask but problems swallowing (dysphagia) is quite a concerning symptom.

[trixilator]

Thanks everybody. My history is that I had throat cancer 20 years ago which surgery to my vocal chord removed. I have hiatus hernia and have a diverticuleum in my throat. Obviously anything throat related is worrying. My GP looked in my mouth - told me he couldn't see anything but I should gargle with salt water if the discomfort continued(!) Further visit at my insistence prompted him to refer me to ENT. It is that consultation I have this week.....

[trixilator]

Sorry - should have mentioned I am 85 old male.

[Mamyalynne]

Best wishes for your appointment, still worth asking for a liquid preparation or try the one Sqad has recommended.

[Sqad]

Blimey....you have plenty of reasons for your difficulty in swallowing and to sort that lot out will need further investigations.

[Sqad]

P.S It is unlikely to be due to the recurrence of your cancer.........very unlikely.
If the "stoppage " is high in you neck it is almost certainly due to the diverticulum ( pharyngeal pouch) but if it feels low in your chest then it is almost certainly due to your hiatus hernia..