extremely painful swallowing in lower esophogus

[deen]

I am been suffering with extremely painful swallowing in the loser area of my esophogus in the sternum area.  It started as just pain in the area when I swallowed, but it is now a constant pain that is extreme when I swallow.  I am taking antacids and a common perscribed antacid.  Nothing seems to be working.  I am miserable and concerned.  What could this pain be?

[utahmomma]

Had your doctor done a CT scan or anything like that?  Many people with substernal goiters (thyroids that grow larger than normal into the chest cavity) explain that the pain they experienced is very similarly to yours.  The thyroid tissue actually grows so large is pushes the esophagus aside and causes very painful swallowing.

You might ask your doctor for a CT scan and an endoscope (tube into your stomach to look for ulcer, reflux, damage, etc.)

Good luck!

[Ciel]

Hi, Sorry to hear about your pain.  I had the same thing.  I was all better after the doctor stretched my esophogus.  You are put to sleep and don't feel a thing.  I didn't believe he had done anything when I woke up.  He told me it was finished.  Couldn't believe it.  I have been fine ever since.  Heart burn a lot of times will cause your esophogus to shrink.  Good luck.  Let me know how you make out.  PS  Don't know all the technical names.