Living with Dysphagia after 7.5 years

Spiritwalker

Hello and good evening, I been living with dysphagia since Nov 2015.  Initially I had a tiny of piece of meat stuck between the bottom of oesophagus and intestine, which I had to rush to A&E, since I could not even swallow my saliva as I would suffocate. Since that I recommended to see a specialist and had endoscopy every 3 months for 9 months, until the inflammations subsided, by taking ezomperazole. 

Until Sept 2018 apart from red meat such as steak I could eat anything. But soon I had to eliminate all grains, white meat, coffee, various pastries, dried fruits, by Sept 2020, I became a pescatarian/vegetarian.  The same year I broke up from my girlfriend after 4 years.  It's now 3 years I can not get into a relationship, I do on with vegan or vegetarian ladies and pretend i am pescatarian/vegetarian.  By the 3rd or 4th date she asks " why do you always order soup & salad at all restaurants, Or  I get asked but Vegans eat rice, pasta, fried food, spicy food. What type of vegan are you.

I have been spiritual for the past ten years, and read books and practice meditation on a daily basis, that has helped me tremendously to stay calm, collected and grateful, because it can always be worse.  I have read many nutrition books.
I have been teaching my mind and body to gain pleasure from non food activities.

I just wished I could socialise like normal people and go on a date.  What makes my case is unique I trained as a baker/pastry chef for 7 years. I have people come to me and say " I love to know what is your favourite pastry", If only If I could tell them I have not been to a restaurant in 5 years. I have not cooked a single Persian/Turkish cuisine in 6 years.

The worse thing about this illness is that everybody judge you by the cover, initially back in 2015-2017 I had people in parties come to me and say " I get acid reflux too, I just take anti acid tablets" and I have to explain in front of 40 strangers, I do not have acid reflux and this is a different condition.  My girlfriend was very empathic, she agreed to continue socialising on her own and I would only attend events that had music and drinks. I never attend food events in Asian culture you are often under pressure to eat food just to please the host and Persian culture is very much that.

I have also sought hypnotherapy to quit certain things like coffee and reduce my cravings for sugary food and I have had great success.

Two great books to read are Ultimate Power & Awaken The Giant Within by Anthony Robbins, have greatly helped regarding my relationship with food.

Alex_Alumni

Hello there @Spiritwalker and a warm welcome to the community. Thanks so much for sharing what it's been like to live with Dsyphagia, and the different challenges you face, but also how you have developed your relationship with food, as well as yourself  

The impact of meditation and spirituality in your life sounds really positive, and I'm glad to hear how it's been a learning experience too. I think we're always learning, no matter at what stage of life. 

It can be difficult when dating to be open about a long-term health condition, as it's very private and personal to us, yet it can have a big impact on how we are perceived, as you say. Often people lack understanding or awareness, so this can be a real challenge. 

It sounds like attending events in Asian and Persian culture was a big part of your life previously, is that right?

Spiritwalker

Thank you for your response Alex, Yes Persian and Asian culture was a big part and also other countries food too. During Dec 2022 I travelled for a week to Tenerife, and during my stay I did my own food shopping and preparation at the Airbnb I was staying. I enjoyed sight seeing, going for a swim, hiking etc. I was reluctant to try any local dishes.  

Unfortunately graduation ceremony, weddings, birth day parties, stag party, new year ceremonies, religious gathering, the single common denominator is FOOD. Food is the platform for union-ship. 

I curious to know how other members at this website deal with this condition, this is the 1st time I have decided to talk about it online.

Alex_Alumni

Food is a big part of many cultures and many social gatherings you're right @Spiritwalker, so it must feel quite isolating when you can't access the food that you need at these. 

I think people in general are becoming much more tolerant and understanding of different dietary requirements. If it's a gathering with people you know, have you ever tried requesting certain foods before? 

Hopefully other members with similar experiences will be able to share their thoughts with you as well, and well done for being open and posting about it, I'm sure you'll have a positive impact for many readers