:confused:

Does anybody have pain when you swallow? Ive suffered with anaemia for a year now-ferritin is 5 and for the last 3 mths i have had feeling of a kind of lump in my throat when I swallow, sometimes its better than others. I'd love to hear from anybody who has the same or who could suggest possible causes.
Thanks for taking the time to read this:)

Hello icecruncher--My Ferritin was a 2 and I never had this symptom. That doesn't mean that it's not from your anemia. I have read where other posters on this board have asked the same question, so perhaps this IS related to your anemia. It effects everyone differently.

However, for possible causes, I would check out the thyroid and acid reflux (GERD) both cause the same symptoms that you have described. FLFLOWERGIRL:)

Thanks,didnt expect anybody to reply. Have you built your ferritin up? How long did it take? It was last september mine was first noticed and have had no improvement yet-had a new blood test today for the latest. Do you mind me asking what symptons you had?
Thanx xx

icecruncher--when you post a question on this board your definitely going to get answers!

Yes, I did build my Ferritin up from 2 to 20 and it has been since Jan. for me. I was 2,6,7,9, for 7 months then when I was no longer anemic I went from 9-20 in 4 weeks. Strange isn't it. This takes up to one year to rebuild or longer.

As far as symptoms, I had my share. It started way before I became ill I started to eat ice all the time. Went on the Internet and looked it up and came up with PICA and anemia. Still I didn't believe it! Then I discussed this with my doctor and it was then that he did a Ferritin test. I was a 2 Ferritin and an 8.5 HGB and still felt fine. Other than one time I was cleaning the bathroom and almost blacked out. After that the symptoms got really bad. Dizzy, weight loss, no appetite, heart racing palpitations, black eyes, weak and my hair was falling out very bad.

Mine was due to heavy periods but I fixed that. FLFLOWERGIRL:)

Hi There,

When my ferritin drops below 5 (which is quite the norm for me) I get throat problems. Some times when i swallow (strangely enough is more with liquid than food) i get what i can only discribe as spasms in my throat, and its very painful, although it only lasts for a minute or so.
The worst is the feeling that Ive got a hair stuck in my throat, that really drives me mad, but my doc says its a symptom of iron deficency.
Hope this helps,
Linds

Is this Ferritin or iron deficiency? Curious. I didn't experience this one thank goodness! I would go mad too. Symptoms are endless aren't they? FLFLOWERGIRL:)

FYI Please check out "Plummer-Vinson" syndrome. I accidently came across this information searching for more info.on anemia. Brief explanation: it's where a thin weblike membrane grows across the top of the esophagus making it difficult to swallow. People who have anemia often have it, making it difficult to swallow. Sounds about right to me.
I don't know much more about it, for example does it go away when your iron levels go up.

I've had difficulty swallowing food for years and years, not so much after my "esophageal dilation" couple of years ago. Happens occasionally when I eat chunky salads and chicken. Happened several times at Swiss Chalet.
Food won't go down and I have to force it out by the finger method. Drinking liquids trying to get it down only makes matters worse.
I may have had low iron at those times too...who knows.

hi a lot of people have this lump in throat with acid reflux,good luck shirley:)

Wow, seems like so many things can cause this. I never had pain swallowing, but then my ferretin only got down to 8 as far as i know.

The only time i've heard of pain swallowing is when your thyroid becomes large and develops into what they call a 'goitre'.