| Mega hiccup or something else?
I have completed four chemotherapy treatments for cancer of the esophagus, usually every 21 days. This is followed up with 14 days of a chemo drug called Xeloda, then 7 days of rest. Since the beginning, I have been plagued with hiccups, but hey are mostly controlled with a drug called thorazine.
This time there was a new addition that is both scary and uncomfortable. I can only describe what it feels like is happening. Have no idea what is really going on.
I start with a feeling that I have to belch a lot, but no gas escapes. The pressure from below (gas or muscle spasm?) keeps pushing up until it feels like it is just below the rib cage. At that point, my throat clamps shut and I have a really hard time breathing. I can force shallow breaths up and down, but I make a loud noise like I am strangling. After 5-6 seconds, everything relaxes and I can breathe again. I am weak and dizzy for a few seconds.
Within a couple of days after stopping the Xeloda, this whatever-it-is stops.
Eating or drinking anything can trigger it and it is worst in the evening. It never happens lying down. Has anybody experience or heard of anything like this.? My oncologist who is no dummy is toatlly perplexed.
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