Hey GGF,
I wrote a post to you and somehow it isn't here. Maybe in my fibro fog I posted on the wrong thread, it wouldn't surprise me.
I want to preface this with pointing out that I am not saying you have lupus...I am no doc and have so reason to suspect you have it. It is just that my husband has lupus and has the same problem with his esophagus. His doc told him it is probably his GI tract and wanted go give him a med for it. He didn't want to take any more meds so he lives with it. I am sure if it gets worse something will have to be done.
My father had the same thing and I remember it used to terrify him. His would close up totally. He had no diseases to cause this, however, he had minor GI problems all his life. He ended up going to the doctor twice a year and getting it stretched. He said it was uncomfortable but it only lasted for a little while, worth it if it is a chronic problem. He was an older man so perhaps yours will relax and get better with time. I just wanted to point out there are other with the same problems and thre are different options.
Have you had acid reflux or any GI problems yourself recently? From what I know this can cause your esophagus to temporaily become inflamed and/or contract.
I want to strongly point out that I am not a doctor and this is all based on the experiences of people I know. Just a little input for you.
Hope you are feeling better,
Peace and love, Janet