Lump in throat advice

heike65

I've been reading all of the posts regarding having the feeling of a lump in my throat to get some insight on why I'm having that feeling. For me it started about 6 weeks ago, out of the blue. I was at a swim-up bar when all of a sudden, it felt like someone gave me a karate chop on the front of my neck. I had to force water down my throat because I felt like I couldn't breath or swallow. After about an hour, the doctor came to my room and he suspected an allergic reaction, gave me a shot of steroid in my hip, and gave me some meds (antihistamine and relaxers) so I could sleep. I racked my brain as to what I ate/drank that day and the only thing I could come up with was that possibly I had some chlorine on my fingers while I was eating the bar snacks. Then 2 weeks later, back from my vacation, I was sitting at my desk at work when- BAM - it happened again. My coworkers suggested I go for a walk but I was thinking that I can't swallow, can't breath, how in the heck am I going to walk around the block? I decided I needed to go to the emergency room. I told the Dr. about my previous episode and she said she sees people in ER all the time after swimming with their throats swollen, etc. But since I wasn't swimming that day, what was it? The doctor there said she was almost sure it was muscle spasm/anxiety. She suggested Benadryl and Xanax if it happens again. Then 2 weeks later out of the blue it happened again! I finally went to my Dr. and he referred me to a gastroenterologist, just to rule out anything physiological. I do have a history of some acid reflux but it's not heartburn, it's been nauseasnouss/dizziness/burping constantly. I went to the gastro. and she has me scheduled next week for "the scope". She doesn't feel it's "anything serious", but just wants to make sure. The lump at the hollow of my neck goes away for a day, then is back for 2, 3, 4 days. I know most of the users here think it's anxiety and I would be relieve if it was, but after reading some other postings, it might be vocal chord or thyroid problem? My bloodwork shows all normal. I don't feel any more stressed out than usual. Should I also be going to a ENT specialist? Is it just anxiety? I feel like when I'm having an attack that I would pay any amount of money to feel/be "normal", but the reality is all of these medical bills can add up. What to do....!?