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Have Takyasus Arteritis. Taken Prednisone And Methotrexate. Difficulty Swallowing
I have Takyasus Arteritis which flared in my twenties, settled but flared again 2 years ago but with worsening symtoms. I was on prednisone but have tapered off recently and currently taking 15mg Methotrexate once a week. I have recent problems swallowing (to the point that I have been unable to get a breath down on 4 occasions). Just feel as if food is getting stuck, then I start to cough and reach a point where I cannot get a breath down. Seems to happen nearly everytime I eat now.
Fri, 13 Sep 2013
hello and welcome to HCM,
I can understand your concerns regarding the swallowing difficulty especially since you have been taking so many medications.
Needless to say that the problem can be directly attributed to the medicines as both the steroid medication and methotrexate are know to cause swallowing problems either directly or indirectly due to reflux.
You need to start anti reflux treatment immediately and avoid anything oily, spicy or high flavored. You should take only warm fluids and start pantoprazole 40 mg before food for two weeks. Your doctor will know about this.
If after diligently following the anti reflux measures you are still feeling the sensation of difficulty in swallowing then you need to get an upper GI endoscopy done and get back to me with the reports.
take care and get well soon
Dr Sriram Nathan
ps: you cannot modify methotrexate in any way without first consulting with your doctor who by weighing the risk and benefits will decide on the continual treatment of the same.
I can understand your concerns regarding the swallowing difficulty especially since you have been taking so many medications.
Needless to say that the problem can be directly attributed to the medicines as both the steroid medication and methotrexate are know to cause swallowing problems either directly or indirectly due to reflux.
You need to start anti reflux treatment immediately and avoid anything oily, spicy or high flavored. You should take only warm fluids and start pantoprazole 40 mg before food for two weeks. Your doctor will know about this.
If after diligently following the anti reflux measures you are still feeling the sensation of difficulty in swallowing then you need to get an upper GI endoscopy done and get back to me with the reports.
take care and get well soon
Dr Sriram Nathan
ps: you cannot modify methotrexate in any way without first consulting with your doctor who by weighing the risk and benefits will decide on the continual treatment of the same.
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