Tips for Managing Diet with Esophageal Strictures
Hello everyone! I’m a 19-year-old female grappling with esophageal strictures that have been a challenge for some time. The strictures emerged following severe burns from an unfortunate episode in high school involving oven cleaner, and my health has been precarious ever since. I recently had my feeding tube removed, yet I continue to face difficulties with eating and maintaining my nutrition. Even soft foods like pudding and yogurt often lead to choking or vomiting, which is incredibly frustrating. At 5 feet 6 inches tall, I currently weigh around 105 pounds, which leaves me feeling drained and unwell. My low energy levels are making it increasingly tough to keep up with my studies, adding to my anxiety. I’ve undergone balloon dilation in the past but I’m eager to avoid relying on a feeding tube again. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has experience dealing with strictures and can share strategies or specific foods that have made eating more manageable. Any suggestions or advice would mean the world to me. Thank you so much in advance! ❤️
Answers (1)
9/10/2025, 11:31:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with esophageal strictures, particularly after such a serious event in your past. It's understandable to feel frustrated, especially when nutrition plays such a vital role in your energy and well-being. Let's focus on some strategies to help make eating more manageable for you.
Key Points:
- Prioritize safe food options and textures.
- Implement supportive eating techniques.
- Monitor your nutritional intake effectively.
Explanation:
Esophageal strictures can make swallowing difficult, leading to discomfort and nutritional problems. Since you've had a feeding tube in the past, it's important to work towards nourishing yourself in a way that minimizes choking and vomiting while ensuring you're getting adequate calories and nutrients. Soft foods can still be viable, but it might take some experimentation to find what works best for you.
Next Steps:
-
Opt for Pureed Foods: Consider pureeing soft foods to a smoother consistency. Good options might include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Smooth pea or carrot soup
- Applesauce
- Smoothies (consider adding protein powder for extra nutrition)
-
Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of large meals, try eating smaller portions throughout the day. This can help reduce the pressure on your esophagus and make swallowing and digestion easier.
-
Stay Hydrated: Drink clear fluids (water, herbal tea) between bites of food to help swallow easier. Be cautious with very hot or cold beverages, as temperature extremes can sometimes exacerbate sensitivity.
-
Take Your Time: Chew food thoroughly and take small bites. Eating slowly can help you gauge how well you're managing the consistency of the food and can minimize choking risks.
-
Consider Nutritional Supplements: If you're struggling to meet your caloric needs, high-calorie nutritional drinks (that are easy to swallow) can be a lifesaver. Look for ones designed for those who have swallowing difficulties, often labeled as "nectar-thick."
-
Keep a Food Diary: Track what foods work well and which cause difficulties. Noting this can help you and any healthcare team members better understand your specific needs.
-
Explore Nutritional Counseling: If you feel comfortable, considering guidance from a nutritionist who specializes in swallowing difficulties could provide tailored advice and meal plans.
Please remember to approach changes slowly and listen to your body. Your experience is unique, and it’s okay to ask for help on this journey. You're doing incredibly well managing a complicated situation, and finding what works for you is key. If you have specific questions or need further advice, I’m here for you! ❤️
Related Questions
Navigating Persistent Nerve Irritation
At 21 years old, standing at 5'11" and weighing 170 pounds, I find myself in a challenging situation without any prescribed medications. After injuring my wrist a while back, I opted to administer BPC-157 injections into my forearm in hopes of recovery. Unfortunately, it became apparent that rather than aiding in my healing, these injections exacerbated the problem, leading to inflammation of the nerves in my hand. It’s been about six weeks since I ceased the injections, yet the symptoms persist. These include a burning sensation, tingling akin to pins-and-needles, and a dull ache. At times, my hand feels nearly normal, but even light activities can trigger an intense flare-up. My sports medicine physician diagnosed me with nerve damage. Following this, I underwent an MRI to ensure there was no structural harm, stemming from my initial visit for the wrist issue. An electromyography (EMG) has been arranged for a later date. During my examination, he evaluated my grip strength and resistance in my pinky, without noting any deficits, which led to his clearance for me to resume weightlifting. With the green light from my doctor, I returned to the gym, engaging in a gentle workout with the hope that my issues would resolve. However, later that day, my hand experienced a painful flare-up. Activities that I typically enjoy, like gaming, playing poker, or running, seem to provoke my symptoms—no matter the level of exertion, it appears to irritate my hand in some fashion. My recent exploration into neuroplasticity has led me to understand that nerves require activity to thrive, suggesting that my doctor might be advocating for continued training to gradually increase my tolerance. Yet, I can’t help but worry that I might exacerbate the situation or even cause irreversible damage—perhaps that damage has already occurred. Although my symptoms have remained stable since stopping the injections, they show no signs of improvement. I’m not entirely sure of my purpose for sharing this here. I recognize that I have taken appropriate steps toward a medical diagnosis, but I'm eager to hear perspectives from others who may have faced similar challenges. I will approach any advice with cautious optimism.
Is Tonsillectomy Necessary for Me?
I’m a 17-year-old residing in the Netherlands, and throughout my life, I've suffered from tonsillitis about two to three times each year, which seems to be the only ailment I experience with such frequency. Additionally, I frequently endure jaw discomfort, particularly when the weather is chilly. The only prescription I take is Sertraline at 50mg to manage my depression and anxiety. I’m generally cautious about using over-the-counter medications, tending to only resort to Dramamine because I often experience severe motion sickness. Previous experiences with overdose have left me wary of medications that aren’t prescribed. Recently, I experienced a bout of nausea, excessive drooling, severe abdominal pain, along with discomfort in both my jaw and throat. A number of my classmates are currently ill, and my boyfriend exhibited similar symptoms, albeit with more nausea and less throat involvement. Furthermore, my tonsils appear noticeably swollen and reddened, with the right tonsil looking whitish-pink and somewhat misshapen. I’m seeking guidance on what steps to take next!
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
As a 20-year-old female not taking any medications at the moment, I wanted to share my recent health issue. Approximately three months ago, I experienced contact dermatitis due to hair dye, which caused swelling in my ears and oozing bumps along my scalp. After visiting the doctor, I was treated with prednisone and amoxicillin/clavulanate for a week, and thankfully, the symptoms subsided. However, just a week post-recovery, I noticed that the lymph nodes behind my ear became swollen. Specifically, the nodes located posterior to the auricle have remained enlarged and firm ever since. Could this be a result of the earlier contact dermatitis?
Navigating My Unexplained Medical Dilemma: A Cry for Help from a 21-Year-Old
Hello there, I’m a real individual sharing a glimpse into my life over the past several months. While I often find humor in tough situations, I sincerely find myself at a standstill and am seeking insights. **Background Information** I am battling chronic hypothyroidism and significant scoliosis, along with a few other unrelated health issues. I am on a regimen of 50mcg Levox, and fortunately, I am asymptomatic concerning my hypothyroidism. There’s a history of various ailments in my family, particularly a pituitary tumor on my dad’s side and irritable bowel syndrome on my mom’s side. Yes, this is yet another case centered around digestion, but I can’t help it! **The Enigmatic Illness** For approximately six months now, I have been experiencing an unusual state of constant, unwarranted arousal. Unlike typical arousal, this feels like a transcendent bliss akin to an afterglow experienced after an unforgettable moment. I get a flood of oxytocin that makes it challenging to remain conscious. This sensation occurs multiple times daily for several weeks, followed by a brief reprieve before returning. I’ve tried many remedies, yet nothing seems effective. It feels as though my entire reproductive system has become engorged. There’s a peculiar heaviness to it, accompanied by tension pulling on nearby muscles without any pain. Bending forward intensifies the pressure on my ovaries, but it’s neither painful nor pleasant, just a persistent feeling of pressure. The bouts of arousal can last for hours several times each day, showcasing a tingling sensation primarily in the left ovary, extending to a sensation akin to the vagina expanding significantly, even impacting my belly size temporarily. The external appearance resembles regular belly fat, culminating in an intense feeling of euphoria and warmth throughout my body. It’s cozy yet inconvenient, and I'm sincerely not losing my mind; it genuinely feels like my body is administering narcotics against my will. It’s an outrageous situation, which explains my hesitation to seek hospital treatment later. To clarify, I’m not pregnant, single, and not involved in any sexual activities when this started. The oddest symptom pertains to my stomach. It gives off a strange sensation reminiscent of a waterbed. My back feels irregularly soft while my stomach is noticeably distended but lacks firmness. It shifts side to side, filling up intermittently, yet isn't impacted while using the restroom or at all correlated with the hyper-arousal episodes. About a month ago, I hypothesized that I had caught “the stomach flu.” This began with mild cramping in my lower abdomen lasting a few days and some occasional minor spitting up - around 60ml daily, with no feelings of nausea, allowing me to eat without issue. However, I experienced no bowel movements, and considering my medical background, this wasn’t shocking, though not typical for me. I eventually passed hard, dark, and notably painful stools, leading to a small fissure that healed. Days passed without any resolution until I experienced an overwhelming need to relieve myself, followed by a flow of overflow post-bowel movement—an immense sense of relief. The next day, abdominal cramps intensified, drawing attention to the left inguinal crease with a sharp pain in the groin region. This created random spurts of intense pain in the left ovary, appearing without clear triggers. I also noticed mild bloating, with a soft, tender stomach below the navel that felt fluid-like, creating a lumpy sensation upon touch. I suspected a possible hernia. Later, I encountered a painful pulling sensation on my left side, around the piriformis muscle or its vicinity. The discomfort felt like a tear. However, if I kept my left leg bent while lying flat, the pain disappeared. Any other position caused a return of the painful sensation, including pain in the hip joint that made walking challenging, forcing me to limp uncomfortably. As dusk approached, my left leg became entirely numb while lying down and tremored, making it impossible to seek assistance. Instead, I opted for a nap. I awoke three hours later to find my leg was recovering. That night was restless due to the persistent discomfort. Come morning, I made the poor decision to eat a soft pretzel. Upon standing, I suddenly felt incredibly disoriented. Suddenly unable to walk properly, I stumbled upstairs, grappling with numbness and persistent vertigo, with each step becoming increasingly painful. I nearly collapsed on the stairs and had to lean against the bathroom wall. Once seated, I realized I couldn’t stand up again. A deep sense of dread washed over me, mixed with nostalgia for Michael Jackson. In moments, my face flushed with heat, soon followed by full-body chills, reminiscent of fever, combined with involuntary shaking. Hyperventilating from panic, I controlled my breathing and monitored the situation. I soon felt my abdomen swelling rapidly until it became rigid from my ribs to my groin. I was unable to bend, experiencing a sensation similar to cold water cascading down my right calf. Then came fierce cramps combined with nausea that led to vomiting. The bowel movements that followed were painful yet manageable. I wrestled through a second wave of vomiting before feeling drained and sore. Having adjusted my routine, I began taking 35mg of senna laxatives daily, which restored my ability to pass softer, correctly colored stools, but they remained too soft for my liking. Although I considered going to the hospital, I was hesitant due to the notoriously long wait times and chaotic management, which many people I know have experienced. The following day, after that tumultuous experience, I began observing something unusual beneath my skin—suspicious elongated, painful objects. I immediately speculated on potential hernia issues. They felt like intestines in size, and every time I laid flat and pulled in my stomach, they seemed to shift inward, refusing to retract entirely. Any pressure on them caused excruciating pain. I could feel them moving across my body, creeping from my sides to my back and down my butt, even settling in the skin of my buttock. The discomfort made any position—standing, sitting, or lying down—agonizing. Existence became challenging. Concerned, I had my mother, a former LPN, examine them; after moving them around, she expressed concern yet confusion. We attempted to go to urgent care, but they had closed early. When we returned home, I collapsed onto a hard wooden chair, and getting up afterward left my backside numb. I managed to walk to the bathroom mirror only to discover a long, dark bruise-like line across my back above the buttocks that was initially numb but stung terribly afterward, vanishing within a few hours. At this point, I am convinced I have a hernia of sorts or perhaps something entirely different. Another peculiar notice was a massive purple and red lump on my lower left back. It didn’t stretch the skin but was round and bumpy. It felt unnerving, like an oversized ball had made a home inside me, pressing from the inside. Desperate for relief, I sucked in my stomach for as long and hard as I could. With two painful pops, it shifted out of sight yet left inflammation behind. I felt instant relief, though I was far from emotionally settled. Somehow, I began to doubt my sanity, attempting to rationalize these experiences. However, that day I developed skin manifestations resembling bumps all over, similar to cylinder-like shapes on my thighs and other areas. Alongside the major lump on my left leg, I found my knee rendered immobile due to swelling. I encountered numerous bumps across my abdomen and finally on my arms and breasts, manifesting as a strange, shifting mass beneath my skin. With my arms raised, the sensation flooded upwards, yet I woke up the next morning to find it vanished. At this point, it's evident that this is not solely in my head. In recent days, I’ve felt relatively normal except for the softer stool issue. In a moment of recklessness, I decided to use a toy during masturbation. Though cautious about allergies, I sensed something was amiss and stopped. A subtle pulling sensation emerged, followed by abdominal inflation, coupled with a painful “cylinder” re-emerging in my upper abdomen. Though the pain returned, it was significantly muted. However, I did trigger the ovary pressure and heaviness symptoms, albeit without the euphoric or tingling feelings, alongside brown bruising on my belly. I am eager to converse about my dilemma, and if anyone could provide even the faintest clue, it would be immensely appreciated! I hope sharing my medical puzzle was interesting—wishing peace to all! ✌️
Nail Lifting Due to Nail-Biting Habit
Hello everyone, I'm 30 years old and have struggled with nail-biting for a long time. Recently, I've observed that one of my fingernails is beginning to detach slightly from the nail bed. The skin beneath appears dry and somewhat flaky. There's no significant discomfort; occasionally, I feel a bit of pain on the left side of that finger, but there's no bleeding or swelling. Still, I'm concerned that it might worsen over time. This issue has persisted for roughly one to two months. I have a couple of questions: • Does this condition typically resolve on its own as the nail grows and regenerates? • Is it advisable for me to consult a doctor, or can I simply wait and keep an eye on it? I appreciate any assistance you can provide!