Food getting "stuck"?

[afwife98 0]

I everyone. I've been on here for awhile, but I've never posted. About a month ago I experienced an issue with chicken. From what my Dr says , it got stuck. It was extremely painful and a bit scary. It was very tender so it caught me off guard. Last night I was shacking on a piece of deli turkey meat and it happened again. This time I actually did get sick ( first time since surgery and I'm over two months out). Today I can barely even drink my shake. It's still sore and hurts going down . My Dr is not at all a close drive and I have an appointment next week. Is this normal? I'm thinking I should back track to purée , if I can even do that, at least for the day. Advice appreciated.

[afwife98 0]

I mean snacking on turkey . Love auto correct!

[Cupcake 801]

Hi when you eat and your food is getting stuck are you getting a discomfort in the top of your chest where your first incision was done? I would ensure that I am chewing my food 60 times before swallowing , if it still appears to be stuck I will revert back to Protein Shakes until you see your doctor. Good luck my friend.

[afwife98 0]

No it's right in my chest and has only happened for these foods. I was more concerned about how I feel today. It was hurting when I even swallowed a sip of my shake. I was able to drink a bit more and I'm comfortably sipping Water now. I think I'm going to take it easy today, give my little belly a break and see what happens tomorrow. Chewing was something I've always paid attention to. Even pre surgery. Thank you cupcake!

[JanetteH 80]

I've had that happen to me twice - once with chicken and once with maki-mahi. Both times I threw up several times (like my body was trying to move it). It was quite painful and I didn't eat anything the next day. My doc says it's not uncommon - not only do you have to chew thoroughly but the size of the mouthful swallowed also matters. Try being aware that only very small amounts are swallowed at a time - hence the idea of taking 30 minutes to eat a meal Good luck!

[kat77 63]

I agree with every thing said, chicken is my enemy, I'm terrified of it because no matter how small or well I chew it, my body rejects it. Jam just now experimenting with it again because they did stretch my opening a little because it was swollen, also it was only unprocessed chicken that I had a problem with, lunch meat went fine if I made it small enough.

The point of all this is if it is sore, sof foods would be good, and nice cold Protein Shakes are good for soothing. A swollen opening. I would go on soft foods like unsweetened Greek yogurt, retried Beans, Protein shakes and other smooth foods... Hope you feel better soon,

Kat

[terry1118 1,274]

I'm over one year out and I still can't eat chicken or turkey, unless it's ground. I do better w/ground chicken than ground turkey - I think it's more moist. I also can't do beef unless it's ground. I can't do roast pork, pork chops, or any fish except for tilapia. There are still many choices available that I can eat and tolerate well. :-)

[terry1118 1,274]

I could live on scallops, shrimp, chicken chili, and Greek yogurt. :-)

[treilly 16]

I have learned the hard way that you have to take small bites and chew until it's an applesauce consistency. Good luck to you.

[afwife98 0]

Thanks everyone. I am definitely petrified of chicken because of the experiences I've had. Like someone above said , it doesn't matter how small the bite or how much I chew , it hurts. It started to happen with salmon one day too but luckily I recognized that feeling from he time one little morsel went down and I stopped eating it. I'm much better today. I took it easy yesterday - just Greek yogurt and such.

[pookybear 284]

I'm the opposite. I eat chicken and turkey all the time. I have difficulties with beef and pork. So I just avoid red meats for the most part.

[pookybear 284]

Are you eating it too dry? Have you tried it moistened with gravy or low fat mayo? Poultry tends to be dry, so maybe that's why it's getting stuck.

[SAR_43 3]

chicken get stuck for me but when food get stuck do not drink liquid the key is to walk and it will get unstuck

[terry1118 1,274]

Are you eating it too dry? Have you tried it moistened with gravy or low fat mayo? Poultry tends to be dry, so maybe that's why it's getting stuck.

Even moistening chicken doesn't make a difference for me but it may with others. chicken salad, pureed or drowning in gravy or broth - it still makes me sick and comes up. I'm okay with it. Someday it may change but for now I'm content w/ground chicken. Every now and again I give it a try.

Funny, white rice or anything made with rice flour still makes me sick too. Brown rice - no problem! :-)

[Ms. Laydee2014 9]

chicken was a culprit of mine as well- food getting stuck.. When it happened I called my Dr's office and was advised to do the following to help break down the food that's stuck--This info is also online.... but you'd still want to check with YOUR Dr. to get final ok

1. Take a 1-2 SIPS of carbonated soda (Sprite/7Up).....The carbonation helps to break down the food particles that's stuck. I keep 2 small cans of Sprite in my fridge, but it's ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES...It's NOT a "badge" to go back to drinking soda/pop.

2. I also went to drug store and bought papaya enzymes tablets (chewable). These are in the Vitamin section and they also help to breakdown the "stuck" food. I actually bought 2 bottles and keep one in my purse in case it food gets stuck when i'm away from home.

You're right... It's a very uncomfortable feeling when food gets stuck. Be careful, slow down when eating and if in doubt, choose other options. I used to love chicken (pre-surgery) but now find myself getting my Protein from cheese, finely ground turkey and Beans.

Edited June 29, 2014 by Ms. Laydee2014