Sword Swallower
Sword swallower Hannibal Helmurto tells us what he wishes he had known before a recent sword swallowing incident.
Categories
- Extraordinary Stories (71)
- Guerrilla Reporter (20)
- If Only I'd Known (15)
- Inheritance Tracks (38)
- Meet the Poet (35)
- My Philosophy (12)
- Podcast of the Week (28)
- Previous Programmes (35)
- Secret Lives (18)
- Special guest (33)
Archive
On the blog
Your comments
Photos
Clicking on any of these photos will take you to an external site.
Feeds
The 91Èȱ¬ is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
I suggest Muriel takes to carrying a blunt 'sword' for use as a ramrod in the event of food jamming in her gullet.
Complain about this postMuriel- I thinks it's achalasia - not a killer but not pleasant.
INTRODUCTION — Achalasia is a rare swallowing disorder that affects only 1 in every 100,000 people. Patients typically first note increasing difficulty swallowing. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 60 years. It is usually a chronic condition that worsens over time and does not resolve.
Complain about this posthave spent 5 minutes wincing thought you might like to hear some one using their throat creatively Try Huun Huur Tu..........throat singers - Chylandyk is a suitable track to sign off on today !
Best wishes
We love you !
From Morningside Edinburgh
Complain about this postThank you, Muriel. I too thought I was the only one suffering from this swallowing affliction. The suggested causes/solutions mentioned I had already considered/tried and rejected, so I am grateful to Muriel for her suggested solution of holding my breath, to deprive the muscles of oxygen. I will definately try this the next time I have the problem. I don't think that Achalasia is the problem as I don't get 'increasing' difficulty in swallowing. One mouthful I can swallow OK, and the next won't go down! Muriel has my sympathy as I understand how painful, embarassing and inconvenient this afflicaction can be.
Complain about this postI suffer from Raynauds and Scleroderma, which affects the lining of my internal organs. For several years I had oesophagal problems such as described by Muriel. She may have one of these 2 conditions too. What got rid of the swallowing problems was first of all Zantac, which I took for about 8 years, and now i take Omeprazole (both on prescription), instead, and have not had an attack of the swallowing problem since.
Complain about this postShe might also like to contact the Raynauds and Scleroderma Society, based in Alsager, Cheshire, or look at their website www.raynauds.demon.co.uk which is very helpful.
I find that lying down on my back eases this problem and I can eat again after a short while. I can see that this would be a bit embarassing in restaurants, though!
Complain about this postDear Muriel
I first experienced the condition at a time when I was very uptight - children/job/moving house etc.
It re-curs if I am tense and I manage it by making a conscious effort to relax before I eat, trying to feel my mood.
Good luck from a fan of yours.
Lynda Marshall
Complain about this post