Dear teacher mom,

I have an incompetent esophagus which was diagnosed in 1998 and had never bothered me much before that, or afterwards until I also developed Sjogren's like dryness.

An incompetent esophagus occurs when one part of the esophagus doesn't constrict with the peristalsis that moves your food down your esophagus.

When that happens the food in that part of your esophagus stops moving and 'sticks there'. It can hurt, or it can be almost unnoticeable until the rest of the food you are chewing and swallowing piles up and backs up into your throat and mouth.

It is very unpleasant and can be scary. This usually occurs with soft dense food like white meat of chicken or turkey, or a bagel, for example.

But it can occur with anything.

Best wishes in your medical journey.

Hugs, ElaineD