Cortisol - the waking hormone - can overwhelm us ! I would wake any time after 3.30 a.m. absolutely terrified. I hardly dared to move, eat, drink, totally over taken by pre-hensile fear. My GP gave me Propranolol - which I took for over 11 years. It really eased those early morning anxiety surges. I also have to eat every 3 hours to keep blood sugar levels even so that I don't get sudden energy dips.
Difficulties in swallowing can be age related. Also reflux can cause similar symptoms. If you sip water during the day it will help keep the mouth, lips and throat moist, there are sweeties too but I can't remember the specific name. As oestrogen levels drop, the body may become dry, including vagina and throat. Skin, deep in the ears etc. etc..
That 'going back to school' feeling has never left me, all down the years I've struggled but usually been OK once I get there. Anticipation anxiety is difficult to control. I have used Bachs rescue remedy either sweeties or mouth spray with success. An as necessary tablet has saved my Life too, prescribed by my supportive GP.
I would insist on seeing a GP face2face. Surgeries should by now be open 4 business. If not, ask for a home visit ;-). A few weeks ago I had a lump on my head that I was concerned about, after speaking to the receptionist the GP rang me - I was seen 4 days after that. The Waiting Room was empty! You could tell the GP that your mental health is at risk ...... lay it on a bit thick!
It is known that patients often wait until almost leaving the appt to actually mention the worry that they really attended for, no one can see that during a 'phone call! Because GPs aren't seeing patients - for which the public pays GOOD money over the years - A&E are overwhelmed. Some ambulances are waiting outside A&E Depts for as long as 17 hours ....... obviously with a knock on effect. I wonder how many of those attending could have been seen by a GP?
A letter to the Practice Manager, copy to the GP plus you could also write to your local MP and Javid at Westminster? I had a good result with my local MP though am awaiting a response from Javid, 8 weeks on. And your local paper if your GP still won't see you Face2Face. We shouldn't be fighting to be seen! We pay their wages which tends to get forgotten.
Some of course are short of GPs due to many reaching retirement age
which governments have not taken on board. It's all been lip service .
. ........ now the gaps in the 'health service' has come to light so the public are more aware. Sorry, venting