issues with swallowing

[Theresalp]

Does anyone here have issues with swallowing? I am not sure if it has anything to do with my other symptoms or not. I dont always have a problem it just happens at will.

It doesnt matter if it is food or even something small like an ibuprofen. As long as I dont panic and calmly try to force the swallowing motions eventually it goes on down. Sometimes I have to force cough it out.

If this was complications from ms wouldnt it happen constantly? I can go weeks without it happening and then maybe have it happen once or twice a day for a couple of days in a row.

Theresa

[Theresalp]

Thank You very much for that bit of info Karry!!

To Cjtmn and Mikeysmom:

Mine also feels like its just stuck in mid throat. The first Neuro was all about telling me that I would need speech therapy once he saw my brain MRI then once the LP came back negative he told me to "forget the lesions they are nothing" and when I asked about the swallowing issues this time he said "take smaller bites", omg I thought to myself duh but thats not the problem!!! ugh.

I am sorry you all are having this problem but I am also relieved to see that others have the same problem. When it never has a steady pattern I feel that the drs will think I am just a chronic complainer. I am far from that!!  So it does help me validate the swallowing problems when I read that there are others having it also.

Thanks everyone. Theresa

[karryon55]

I have had an assessment done by a Speech Therapist who then gave me techniques on swallowing in different ways as well as types of food to avoid & having extra sauce and gravy etc. I think if any of you can get in to see a Speech Therapist then please do as they specialise in these issues.

If you do happen to choke then please don't drink afterwards. This is what most people suggest but this is a dangerous thing to do & the very opposite of what you should be doing. Just keep coughing until your body feels it's ready as this is your body telling you what it needs & by drinking ontop you are just adding to the problem.

Take Care,

Karry.

[cjtmn]

I understand exactly what you are saying!! I've never had the spasms you mention, but that feeling that food just isn't going down. I usually experience it just getting from my mouth to my throat. Stinks to choke on water :/

Be careful & talk to your ms doc about it if you haven't already.

[cjtmn]

Tough to wait until January! When this happens, I can feel as if something is stuck -- my esophagus hurts (muscles, not like a sore throat) for a very long time & I don't want to eat or drink anything.

I think I will bring it up w/my neuro...you are not alone!!

[mikeysmom1995]

I to have swallowing issues, but not all the time. This started prior to my dx with ms.  I went to a  GI doc and went through a bunch of tests that all came back fine. I even had my gallbladder removed.
Sometimes after swallowing I can feel the food going down very slowly. Almost like the muscle function needed to get it down is working slower.
I get kinda panicked because I feel like I'm going to choke.
I also suffer from esophageal spasms. Very uncomfortable!
I know not.everything is caused by the MS, but I think it could be related.
Best regards, barb

[Theresalp]

He wasnt sure either what is going on with the swallowing issues. He did say that it needs to be looked into and he is trying his best to figure me out. lol good luck with that :)

He has referred me to a different neurologist because the 1 I had been seeing told me to forget I have the lesions on my brain when the LP came back with no O bands. My GP didnt like that at all.

My appt with the new neurologist isnt until 1/9/2015. If the new neurologist can figure out the swallowing issue I will be sure to let you know what I do find out.

I feel some comfort knowing there is another person having the same problem with swallowing as myself. I also have no problem with liquids and not related to texture or size either.

I have found that cake like substances are scary for me.

Theresa

[cjtmn]

I also have similar problems -- I have even had trouble swallowing water and soda! It is intermittent for me as well, and isn't necessarily related to the texture (although things like nut butters are particularly scary for me).

Please let us know what you find out. I would be interested.

Good luck at the doc!

[Theresalp]

Thank you for your input. I am going to the doctor today!
Theresa

[supermum_ms]

I think you really need to contact your spinal specialist! Swallowing issues on top of your lower back and between your shoulder blade pain just isn't something you should muddle through.........please contact your dr and get the cause of all this worked out!

Hugs..........JJ