I have had a few sessions with a swallowing specialist and have been taught how to do a side swallow, and tried over and over, but couldn't get the damn thing to pass. When the ENT scoped me he said it was resting on the granuloma (a growth caused by vocal strain) on my vocal fold which was preventing them from closing fully causing the lack of voice, and choking sensation- a partial aspiration. I also know how to do the Heimlich, but I'm not so sure if food was ever lodged in my throat and I was alone that I would have the power necessary to dislodge it anymore.

I haven't drank Ensure or Boost, but it has been recommended that I use Thick-it because I choke on think liquids, and I think it might be time I listen.