[GrannyJo4]

I have M.S. and M.G., that being said, my neuro felt the M.G. was causing my swallowing to slow down since April and then stop completely in July.
I've been given 3 rescures of IVIG to bring me out of it but that didn't work.
He did a emg on my face and said my face was strong, so he sent me to a MG specialist and she said it is Not a neuro muscular problem thats causing my swallowing to be so bad.

Now we are back looking at the MS. He the Neuro had me go for a reg. 1.5 Mri and it didn't show any changes in 4 years so he fiqured its not the MS.
He finnally spoke to his Neuro partners in the group and they said I should have a 3T MRI done because it picks up more and clearer pictures if I have lesions in the brain stem area.

I'm hoping and praying this machine will give me the answer, good or bad, why I can't swallow to the point that I have had to live with a peg, feeding tube.
Has anyone had a 3T MRI. I don't do well in MRI machines but the doctor order some valium for me to take before going.

The Strange part of this case is that I can swallow when I go into a sleep state, other wise as soon as I'm awake I can't even swallow my saliva, very scary and annoying to have to keep spitting into a tissue so I don't choke.

I'v been told by the doctor that there is the conscious swallow and there is the unconscious swallow and they are on differant parts of the brain.
I could Not do the bariam swallow test, I have no signal going to my throat to swallow so it just runs down my throat and I choke. I have no gag reflex at all. I had a speech therpyist help me with Vital Stem for 3 months and there was no improvement, I just can't get a signal to my throat to swallow

[SallyC]

How awful GrannyJo. I hope the MRI shows where the problem lies and your Doc can then find the right med/therapy to help you.

Let us know how it goes and in the meantime you are in my prayers.

[kicker]

GrannyJo,
How and what are you eating? Swallowing is something I'm always conscious of.

[Dejibo]

The 3t and the 1t feel exactly the same. Actually I think the 3t is a bit wider, so your arms are not slapped on top of your chest as you are slid into the machine.

Had the tech not told me, I would have never known.

I hope you get answers.

[GrannyJo4]

Originally Posted by kicker

GrannyJo,
How and what are you eating? Swallowing is something I'm always conscious of.

I use a feeding tube. I try to get at least 3 to 4 cans of liquid nutrition in each day. Its call jevity 1.5. It is like Ensure or Boost.

[BBS1951]

How awful for you. Has a speech therapist tried to help you with your swallow reflex? It's worth a try. They helped get my MIL reflex back, so she was able to get off the feeding tube.

I had the 3T. It's just like the lower strength MRI.

[GrannyJo4]

Originally Posted by BBS1951

How awful for you. Has a speech therapist tried to help you with your swallow reflex? It's worth a try. They helped get my MIL reflex back, so she was able to get off the feeding tube. I had the 3T. It's just like the lower strength MRI.

Hi, Yes I had 3 months 3x a week with a speech therapist, but I did not improve. She used an electric therapy called Vital Stem but I just could not swallow on command, its like there is no signal getting to my throat to swallow. Today has been a hard day for me, some days are better than other, I'm talking emotionally. The Holiday Family get togethers were So hard.
Plus my step son got married and had a Beautiful sit down dinner, I had to get up and take a walk to the ladies room just to get out of the way of the food and making people feel uncomfotable about eating in front of me.

Saturday is my neices birthday party and I usually love going to my family partys but its just very hard, but if I don't go I feel depressed that I'm not able to have special times with my husband and family.

I am a little afraid what the MRI Will find and or Not find, I'm very confused. I guess I need to stop giving it so much attension since theres nothing I could do about it right now.

[ginnie]

I sure am sorry you are having the swallowing issues. I want you to know you are Welcome here on Neuro Talk. I am not sure about that particular MRI. Somebody will be along who can identify that particular test. I hope that it can find the cause of your swallowing trouble. I do know it is horrible. I do not have that to the degree you do, but I do choke on food and pills if I am not careful. I have Barretts esophagus which I found out is the reason for it. My medications also dried up my mouth which futher hurts the ability to swallow. I couldn't take the barium test eithor, I got sick.
I hope that when you have this test, that you can relax, and just remember you can get out of the machine, and it is only for a short time. You can listen to music and the valium should help. I have a friend Named John up in Missouri, and he gets that closed in feeling too. I know open MRI's are available, but not in your particular area of the country. Perhaps your doctor allows for that possiblity. I went caving when I was young, and got that closed in feeling and had to get out. I do know that feeling. Just remember it is only for a short time, and that you are safe, and they can hear you if you need any help at all. Even with one that has contrast, or an IV, it isn't so bad if you can just relax. I have had four, and cat scans. All of them can make a person nervous. Most tests do. I don't care much for the dentist, and want to run out the door!
I really hope that this gets to the bottom of the swallowing issue. I know that not having the use of your throat is a terrible burden. We are here for you at Neuro Talk. I hope alot of others will also talk to you. You are in my prayers. ginnie

[ginnie]

Sorry I was behind on the Post. I hope that a more compassionate doctor can be found. There is always the hope that you can find a better doctor to find out why this is happening to you. Don't settle for being told they do not know why this is happening. ginnie