[D0ct0rT]

Over the past week I have not been able to swallow my pills without them getting stuck. Please offer suggestions of what you have done to resolve this annoying problem. Thank you

[christobelle]

Originally Posted by D0ct0rT

Over the past week I have not been able to swallow my pills without them getting stuck. Please offer suggestions of what you have done to resolve this annoying problem. Thank you

Hey D0ct0rT

I have had swallowing difficulties for quite some time now. I find that putting the liquid in first and then kind of pushing the tablets in sometimes (only sometimes) helps.

Otherwise, massaging your throat after you swallow and they get stuck (basically like what you do to give animals medicines) sometimes also works.

It's a pain in the right royal. I have issues every time I eat now. Often end up coughing food up (sorry, TMI). Every now and then I just can't get the tablet down. It comes up. Then I just wait, try to relax for a few minutes then try again.

Sorry you're going through this. Tis crappy.

Take it easy

C

[Erika]

Hi Doc,

This works every time for me.
Take the pills the normal way then swallow a piece of food right after to get them down the rest of the way.
I use a bite of chewed up apple as a chaser.

With love, Erika

[D0ct0rT]

Thank you both C and Erika. I feel so silly and frustrated for this recent pill issue. I have swallowed since I was a baby then this whole week they have been getting stuck and burning holes in my esophagus. Even the tiny pills. Thank you for the pragmatic suggestions. I will use them all to see what works best for me. Thank you again.

[SallyC]

Originally Posted by Erika

Hi Doc,

This works every time for me.
Take the pills the normal way then swallow a piece of food right after to get them down the rest of the way.
I use a bite of chewed up apple as a chaser.

With love, Erika

Or Apple sauce....
Be sure to put head forward and a little down when swallowing.
Never turn head to side or hang it back.

[NurseNancy]

i agree with the above advice. but, perhaps this change warrants some evaluation. i'd let your dr know. i had a swallowing eval that my neuro ordered some time ago. trying to swallow with a pill in pudding or applesauce can help. and, the head down suggestion is what was suggested to me.

your problem might not be MS related. thyroid issues can create swallowing issues. that's why i suggest a visit to your dr.

[D0ct0rT]

Thank u Sally. I watched swallowing on youtube and one suggested turning head to hear the "sound." I will try like you said. Thanks NN. I see him on 4-7-14 and I will ask him then Thanks to both of you

[Lynn]

Already pretty much been said, but I find keeping my chin down, and swallowing with something a bit thicker (like custard or yoghurt) helpful (water runs down my throat too fast and makes me choke more).

All the best

[D0ct0rT]

Thank you Lynn. The other day I watched a girl swallow a heap of pills at once. She said "If the pills float then take those with you head down" because it basically uses the buoyancy of the pill and then gravity. Thank you for your thoughts on this.

[NurseNancy]

hi doc,
i meant to also suggest this...some meds can be crushed which will make it easier to go down. BUT...you must ask your pharmacist as many can't safely be crushed.

also, some meds can be prescribed in liquid form. ask your dr about this option. good luck.