Debbie, it is possible that your problem is caused by a double whammy...
neuro and GI.

Some people have reflux without knowing it, a "Silent Reflux" per my PA.
Nerve damage, short-circuiting nerves, keep one from feeling the acid reflux, but doesn't keep the reflux from damaging the esophagus causing choking and difficult swallowing by narrowing it. Combine that with spasms and it's awful.

You really should get this checked, even knowing that most if not all is neuro.
You might be accruing unknown damage that could be quite serious if left unchecked..ulcerations and even cancer.

I am not saying to ignore the neurological aspects of the problem, but to know that they can cause a GI component as well.

From another who is sometmes afraid to eat when alone,

tante

Sorry, Debbie. Seems like I can choke and cough on my own spit. But I really don't struggle with food/drink much.

But my Dad does. He has what Tante describes and just underwent his 3rd EGD (stretches the esophagus). This is what his Dr. told him to do so he wouldn't be as likely to get that awful "vapor lock": before your meal, drink some warm water. He said that will relax your throat so you can swallow properly.

I haven't tried it, but couldn't hurt! Good luck!

I do think you should tell your doc. I go through periods where I have trouble swallowing food and pills. Now that Twinkletoes mentioned it, I must say I can take my pills much easier with coffee than cold water. I can't tell you how many times when taking pills with cold water I've had a stupid vitamin just stuck in my throat and I'm unable to swallow, trying my best not to panic or breathe. Hmm, you might want to try drinking some warm water before you eat.

I agree with NurseNancy. I believe you ought to inform your PCP, and ask for an evaluation with a Speech and Language Pathologist to evaluate your swallowing problems. I would also recommend using a straw when you drink along with the other suggestions made above.

It works! Actually, I haven't tried it before meals. But I used to have the worst esophageal spasms (probably part of the MS hug, partly short-circuited nerves and reflux.) Felt like what I imagine a heart attack would feel like. The only way I could get it to go away was to drink a glass of warm water, verrrrrry slowly. This forced my throat muscles to relax, and the knot to melt.

I just had my second EGD 2 wks ago...w/the dilation, and it is better now but it isn't perfect, still having some trouble choking, but I seem to be having a relapse in other areas too.

Like I said, it can be a double whammy, just please don't ignore the GI side of it.

As for the warm water BEFORE, I have found that to help also, but something else I read said to NOT drink liquids WHILE eating...confusing to damaged nerves. I think it was in the MSW pamphlet on swallowing/dysphagia (?).

tante

Definitely talk to your Doctors...PCP and neuro! And I would request a speech therapist....they are the correct therapist for swallowing problems.

I hope that you get this resolved quickly. It really is no fun and is very scary.

I responded to a similar question earlier. I had the same thing - the swallowing problem - feeling like something is stuck in my throat.

after several visits to the doctor and even emergency room - it was diagnosed as dysphagia - technical term for difficulty swallowing.

"People with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing and may also experience pain while swallowing. Some people may be completely unable to swallow or may have trouble swallowing liquids, foods, or saliva. Eating then becomes a challenge. Often, dysphagia makes it difficult to take in enough calories and fluids to nourish the body."

I was put on Reglan and it has made a HUGE difference - it has helped 95% of my symptoms.

It was definitely related to MS, according to my doctors. I think all the methods mentioned will definitely help (warm water, speech pathology,etc), but I found, in the end a pill before each meal did the trick for me.

My best wishes to you . I hope you get answers!

Mo