Hi everyone,
Well, I guess the prednisone I was on for 2 wks in Dec. must be wearing off a bit--the neuropathic pain is back, twitching in my calves is also now in feet, hamstrings, torso and arms, and I'm tripping/walking weird again.

But the scariest sx that returned is the choking. I choked on food/drink three times yesterday...I aspirated some of it. This seems to occur for about two weeks off and on, and then it dissipates for a few months, then returns.

But I've never choked so much in one day. My DH told me I need to pay more attention when I'm swallowing, but I do. I drop my head, which seems to manually close off the epiglotis (sp). But I still choke.

I don't know if this is something that needs to be addressed by the neuro. I'm still undxd, so I don't want to call with minor blips in sxs. I have an appt in mid March.

I don't want to seem like a hypochondriac, which is why I often don't call with new/returning sxs. But this scares me. I'm afraid to eat or drink when I'm home alone.
What do all of you think?

I think I'd be afraid too. I have some difficulty with chewing and swallowing, which is tough enough. I know what you mean about hypochondria. I feel like that sometimes too. I imagine it's even worse if you don't even have a positive dx. But don't ignore it if it is something that is increasing.

I would get a referral to see someone who specializes in this area. I think a speech pathologist is the right kind of dr?

Then take a look at what you're eating/drinking. Is it certain types of food/drink that cause the difficulty? My trouble is generally restricted to dry foods like bread and crackers, swallowing large pills. I'll know right away if I'm going to have trouble too with swallowing, because I just can't seem to chew that sandwich quite enough and have had to spit the bit out (too dry? my mouth gets tired?). Do cold drinks cause you more trouble than hot drinks? Do you have no trouble at all with things at room temp?

I don't know what they can do, but I think finding out which items cause issues and staying away from them is part of it, but I haven't been evaluated by a speech pathologist yet.

Sorry I can't help. I'm also un-DX but I also have this problem from time to time. I told my neoru about it and he didn't even say anything I hope you get some answers soon.

hi debbie,

i've had some choking problems too.
my neuro sent me for a swallowing eval with a speech therapist.
she gave me some suggestions. one of which was what you're doing, drop your head.

however, since you're in the dx (diagnostic) process i think your dr needs to know about these problems. seeing your dr when you're symptomatic may help him dx you sooner.

and, since he gave you steroids and you're now having more problems he needs to know.

please call him and keep us posted.

(((Debbie D)))

What do I think? I think you should remind yourself and your doctors that they work for you. And get help quick.

This isn't something to let slide, beautiful.
Food is the last legal high many of us can get.
And choking is no kind of fun.

I hope you get this resolved quickly.

Certain food textures can cause more problems. Crumbly foods can cause me to cough, if a crumb goes up the wrong way. I also have a 'throat lock' where my throat refuses to swallow, or knots up around a swallowing motion.

Unfortunately, there's not much to be done about it! Sure, it's a symptom, but as far as I know, there's no specific medication to fix it. You're just going to have to be really careful when you eat! Maybe restrict yourself to puddings and mashed potatoes when you're by yourself.