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.

Thanks to all of you for responding. I've been gone this afternoon, but I might call the pcp to start out to see what she thinks i should do.
I choke on so many different things...I had a major choking incident this last July when I inhaled a small spoonful of frozen yogurt. Couldn't even talk for awhile...I have problems with spicy food, drinks, lots of things. I vowed to myself last night to eat more slowly and really pay attention, but it's hard when you're enjoying the food and the company. Boo on this!!

Thanks again for the advice, and the concern. You're all great!

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.