I'm glad you have a gameplan for the breathing and swallowing problems.

I wasn't very clear in my last posting (in a hurry last night), but the main point I want to make was that I have experienced what you are going through, almost to a T. This is MS, even though I tried to convince my doc it was probably a host of other things going on.

What I wanted to clarify though (not that it matters, but I don't want to contradict myself later), is that the numbness in my hands was consistent through this attack, and they are still numb to some degree. That is one area that did not improve 100%.

It was the "curled in and shrinking" hands symptom that was not a constant, and did rectify after the attack. I have one finger that still doesn't cooperate well, and my hand claws sometimes, but most of the time everything is much better.

I am also curious about your lung "tingles". I had like a rattle in one lung that went on for several months, and my thought it might be a mucus plug or some rib condition (not related to the MS). It let up when the attack healed though, so it was probably just one of those weird sensations we get with MS sometimes.

As far at the voicebox-thing, it did not change my voice. Again, it was just a sensation, that felt like I had a 'hole in my speaker' internally.

I can't remember what the trick for swallowing is (maybe someone else does?), but I think it is tucking the chin in. Hopefully someone can give you better advice on that.

The breathing and swallowing issues are not something to mess around with. MS can affect our internal organs (although it is not that common, but moreso with C-spine lesions, it seems). I thought it was just phantom sensations, so I didn't worry too much about it . . . but have since learned that these symptoms can cause real issues (like dehydration, pneumonia, etc.). It doesn't take long to dehydrate either, so try eating popsicles, freezies, or teaspoons of jello, etc., especially if the heat is an issue too! Don't leave that symptom untreated though!

Cherie

I've had swallowing problems recently, although not bad enough for me to even call the Neuro. Every once in a while it's like I get "stuck" while trying to swallow and I have to wait a few seconds before I'm able to. I'll try the chin tuck thing and see if that works. I've had it happen while I'm eating and/or drinking, too, and it's much more apparent then. Sometimes I'll almost choke if I'm not careful.

A few weeks ago I had the breathing difficulty, too. Sort of like I couldn't get a good, deep breath. I knew it would pass so I didn't panic. I could still breathe - just couldn't get a "good" breath.

I'll mention it the next time I go in for an appointment.