..I went to my primary Doctor today, looking for some help with not being able to swallow my saliva or anything.,And I asked him why does he think I'm able to swallow during my sleep state but not when I'm fully awake.

He looked at me and ordered very loud and firm "Swallow!"

I thought he wasn't listening to me so I explained again that I haven't been able to swallow again anything for over 3 months.

Again he said "Swallow",..I just looked him straight in the eyes and said I told you I can't swallow!!

Then he got up went into another room and brought a glass of water and handed it to me. He said very firmly, take a sip and swallow!

I was scared but I could tell he wasn't backing down so I Took a sip to show him how I choke because I can't swallow, besides If I'm going to choke at least I'm in the Doctors office...

I took a sip and I Choked and had to spit it out, (that will show him, I thought)

He said why Did you put your head down when you took a sip? I told him thats how the therapyst taught me so I won't choke.

Then he got up AGAIN went in the other room and brought another glass of water and handed it to me and again said "take another sip!"

Wow this Doctor is demanding! ( Is he trying to kill me?)

He said this time don't think about how to swallow, just Swallow!! and keep your face up this time!

O.K. now my hand were shaking but I just did as he said and I Did swallow

He said take another, and take another..I drank 8 sips of water maybe even more, I was so surprise and excited so was my husband who was watching.

He (the Doctor) feels I had build up a fear from my last M.G. crises in the hospital and having to have the feeding tube put in that I really believed I couldn't swallow even after the M.G. flare started easing up.

He wants me to go for the swallowing evail now that I see I can drink.
This way we can know for sure what types of food I should get started
on. thicker drinks, then jello,pudding soft food until They give me the go ahead for solids.

He feels I should keep the feeding tube in since with M.S. and M.G. you never know if or when another flare can happen. Or if I'm just having a hard day.

When I came home I make a cup of tea and added some honey, I was still afraid but felt I had more courage after the Doctors loud pep talk.

I sat at the kitchen table which I haven't in the past couple of months and picked up the cup of tea and took a sip and swallowed!! I was so Happy!

I kept taking more sips slowly thinking I can finish at least a half a cup..But Then in mid sip the throat stopped swallowing and I was back to choking.

I calmed down for a few minutes and tried again, and again I choked, my throat said Nooo more swallowing.

I was so frustated and disappointed.
But then I remembered the M.G. was telling me thats enough for tonight.

I will drink some more tomorrow, God Willing.

I just wanted to share this confusing and exciting day I've had.

This is really good news! And I really like your doc - - he's a keeper!!

You have a great attitude Granny and I admire the way you are approaching and handling these challenges. Of course some days will be better than others....but focusing on the bright spots as you do (instead of dwelling on the bad ones)...well. it just makes all the difference in the world.

Thanks for sharing!

Hi GrammyJo4,
Keep trying...and don't forget that warm beverages are more difficult to swallow than cold ones, you could try iced tea!
Maurice.

Oh granny I am so happy for you. That is real progress. I believe you can overcome this and be able to swallow again. I don't know if it is mind over matter or not, but your effort shows it can be done. I will hope and pray real hard, that your throat begins to work in a normal way again. Tell yourself you can....tell your brain you can.....send the positive thoughts, and your body just may remember how it is suppose to work. I so hope that your ability to enjoy what you eat comes back to you. Have a blessed holiday with your family. ginnie

..Thank you for your support!
I am getting ready to try another 1/2 cup of tea and honey today.
I have to admit I'm a bit nervous..
I will try some cold water later also to see if it makes it easier.

I'm still not swallowing my saliva or post nasel drip, it runs down my throat so fast and so much that it makes me gag and I end up having to spit it out. I wish I knew how to make that stop, its so tiering.

God Bless you on Thanksgiving and always!

How are you Granny? Are you still trying hard to swallow? I hope you are continuing to try and doing all the things your doctor recommended to you. Keep telling yourself you can do it! ginnie