I choked last night for the first time. Just from a normal drink of water. I couldnt breath for what seemed like forever, but was proud of myself for stopping my panicking and waiting things to work again so I could swallow the water and cough. I've only had problems with clear liquids in the past on occasion, having to swallow several times to get it all down. Is this choking thing a normal problem with mg? I think I'll drink from straws from now on!

Yep! Blame it on the MG! I STILL drink with a spoon - that way I don't take in too much liquid at once.....don't get me wrong, there are a few days when I feel strong enough to drink normally, but after all the crap that I've been through I just prefer to drink that way..........

Good for you for not panicking! You could have aspirated - not fun!

I put LOTS of crushed ice and liquid in my cup and chew it for a while - that way I know I am going to stay hydrated all day............you may want to try it.

You do need to let your dr know about the chiking thing, though. It may be time to "up" your meds...........

Big hugs!
Erin

Be careful with this Annemarie, a straw can get the liquid moving too quick to handle. You're better off just taking your time and taking small controlled sips.

Agreed on the straw! Some of my worst chokes have been with a straw! I have learned to just kind of test the waters a little everytime I drink something. I hate when it feels stuck and just has to trickle down! Amazes me still that water can get stuck!

Be careful, and good job on the lack of panick - that doesn't help anything at all, does it!

Take Care.
Becky

Another tip they gave me in the hospital, is when you drink bring your chin down towards your chest alittle, it keeps liquid from sneaking down your airway. If I don't do that , I choke when I least expect it !

Mary,
That's a great suggestion! Thanks for sharing that!

Just checking to see how you are feeling......

Have you choked since the last episode? Are you stronger?

Let us know how you are when you have some time!

Big hugs!
Erin

Thank you for all the well-wishes! I have had a busy few weeks, so haven't checked in here. Haven't choked again, but still feel as if water isn't going down with just one swallow. But now I am cautious whenever I drink.

Okay, now I need your opinions on something that happened to me. Last week, I had a couple of very stressfull, emotional, overwhelming days. It was just the last straw on the pile of crap I've been dealing with over the past two years. I took a few swigs from a bottle of whiskey, cried a bit with my sister, then laid down on my bed. I'm not a drinker, so didn't realize what a few swigs of whiskey would do. Didn't feel so good. Went to bathroom to make myself throw up any left in my stomach. Got back in bed. Needed to go to the bathroom. Stepped down quickly from my bed, which is rather high. Landed on foot wrong and it twisted and I felt horrible pain. Tried to stand up and realized my foot was unuseable. I started crying again, thinking "what else?". Crawled to my bedroom door, met by husband and son who heard my thud when I hit the floor. ALL OF A SUDDEN I COULDN'T BREATHE. Tried sucking air in, couldn't seem to get enough. After a minute or so of this, son called 911. As First Responders arrived, my fingers were gnarled up and I soon passed out. Next thing I remember was some man yelling at me if I didn't breathe, they were putting a tube down my throat. Guess I took a breath. Don't remember much after till in hospital with IV. Layed there a while then was released and was given written instructions by Dr. to "stay away from alcohol and see family doctor". My question is, could this have been mg related, or did I probably have a panic attack? I've had those, this wasn't anything like them. It hit fast and furious. Anyway, now my usual anxiety is doubled that this may happen again at any time. If it's possibly a small "crisis", I want a med. alert bracelet. When the EMT's asked my husband if I had any medical problems, he replied "No, just anxiety". I'm sure he was stressed, but please. Maybe I should have all my medical issues tattooed on my forehead! I would like opinions from those who have experienced a crisis. Are there different levels? Thanks in advance!

hi annemarie
so the swallowing hasnt got any worse thats good ive had lots of problems with that but only when im not expecting it same with the breathing i know when it becomes weaker and staying carm is inportant
some people won't drink and some do with out to many problems i sometimes have a glass or two of wine but havent had any problems with that
worse is the stress and worry that plays a big part on how the MG is
good luck alan

I'm not experienced with this, since my mg is generalized or "limbic" as my doc put it....but sure does sound like an attack to or loss of muscle control....you definitely need a bracelet..I had just ordered one a wk ago, cuz I thought no one would have any idea around this berg that I live in...& if my friend is not there to tell them, they would have no idea what was wrong...I was glad that my anesthesiologist (hand surgery 10 days ago) said he was very familiar with mg & I felt better 'bout that one....

I believe the stress of an ankle twist followed by a bad fall could certainly push you over the edge & cause the breathing difficulty & I'm glad you are alright after that one....

I've been lucky so far not to have bulbar problems, but once in awhile I do notice a "catch" in swallowing..maybe means nothing....my biggest problem has been the extreme dypsneic breathing difficulty when I walk or use any exertion..(maybe that's why I never liked walking, lol) even just working with my fishtanks at night put me in an exhaustive state & I had to quit, practically panting...my doc tells me he doesn't believe I'll have a breathing "crisis"...hope he's right....

Hang in there...other members can tell you more adequately.....Dottie