Swallowing probs

[Jackjosh]

I have a question for anybody who has swallowing problems with their MS does it hurt to swallow because as of right now I'm having issues swallowing

[Turtlepie]

Every once in a while I get some spasms in my throat and a hot rag seems to help me

[Peruzzot]

I haven't noticed any problems swallowing but have had the sensation that some invisible person is choking me on a constant basis for over a year now. The doctor had me do one test where she made me drink this stuff that tasted like liquid chalk. The doctor notice that stuff was getting stuck in my throat because muscles aren't working correctly. You should get checked out to see what's causing the pain while swallowing. It might not have anything to do with MS.

[Jackjosh]

Also ive been having severe leg pains that keep me up at night

[greaterexp]

I agree with Peruzzot that you should see your doctor about this. It may be related to your MS, or it might be something else, but difficulty swallowing can lead to aspiration pneumonia if we're not careful. There are ways of dealing with that problem, so please don't leave it unchecked.

I haven't had pain with swallowing, but occasionally have issues with starting to swallow. It has been rare enough that I haven't seen anyone about it, but I do keep a record of my symptoms that my doctor sees at regular visits.

Let us know what you find out from your doctor.

[RoyceNewton]

doctors always told me to hold the liquid food in my mouth. Know where it is then swallow. Thicker liquids are better than thin and do it slowly and be aware ofd what is happening. A Doctor visit might be a good idea, any pain could be something else.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

How are you doing now Jackjosh ? Have you gotten ahold of your neuro yet? 🤗💕🌠

[Jackjosh]

No are you going to tell me I need to go see another doctor to check and see if it's something else before they find out it's the MS or not

[Jackjosh]

I went to the hospital they gave me a CT scan checked my thyroids check me for strep throat and nothing was wrong Story of My Life

[Jackjosh]

I'm going to message the neuro tonight but they won't see it till Monday then I'm going to call my primary care doctor I've had a sore throat for a long time it's been months

[Iona60]

My swallowing issues got much better after I got off of baclofen.

[mm1527mm]

Sorry to hear. Hope your neuro can figure it out.

[StRose]

Yes. Seems to take longer to swallow liquids. Using a straw helps a lot though.

[Brindisi1]

How about ENT whose focal point is the throat.

Tests can rule out issues. Dont get discouraged, be persistant.

Our bodies amazingly complex. I think diagnosis is the greater part of the game.

My prayers for you and your dr

[bxrmom]

Jackjosh I hope that your family dr can help you get to the bottom of this or at least refer you to someone that can. Keep us updated when you can.

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

It's a good idea to let your health care provider know of what is happening. I occasionally choke on my own spit. Not enough to let my neuro know but sometimes I wonder. Let us know how you are after your visit to your neuro, Jackjosh I will be sending you positive thoughts, and gentle vHugs

[DM0329]

When dx 25 years ago, my neuro asked if I had any problems swallowing (location of my lesions on brain stem). But, at the time, at the young age of 25, I did not.

But, by my mid-thirties, I noticed sometimes "choking on my morning coffees." Actually, this year's Thanksgiving, I once again choked on my morning java! OMG!

Thanks to Royce for the tips on liquids, too!

[Deecaf1]

Last June MS plaques showed up in my brain stem which caused speech and swallowing problems. I’ve been seeing a speech/swallowing therapist who has been a great help. After doing a modified barium swallowing test she was able to see where I was having problems. I take my pills with applesauce and they go down easily. Combined with speech therapy are exercises that help strengthen my throat and helps with swallowing. I also have problems with food pocketing which makes dining with me entertaining. You should tell your Neuro about your swallowing problems as aspiration can be dangerous. Take care.

[twooldcrows]

some times so i just have to be careful of what i am eating and make smaller bits if it doesn't want to go down or just not eat this food what ever it is ...have scared myself a couple of times when it got stuck ...wow scary...take care and talk to the doctor about it ...

[hairbrain4]

I have had swallowing problems for a long time. I had to do the swallow test. Stuff was getting hung up at the opening of my stomach even though it feels like the top of my throat. The epiglottis (the flap that closes the airway when you swallow) in my throat also doesn't work properly so I choke all the time. Pain isn't involved unless my tonsils are swollen. Like Royce said you need to eat & drink slowly & be aware of where stuff is in your mouth. Your neuro will probably refer you to an ENT doc since they specialize in that. Remember to not always assume that its MS causing things to not work right. There are a lot of things that go wrong that aren't attributed to MS. Good luck to you.

[kycmary]

Hi Jackjosh sorry about your swallowing problems I also have problems that are not related to my MS, had to do the swallowing tests ... a lingual tonsil is my problem. I agree with the others 1. Don't blame the MS &go see your PCP STAT!! good luck Mary

[Jackjosh]

I see my pcp today ill let everyone know what they say I always blame Ms expecially when I'm told nothing is wrong

[JTZES]

I also agree with Royce and hairbrain. You should see an ENT who can scope you and actually see the throat clearly and how it is functioning. After having a barium swallow test that showed some issues that wouldn't have shown up on a C SCAN. With the scope he found stage 4 cancer of the epiglottis. I am cancer free now for 4 years.

If your epiglottis is not working correctly it can allow you to get food and liquids into your lungs.

Have it checked out and good luck with things.

[Tazmanian]

I sometimes have problems swallowing. Drinking water helps it go down.

[itasara]

Certain foods I feel like it is hard to swallow-I feel like the food gets stuck or I might have a spasm. Walnuts do that if I don't chew them well. Starch foods also get stuck it seems. I do follow a low carb diet, but once in a while I'll have something bulky. I was seeing an ENT who specializes in vocal problem and he said this was more likely a silent acid reflux problem, and my MS specialist did not think this was an MS cause. So I was on medication for awhile but decided to come off it. Have been trying my best to avoid certain acidic foods. I found a commercial coffee that is reduced 40% in acid. I just don't want to give coffee up but am drinking a lot less of it. It is difficult... I am avoiding tomatoes and tomato products- so many foods have tomatoes, but actually it may be (but not positive that it is) helping. Avoiding also Chocolate ( boo hoo) and other foods that used to make life more enjoyable!