I was wondering if anyone can help me. I’ve been under investigation for MS since I was admitted for a second episode of optic neuritis in November last year (awaiting LP appointment). I’ve been having issues with coughing every time i eat for some time now, but since around New Year it’s gotten worse to include fluids. On Thursday night I coughed so bad with soup and it just got massively worse. I felt like I was suffocating at uni on Friday (17th Feb) so went to hospital. I was admitted and been here ever since. I was seen by Speech and Language on Monday and they put my on a puree diet. I’m awaiting the swallowing barium test thing.
The thing thta is annoying me is the keep asking which part of the swallow I’m struggling with. But the issue is I’m not. Sometimes I feel food get stuck I mostly feel like I swallow OK. I personally feel like I’m eating normally… But then this cough happens. A really violent cough. It happens after everything. Even my new puree diet.
Does this happen to anyone else. Is it possible to feel like my swallow is normal but it isn’t. I keep getting funny looks when I say it.
I’m sorry to hear that you are having confusing eating issues. It can be difficult to know how to navigate eating habits that don’t feel quite right.
If you feel like your eating habits are affecting your physical or mental health, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help you explore the underlying emotional factors that may be contributing to your eating issues, while a registered dietitian can help you develop a healthy and balanced approach to eating.
It’s also important to remember that everyone’s relationship with food is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to eating. However, there are some general guidelines that can help promote a healthy relationship with food, such as:
Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats
Listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues
Avoiding restrictive diets or labeling foods as “good” or “bad”
Practicing self-compassion and avoiding negative self-talk
Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and there is no shame in asking for support when you need it.
I think I know what you mean. It is not a problem I have constantly but is episodic. I start to cough when I eat. People think I’m coughing on my food but I’m not. It gets really bad as though I am choking on my food but I’m not. I’m choking but it’s not on the food, I am just choking. It seems to me that it’s not the swallowing but simply eating that causes this cough reflex. It’s not even like when you choke on your own saliva.
As you say, hard to explain!
