Hi gang, I saw a speech therapist a few weeks ago about my swallowing problem (the food gets into my throat and everything stops). Anyway the neuro thought it might be acid reflux causing it… which I thought strange as I take a pill every morning that stops me getting acid. Anyway the speech therapist came back today and said it is the MS causing it. He’s done a lot of research and discussed with his supervisor. Gave me some good tips but said the most important one was one that I have taught myself anyway… do not breathe in. Touch your throat. Think SWALLOW! He said that gives the instruction to the throat that my poor old brain has neglected to send. Another tip which others might find useful… try to eat hot food or very cold food… that will ‘wake up’ the swallowing reflex. Avoid room temperature food. So basically the problem is exactly what I thought… MS related… and neuro was wrong. Some small satisfaction there. 
Hope all doing ok, Pat xx
Hi Pat
You have proven that you know your body better than the neuro, shame he did not listen to you.
I am glad you have been given some tips that may help. I find also that if I only have a very small amount in my mouth that makes it easier, although it does mean I am always the last one to finish eating, but hey ho, you have to do what works for you.
Last night I slept like a baby, sea air always has that effect on me, bet tonight we will be back to normal!
Pam x
Pat I agree, my swallowing has been affected too since I’ve had ms. I seem to forget to swallow at times, choking when I inhale. It sounds daft, I’ve never mentioned it before as it’s so embarrassing but it’s happened a few times when I’ve been distracted. What should be an automatic response is gone. I’m glad though that you got reassurance that it’s caused by the ms and no other problems. My Neuro doesn’t believe the cognitive problems, memory etc is caused by ms, he says It’s stress and medication. Goes to prove they don’t know everything.
Cath xx
Why on earth they don’t listen to us I don’t know. We inhabit these bodies. We live with MS every minute of every hour of every day. Why the hell can’t they realise that we actually KNOW when it’s MS causing the problem. Yes Cath yours sounds the same… swallowing should be instinctive without us having to think about it… but MS can stop that. Pam, yes slower eating helps as well. He also said avoid dry foods (which I do anyway) and that some people have a problem where there are two textures… eg cornflakes & milk or soup with bits of veg. Glad you slept Pam… yes sea air… Champagne air… lovely… Pat xxx
So glad they gave you some really useful advice (which I’m storing away now!).
I definitely know I need to go slower, I was always clumsy at the best of times… So now I fall over, drop things, swallow things unchewed, knock things over etc. I hope you know what I mean, I mess things up even more when I’m tired.
Take care Pat, I think any one of us could have any manner is disaster’s most days, so congrats to us all for blinkin’ well surviving!
Sonia xx
That made me chuckle Sonia, I always wanted a blue peter badge surely I deserve one now!
I’ve had the swallowing problem for about a year now only about 6 times, but I was panicky with them, I’ve taught myself to calm down recently and say swallow repeatedly but calmly to myself, I did notice also that I’m always the last to finish eating, my lot have proceeded to bang me on the back thinking I’m choking cause I can’t talk when it happens, so I get beaten up as well.
Pauline
Hi Pat,
i have had swallowing problems for 22 years,mine was affected at the onset of my ms,i have to really concentrate when i eat,and i also have to be in a calm setting, eating out is a no no, if i do eat out,i have to have easy to swallow foods,
i cant eat steak,as by the time i have chewed it i am exhausted,and find it hard to swallow,i also find that eating little and often helps too,and avoiding different textures at the same time too.
and you are right we live with the ms, we know what works and what doesnt,infact we are our own experts in our own ms,shame they dont realise this too.
J x
You are all so right about each of us being out own experts. Sonia you do make me chuckle but I can relate too every bit. I’ve always been clumsy, any obstacle in my path whether I see it or not, moves, bumps, batters and trips me up. Most of my symptoms have got worse gradually like the swallowing and I’ve never thought of them as problems, the swallowing is really scary though. My diet has changed without me even thinking about it, concentrating more on easily chewed and swallowed food. Your tips are really good Pat, info I never knew. Think I’m going to jot all these tips down in one of my many note books.
Our lives are never boring are they? I think it was a bit cruel to impair cognitive function along with the physical symptoms. Someone somewhere is having a laugh!! But things like this only happen to those who can cope with them, so hold your heads up high, we’re stronger than we look! Enjoy your weekend everyone.
Cath xx
Yes I agree with what you say - I have to concentrate on swallowing whilst eating and as I also have to hold my left elbow up in order to cut steaks or large pieces of meat, I am careful what I order when out. I am always last to finish and if Itry to go quicker I start choking. This is no joke, lving with ms, i realise reading these comments, that i have adapted to doing things without realising. have a nice weekend all -even thought weaher looks a bit rough. Jackie xx
So thats another chuffin thing to add to your never ending list eh? Interesting point about not always eating room temperature food…a great excuse for more ice cream then…just about to tuck into a magnum…but it is a mini one!
Bummer!
pollx
Well, I’ve decided then, WHEN I win the lottery, I’m going to treat you guys to a Kobe/Wagyu steak! You wouldn’t need teeth it is soooo tender…I’ll keep hoping then!
Sonia x