Forgetting how to swallow????

[vwick77]

Hello all !

As I posted before I have had suspected MS for little over 5 years now.
Question is , have any of you ever forgotten how to swallow?  This isn't like food getting stuck or food not going down, it is the actual functioning of swallowing and having no idea how to do it.

Hope this doesn't sound strange but this happens on occasion with me and it can be very scary.

Thanks for feedback in advance!

Valarie

[jensequitur]

I really do have to distract myself sometimes so I can swallow.  Sometimes I put my chin down, because everything just locks up and the liquid stays in my mouth.

Yeah, the whistling thing really drives me crazy.  I used to be a really good whistler - I could whistle the Star Spangled Banner all the way through, including the big crashy-bangy conclusion.  Now I can't whistle to save my life!

[Rena705]

I have had the same problem for a few years now!  I thought it was just me but I feel better knowing I have others to compare my problem with!

I thought at first it was just my normal aversion to taking my pills but now that I am used to taking 16-18 pills a day I figured it probably was something more.  Now I have the problem with just about anything...water, coffee, food...well just about anything.  Sometimes I have had to run to the washroom to spit out what I have because it's just not going to go down!  It feels as though my brain has forgotten how to swallow and I just have to wait it out until it figures it out!  STUPID BRAIN!! hehe

My neuro was supposed to send me to a speech therapist but I never did hear from him after so I guess I will mention it in my next appointment.  If anyone figures this one out you will deserve a medal I think!

Hugs,
Rena

[sllowe]

I had a big problem during my initial attack. I don't think it was that I didn't remember how to do it though like you mention.

I would be chewing, and then all of a sudden, mid-chew pretty much I just couldn't complete the function. So, I would have to tell myself, ok... bite down (to finish chewing), swallow, repeat. WEIRD! It was as if I didn't "think" through each step, I just couldn't make the process happen.

Is that similar to yours? I never thought about it the manner you explain, like forgetting how to do it. Maybe it is similar.. I'm always intrigued when members come on and explain their individual experience with this problem.

-Shell

[torikat32]

The weakness is on the right side of my throat so I guess thats why irs down and right for me

[Guitar_grrrl]

I've been getting that this week.  I've also had periods in the past, usually around two months in duration, where stuff is always going "down the wrong pipe". I cough and sputter for a while, and regain my composure, and carry on.

Jen, I've had the same problem (burp or vomit)!  About 12 years ago, I went through about 8 weeks of that!  Yuck!

Tori, does it matter with tilting the head down left or right?  My neuro told me "down and left".  I guess I'll have to try it.

[vwick77]

Have to say this is interesting to see others have the same problem!

I can't believe you mentioned whistling above!!! I went to whistle for my daughter and I no longer can whistle :( I thought is is was so bizarre! Why can't I whistle anymore!!!! Ugh

[jensequitur]

I have problems swallowing too.  Sometimes it's as if I've forgotten how - I have to distract myself and let the automatic reflex take over.  Sometimes I'll try to swallow, but my mouth doesn't know what to do with the liquid, so it goes down my windpipe.  

Worst of all, I've started having this problem when I burp - I have to put my head down and do it very gently, or I'll throw up in my mouth.  Gross, I know!

My personal theory is that there's something wrong with my tongue and soft palate at the back of my throat.  I can't whistle any more either, so there's definitely some loss of muscle control with the tongue.

[torikat32]

I do exercises and swallow by turning head to the right and chin tuck food doesnt get stuck when I remember to do it. My speech therapist didnt know what to do bout the forgetting how to swallow part but I just deal with it when it happens talk myself thru the process in my head seems to work for me. I would  mention it to your neuro and see what they recommend.

Kat

[caregiver222]

You need to consult an expert in dysphagia. There are, in fact special exercises recommended for this problem.

[torikat32]

Hi Valerie i have experienced the same tging and brought it to the attention of my speech therapist and she had no answer for me. It is scary and it sometimes happens with food but most of the time it just does it. I am glad i am not alone in this symptom.

Take care
Kat