swallowing problems

[torikat32]

hey everyone I am still in limbo land but have been having problems with swallowing for a year now but it has been getting worse I was reffered to a speech therapist and 2 weeks ago I had a barium swallow my results I got yesterday was mild to moderate oropharyageal dysphagia mostly food is getting stuck on the right side of my throat it makes swallowing difficult with things getting stuck there. She said this is a nerve problem and I need to see a neuro they are aware of my other problems so I am going to see my old neuro on monday its been 4 yrs since I seen him last and I think when he see's me he wil notice a big change. they usually see this condition in older people or stroke patients but not at the age of 40 so i hope that with these new findings maybe I can get out of limbo finally . does anyone else have problems with swallowing? there are exercises they can do but not till I get the all clear from the neuro  so for now I need to avoid food that crumbles like cookies no peanuts and stuff like that and I need to turn my head to the right and tuck my chin down to swallow which does help .

keeping my fingers crossed
Kat

[sarahw244]

I have issue too.  They come and go.  I have problems with liquids and solids.  Most of the time, it gets "stuck" which is what it sounds like for you.  Once in awhile, I do aspirate too.  I also choke on my own saliva, lol!

Most of the time when it happens, it feels like its really hard to coordinate my brain and the actual act of swallowing.  Sometimes it takes me a few minutes of consciously trying hard to swallow, then it gets stuck and hurts like all heck.  I learned the tucking you chin thing, too, but I usually forget.

Good luck and let me know what happens.  I am interested in knowing if he gives you any other advice.
Sarah

[Guitar_grrrl]

I, too, have an enlarged thyroid, but I'll go through month-long periods where stuff just goes down the "wrong pipe", especially liquids.  I' wind up spending lots of time coughing and sputtering.  I often choke on my own saliva!

[jujuminx]

I had some issues as well but turned out to be related to an enlarged thyroid.

Keep us posted.

Julie

[Sidesteps]

I have had intermittent issues with swallowing - it was the cause that lead me to request seeing a Neuro. I had two weeks of aspirating on anything I ate or drank. For me, it was more like my tongue wasn't coordinated and if I took it very very slow it seemed to help. I have had this a bit over the last week again but it's milder than when I previously noted it.