Swallowing: "forgetting" how to swallow, and other unpleasantness

[Ivy_Sprite]

Hello all-
Sometimes when I eat or take pills, I will "forget" how to swallow. Like I start to swallow, and then I hesitate, and whatever it is I'm trying to swallow just sits there for a bit. I eventually figure it out, but it is annoying! (This happens with drinking too). I was having a glass of beer last night, and there were a few times that I had to "think" about swallowing...

Then, I will succeed in swallowing, but then it seems to get stuck mid way down-like at above my breasts, but below my throat. (Does that make sense??)
Is this considered dysphagia? It's especially uncomfortable when I'm taking my supplements (I'm looking at you glucosamine and calcium lol). It just sits there. And I drink and drink, swallow as hard as possible, but it sometimes feels like a log jam. This too eventually finishes it's journey, and I'm so relieved! It's not every day. It really started happening about 4 or 5 months ago, but has happened more and more often.

I guess I'm just curious if this happens to anybody else. I mean, maybe it is going down, and it just feels like it isn't. Any thoughts? Tia

[IntrinsicEcho]

It's worth mentioning to your doctor.

I recently just got out of the hospital and described this exact thing to the swallowing specialist. I've done a swallow test, and was re-evaluated in the hospital. Nothing showed up in any of the testing and observation of swallowing. They did say that the "sticking in the throat" feeling could be a result of GERD or stomach acid going up the back of the throat leaving it raw and things tend to stick. I'm not actually choking (Feels like I might until I can get the swallowing function working again). The said to drink lots of liquids with meals and medications, use more sauces and avoid really dry food. They also mentioned that choking on liquids frequently was the flag I should be looking for - anything that can get aspirated in the lungs.

Just wanted to say - I know how awful this feels, and you're not alone.

[hunterd]

definitely tell your doctor, wwhen I told my doctor she ordered a swallow study done. I did not even know such a thing existed. They had all sorts of different textures of foods to see if any thing specific triggered my swallowing trouble, but nothing did.
I did not have the same troubles that you are describing, I just choked on my food for no reason. Nothing specific triggers it, but it still happens (even after all these years).
If you have that swallow study done they may be able to pinpoint a trigger, or possibly just give you some advice on what you can do to avoid it. Good luck to you. Let us know what happens

[Ivy_Sprite]

Thank you!

Thanks so much for the replies @IntrinsicEcho and @hunterd
I wasn't sure if what I was experiencing was really worth looking in to. I mean, I guess I am kind of used to it.... And that's so interesting about stomach acid coming up, and making it raw enough for food to stick. It makes sense, and I wouldn't be surprised if that is a main cause of that wonderful sensation :/

I will message my neuro and see what she thinks.
I see her in April, so maybe we can schedule a swallow test to be done when I'm already there. She's about an hour away, and we have to plan way in advance to make sure my husband can get time off of work. And if we can do it all in one trip, the better it is for us.
And maybe a swallow test is something I can have done at my local hospital. I will find out.
Thanks again!!!

[Ivy_Sprite]

Communicated with neuro

I was able to message back and forth with my neuro.
We will be discussing a swallow study when I see her in April.
Thanks again for the advice! ^.^

[Carolinemf]

Could be MS .
Could also be EoE.
Is becoming more and more common and tends to surface in late 20's, 30's ->.
Lot of info on Google.

Just a thought,
All the best.

[msgijo]

Hello all-
Sometimes when I eat or take pills, I will "forget" how to swallow. Like I start to swallow, and then I hesitate, and whatever it is I'm trying to swallow just sits there for a bit. I eventually figure it out, but it is annoying! (This happens with drinking too). I was having a glass of beer last night, and there were a few times that I had to "think" about swallowing...

Then, I will succeed in swallowing, but then it seems to get stuck mid way down-like at above my breasts, but below my throat. (Does that make sense??)...

I wasn't sure if what I was experiencing was really worth looking in to. I mean, I guess I am kind of used to it....

... I mean, maybe it is going down, and it just feels like it isn't. Any thoughts? Tia

Me too.
I have this happening to me. I DO have acid reflux, and so that could contribute. I was 'offered' a swallow test but refused - like you say I am 'used to it' .

One tip that may help you until you get in to see doctor / tests - when you have something in your mouth to swallow tuck your chin down towards your chest then swallow. Sounds kinda backwards but it does help.

Good luck with testing and finding out what is wrong .

[hobbit]

It is esophageal dysphasia and swallowing dysphasia

This started with me about 5 years ago. For me when the esophagus gets " stuck " it can be painful.

Foods must be wet and texture is important. Avoid small foods like rice that are choking hazards. Swallowing for me is easier during the day after 4pm I'm pretty much reduced to smoothies.

Eating out is difficult. I also noticed during this time that I have gastroparesis. It's a balancing dance.

Peace
Anna

[zilphia01]

all of a sudden...

There seems to be no predicting when or if I am not going to swallow.

I am Catholic, and have stopped going to Communion. For me, that is the worst of it.

karen

[Fishytrout]

I just had a problem trying to swallow last night. Even when employing a little tip I learned here, I still had trouble. After a few tries I finally was able to swallow. Thought I would pass along the "tip"....here it is: (very easy thing to do)
When you are unable to swallow look forward then turn your head all the way to the right or left, then try swallowing again.