Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group
This community is a place where members can discuss current events and weigh in on what's going on in the world.
I posted the following on my pancreatitis board.
"When throwing up after eating, with pancreatitis, does anyone cough?
I have started vomiting daily for the last 3 weeks. Does not matter what I eat.
I also have MS and fear I may be having swallowing problems and the food is going into my lungs instead and thus the coughing and vomiting.
I know, I need to see a dr to sort this out but I would like to know if anyone coughs with the pancreatitis."
My question for my fellow MSer is, do any of you have this problem when eating? Could this me an MS issue?
"When throwing up after eating, with pancreatitis, does anyone cough?
I have started vomiting daily for the last 3 weeks. Does not matter what I eat.
I also have MS and fear I may be having swallowing problems and the food is going into my lungs instead and thus the coughing and vomiting.
I know, I need to see a dr to sort this out but I would like to know if anyone coughs with the pancreatitis."
My question for my fellow MSer is, do any of you have this problem when eating? Could this me an MS issue?
Yes, I go through times when I have swallowing difficulties and that can be a part of MS. I have talked my neuro about it. I have spasticity in my neck so badly and then in my throat. I choke and cough easily and my food seems to want to get stuck in my throat. Also, after talking a while, my voice gets hoarse. Like other symptoms it comes and goes. It does seem to happen more during the warmer weather when I also have problems with MS hugs. Take care of yourself!!!!!
i recently noticed that i have to take smaller bites than in the past or the food gets stuck (ouch!). i also have to swallow twice or more when taking meds. comes and goes though not nearly as severe as what you mentioned.
let us know what the doc says and how you're feeling.
This is from my book, MS for Dummies:
While the nerve impulses that make swallowing possible aren't working correctly, you develop dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. When this happens, food can pass to your airway and lungs, causing you to choke and cough. Over time, particles of food that remain in the lungs can cause aspiration pneumonia. Fortunately, most people with MS won't develop this kind of serious problem. But, if you notice that your eating has become much slower, you have difficulty swallowing different kinds of food (liquids, for example may give you more problems than solids, or certain kinds of solid foods may cause you more difficulty than others), or you find yourself coughing a lot during or after meals, as you doctor for a referral to an S/LP.
The S/LP will evaluate your swallow with a test called a videofluoroscopy (also referred to as a modified barium swallow), that tracks via x-ray a bolus of food as it travels from your mouth down to your stomach. Depending on the types of problems you are having, the L/LP can teach you safe swallowing exercises that improve muscle coordination during swallowing and recommend modifications in the way you eat or the consistency of foods you eat
I hope this helped.
I do have difficulties with swallowing/choking. I don't have any nausea with it nor any vomitting. But, I do have major choking moments, and with that comes coughing and often a bit of panic, as I realize I don't have a way to clear the throat!
I did have some coaching on how to swallow from a speech therapist, but, the things she taught have not really helped, me because it had to do with bending my head downward when swallowing, and when I do that I have extra issues with the L'Hermittes issues!
I hope you are able to get in to talk with dr. about this issue!
Meanwhile, I will tuck in a prayer for you!
It happens a couple of times a year. My neuro gave me a consult to the Swallowing Clinic. Yes, such a thing exists ! I was extremely surprised.
They had me first chew up a cookie and swallow it. Then slowly swallow a small paper cup of water. As I did this I was being x-rayed. It wasn't a still shot, but a video. They even let me watch ! Everything was fine. The doctor asked me to chew up another cookie, but before swallowing it take a sip of water, then swallow both.
The doctor got quite excited, proclaiming, "Look ! There is incursion !" It was explained that the flap, or valve, did not totally and completely close - seal shut. It allowed the tiniest amount of liquid to seep through.
And that was that. There is no treatment. But it is of immeasurable relief to know that it is real; that there is a genuine cause. Back to the first time it happened.
It never happens when eating or drinking. It only happens during daily activities. What is happening is that my saliva is leaking past the valve, and triggering a drowning response. MS has effected the muscles that control the swallowing process. Ask your doctor or neuro about it. Find out if there is a Swallowing Clinic you can be referred to.
Almost forgot ! Everyone has experienced something"going down the wrong pipe" after swallowing. That is precisely what I experience, but in my case it is not "going down the wrong pipe" per se. It is liquid going where it does NOT belong. It triggers the autonomic drowning response.