Some have it worse than others. It needs careful watching as it can become a medical emergency very fast. These issues need to be hit hard and fast by an experienced doctor. I was lucky. I hope you feel better soon and your flare settles down. Autumm

I had problems at the first but not so much any more. I do ALWAYS have water or liquid close by when I eat in case something gets stuck. I also chew very carefully and thoroughly. If you are in a flare, it should get better when you get your medications adjusted.

My voice has gotten significantly deeper (thanks Prednisone) and weak. I can no longer yell loud. I think that is probably a good thing. Haha. The deeper voice? Well I could be a great phone sex operator. Hahahahahaha. I haven't found anything to strengthen my voice or raise it. I've just learned to work with it.

Hi bny806 There is a helpful product at the drug store called, Thick It. The Thick It product adds a mild thickness to juices & foods for easier swallowing for dysphagia issues. Thick IT also has a thickened water product too.

I have a mild swallowing problem at this point. I hope there is no feeding tube in my future, but stay tuned for future events. My opinion, but I do think many people with DM/PM eventually will have some level of swallowing issues at some point.

I have trouble with liquids but has been taught by the therapist to tilt my chin down before drinking. This allows the throat to be ready for the liquid. I also get a feeling of my food being stuck in my chest. I massage my chest bone and it helps.

Thank yall!! that and the breathing are the most concerning symptoms.. though they are all WAY better than they used to be.. as I choked frequently and couldn't even suck through a straw prior to IVIG,,,..... but it really comes and goes with my flares.. I have tongue weakness, swallowing weakness, and I guess my esophagus is sluggish too, as it also feels like food gets caught going down - yay fun! :)

I chose what I eat out in public very carefully because I often have to clear my throat to help push things down and sometimes it literally sounds like I have a hair ball stuck in it. I literally carry a water bottle with me everywhere. My ENT said it was very important to drink lots of liquids, especially water to help push the foods down. He said if food is left behind it can cause all types of infections. But many of us choke on liquids as well. I know this probably sounds crazy, but I rarely every eat or drink alone for fear of choking.

doesn't sound crazy at all to me!!! I've been there.. I remember when I had my MRI of my head, i couldn't swallow in that position.. it was awful... and then the first day I got ivig I got aseptic meningitis from it, fever all that fun stuff.. so I had to swallow motrin... for the first time in months I could do it without if feeling awful.. it was pretty amazing