Lunch thru a straw

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Sat, July 25, 2009

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I nearly choked several times on my breakfast this morning. I'd go to the ER, but they can't fix my spine at the moment, or at all, which is causing the problem. So I am going to go out and buy a case of Ensure.

I don't really have anyone to talk to about this. I have been a recluse for much of my life. I do have a few friends, but they would be worried if they knew what was happening up here.

And quite frankly, I am not prepared to spend twelve hours on an ambulance or ER stretcher when the doctors can't do anything. I can only access the hospital the same day by calling 911. I am not even sure they would fit me with a feeding tube. I don't like playing Russian roulette at every meal. And a nursing home wouldn't help much either. The staff could watch me eat, but wouldn't be able to do the Heimlich manuever on someone in a wheelchair.

Sigh...I am stumped here.

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Merely Me

7/25/09 12:13pm

Hi there

I have been wondering about you lately and how you have been doing. I think if you do have friends out there that you should reach out to them...surely they do want to know how you are doing.

I know some about swallowing problems. I have MS and this can happen with this issue can happen for those of us with this neurological disease too.

Here is some information from the Mayo Clinic about this problem. One of the things they suggest is to see a speech therapist. Is this something which is possible for you to do?

I am sorry this is happening to you...it must be very frightening. I hope things do improve...let us know how you are doing in the days to come.

Anonymous

7/25/09 4:42pm

Dear hamstergirl,

Merely is right you should see a SLP or speech language pathologist and she/he will help you. I think that you should try to go to a hospital if you can because they will try to help you. I have a few friends who are doctors. They have told me that thicker drinks like banana, milk and honey in a blender make a nice thick drink. This will help you to swallow and loose the fear of chocking. Just smal sips of this thick dring should help you though it doesn't always work with everyone. But you can try. It is 90% success.

rose martin

7/25/09 5:47pm

Welcome Hamstergirl,I was wondering how u were doing and how things were going for you. Im glad youve sent a post.Stay with us if you can. Im chiming in with the others re getting the proper Medical help with Food. Alfredos suggestions are good, I couldnt keep down food for a number of years because of v bad anxiety and like Alfredo says, I used to drink these banana thick type drinks and they do fill you up and you wont choke on them. you have friends here Hamstergirl on this Site. Take care of yourself. x

Smomdukes

7/25/09 8:08pm

Hi Hampstergirl, our shoulders are big enough to hold anything and any problem that you have, never fear, we are here for you. It is going to be fine, just hang in there, I myself like Merely Me have MS also, so my problems are compounded also. I just take all of life's lickings and only by the Grace of God am I able to continue on kicking and so will you! sherry/smomdukes

sadandbluesy

7/26/09 9:59pm

So sorry to hear that ... you must feel miserable. I wish someone could make it better for you really soon. May the positive force of the universe be with you. Hang in there ....

Lunch thru a straw

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