Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Shallotte, NC

I have been for years now and my doctors' have suggested a Barium Swallow eval. or PT. After learning that this is very common with people with MS, I am just thinking about simply being careful and paying more attention to how I am swallowing. Any comments?
Thanks everyone!😊

June 14
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members widely related to the struggle with swallowing food and pills, confirming that dysphagia is a very common MS symptom and sharing a... Read more

Members widely related to the struggle with swallowing food and pills, confirming that dysphagia is a very common MS symptom and sharing a range of practical strategies that have helped them cope. Several members recommended taking small bites, chewing thoroughly, tilting the chin down while swallowing, eating slowly without distraction, and staying upright during meals, while others found relief through speech therapy, esophageal stretching, or medication to slow esophageal spasms. A recurring theme was the importance of not ignoring the symptom, with one member sharing a serious warning about aspiration pneumonia as a real risk, and many encouraging others to explore speech therapy as a helpful and often life-changing resource.

A MyMSTeam Member

I was starting to have some speaking issues. I am a public speaker in my job, so that was a big deal for me. I asked to see a speech therapist. She focused on my swallowing! And my tongue, mouth and neck strength. I was having issues of frequently choking on food, but had no idea it was MS related, until then. In only 5 visits she really helped me. I try to continue the exercises. I also had neck pain from bulging discs in my neck. The excercises from the speech therapist cured those pains! So my speach therapy was the opposite of a “pain in the neck.” 😁

June 18
A MyMSTeam Member

I did speech therapy for a while to help with swallowing issues. It was helpful.

July 2
A MyMSTeam Member

Yes, with inconsistency. I have to be very careful. Make sure you drink plenty of water with the pills.

June 30
A MyMSTeam Member

I take smaller bites usually followed by a sip of something cold and tilting my chin downand concentrating on swallowing

June 21
A MyMSTeam Member

Be very careful with the dysphasia. The epiglottis is the flap that is supposed to close while you’re swallowing food to prevent food or fluids from entering the trachea. If our brain is sending wrong signals is when the big problems .
This took me to the ER then from there to the OR next to ICU them to the MedSurg floor with a chest tube to drain all the fluid from around my lungs. This was valuable lesson learned,
I was told never drink from a straw, eat slowly give yourself 3-5 second after you swallow before taking the next bite. Always eat upright don’t lay on the couch or in bed and snack . That’s all I have on that

June 18

Related Questions

View All
A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Los Angeles, CA

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Hartford, CT