Problems swallowing?

Yes, Post GBS I have had some problems swallowing. Not as pronounced as yours. By the Way I agree it is never to late to have a happy childhood. I am often ask when I am going to grow up and having fun at it.

I, too, have trouble with swallowing at times. A few times I have chosen to eat only soup or yogurt when I am alone at home. I very much dislike it when a bite of sandwich suddenly escapes my mouth and heads south! Usually my vocals cords aren’t working also and my voice is difficult to project/hear. The days I get a “good laugh” is when the muscles around my mouth are sloppy and I try to take a drink. Just last week I leaned over the sink as the water ran out both sides of my mouth ~ usually it is just the right side.

That is a great time to “play like a kid again” 😀

Oh, and lots of times I “feel like” there is something stuck in my throat and I will “clear it” or cough for several minutes. Then, it feels like something relaxes and I’m OK. These residuals are something else 😮

hi herself, yeap the swallowing problem is annoying. i have learned to keep large glasses of water handy at all times. and i can’t eat pretzel rods anymore-big choking hazzard for me.:( when my tongue is more numb then not, i know i will have swallowing problems with almost everything i eat, except ice cream! 🙂

Hi

I also, have problems with swallowing sometimes. When the swallowing probs’ ‘play up’ it seems to be with the first couple of attempts at trying to swallow food or drink. And I always have to sip liquid during meals. For me, it’s often associated with being fatigued from over doing things – and a sure sign to rest up. Does anyone else have probs’ with chewing food. My jaw aches and weakens after chewing food so I always avoid food thats hard to chew – Luckily, chocolate – my favourite – is no problem when slightly melted!

Besh wishes
Kazza (CIDP)

Hi,
Im new to all this so I’m intrigued by all the info and more than a little scared about what I’m learning about how varied this disease is. I also have either lewis-sumner (MADSAM) or MMN for about a year. Docs are still debating. I don’t have any swallowing problems but I do have a weak eye and some strange sensations (hard to describe) in my left face. How long have you had CIDP? Are your treatments working?

Cheers,
Terry

Hi,
It’s taken a while trying to remember which problem came first as I have had CIDP for a few years now (Though, was only diagnosed last year). My swallowing weakness came after my chewing weakness. I have the chewing difficulty quite frequently but the swallowing prob’s are infrequent and are usually as a result of me overdoing things.
The nerves that innervate my face, etc weaken quickly – just like the nerves in my legs which are also affected. It’s always the same old problems that come and go since my first attack – which I suppose is better than new things popping up! At least I know how to deal with them and not freak out.
I’ve been told that IVIG will help.
Best Wishes
Kaza

Hi “herself”,
I too have Lewis-Summer variant. The CIDP hit my autonomic system, and hit the swallowing/digestive process. They did that “Swallow Test” where I ate and drank different substances and watched it on the flouroscope where the food would go down then back up to where the windpipe is.
My neuro. is trying a pill, “Mestinon” on me, of which I have been on it now for about 6 months. It is a pill used for Myesthenia Gravis, but sends impulses to the swallowing process. It does seem to help some, though I must watch what I eat or drink, as I especially choke on liquids.
Kedaso

When I have a really bad relapse…paralyzed from the throat down…I will generally have some problems with chewing. Then as it progresses, I will have problems swallowing and then problems with reduced respiratory. However, when I respond to treatment, I literally am back on my feet and have no problems with chewing or swallowing.