Choking on water

[House44]

Hi all went for a meal yesterday and had 3 courses but as I was leaving the restaurant I had a final sip of water and started to cough and then once it cleared I couldn’t breath in or out for around 20 seconds. It was very scary indeed. I wondered if anyone had any advice if this is related to my MND throat muscles getting weaker as I cannot tell or should I be able too ?I’m still walking talking as it started in my hands so just arms are weak at the moment.
I haven’t eat or drunk anything today as I’m pretty scared about it. But as I ate 3 courses before the incident I’m thinking it’s all in my head.
thanks for your time
love wayne xx

[Broostine93]

Hi Wayne,

Sounds like you aspirated. Have you spoken to your MND Team/OT about the incident? They may suggest that it's time to consider the PEG- at the very least, it'll ensure you get the nutrition you need (can't have you being too scared to eat or drink anything!) xx

[Lynne K]

Wayne, it sure is scary to suffer a choking event. What you described is exactly the same as I have had several times over the last two years. The most recent time that it happened I had been drinking tea. I can eat almost anything that I want to. But I avoid very dry things such as crackers because of the difficulty swallowing them and the risk of choking (I choked on one about eighteen months ago). But I very seldom eat crackers so no hardship there.

I’ve made enquires about me having a feeding tube. But I’m still eating and drinking. The choking doesn’t happen often but took the advice given me on forums to focus 100% on what you are consuming. That would be my advice to you. Good luck, Lynne

[Nick]

Hi Wayne,

I've experienced exactly the same situation.

My speech therapist advised that water is “thin” and moves quickly through your mouth and causes the aspiration. So there is a tasteless fluid thickener that can be added which reduces the risk.

Further, I now have more smoothies in my daily intake of fluids.

My speech therapist arranged for my local surgery to dispense the thickener.

Hope this helps

Kind Regards

nick

[Ellie]

Hi Wayne,

Were you rushing out and took a sip on the go? Remember, even people without MND can have water going down the 'wrong way', it's more scary for us and we read more into it and panic, which of course makes for a worse episode 🙄 And it sounds as if your throat went into some form of spasm in the aftermath - worse case scenario is you would faint then you would automatically breathe again!!

As Lynne said, you may need to focus on your swallowing and if you find thin liquids are starting to be difficult, tuck your chin into your chest when swallowing.

You ate a 3 course meal without issue, that's great, but perhaps get a swallow assessment from your SLT in the Clinic or in the community (if you have one) and see if your swallow is affected, then take it from there. SLT = Speech and Language Therapist.

Love Ellie.

[House44]

Thank you all for your reply everyone. I can’t really remember what happened Elle but I was on the way out the door of restaurant so could of rushed a bit. Can I tell by eating and drinking if the swallow problems are starting as I haven’t a clue. I’ve asked for the test ages ago but nobody has seen me since my 2nd diognosis In June.
thanks
wayne

[Ellie]

House44 Yes, you will notice your swallow change overtime. Some textures will get harder to swallow and go against your breath and, if you're the type to take big mouthfuls of food, that may cause problems. You'll start finding drinks like tea, coffee and water will regularly cause you to cough, and fizzy drinks, fruit juices or alcohol catch your breath.

Because your diagnosis came mid Covid, it must feel like you've just been left to get on with it on your own 😪 Here's a link to help you find local MNDA support - local branch, association visitor etc who could be a link to services. https://www.mndassociation.org/suppo...local-support/ Pop in your postcode and search.

Love Ellie.

[Tess]

My partner has choked a couple of times now and it was super scary to watch and think it frightened him too, but similarly I think he just rushed drinking or the second time it was shower water.. deary me. His swallowing has gotten slightly weaker I think, but we've just opted for now to focus more when eating, smaller mouthfuls, slowing down....until he decides the next step.

You're not alone.

Tess x

[Betty sitbon]

Yes choking is really terrifying! lately my partner has choked on his own mucus that collects when he lays down in bed . I sleep next to him. His cough is so weak sometimes I do not hear it right away! He sleeps w his water bottle next to him. I have to jump out of bed quickly to sit the bed up and give him his water. I get panicky when I realize he is struggling and last time I tripped over the sheet corner hanging over onto the floor. I must remember to be more zen as Fritz keeps reminding me

[DeeH]

I have found that it is like the walking, okay if you are focused but if you do it automaticly, you may sometimes choke. Husband likes protein drinks because they are more like milk shakes. If worried get a shallow assessment, to check.

Good luck

[matthew55]

I have found nurishment milk drinks the easiest to swallow. x