Re: swallowing

The last time my gastroenterologist tried to stretch my throat to improve my swallowing my upper sphincter muscle closed up tight on him even with the sedation meds that I was given at the time. So he could not complete the procedure! Quite the bummer, but I got a nice high from the meds!

Besides IBM I also have the dx of Sjogren's Syndrome which can also present with swallowing difficulties. So I am dealing with a double whammy.

When I have an "episode" I try to remain as cool as a cucumber, so the spasms do not get worse,

Different things that sometimes are helpful for me are: small sips of saltwater, hot or ice cold liquid, orange juice or yoghurt, Over time you may find out what helps you.