My mother has huge problems with choking
Her diagnosis is secondary progressive MS. She doesn't want medical help, so I can't say exactly what the diagnosis is, but I'll try. She's been having terrible nights for a few months now, tormented by a lump in her throat (a collection of secretions or something similar, it's stuck and she can't get it out; if she tries, it costs her a lot of effort). We don't know how to get better, the neurologist tells her on the phone that this is something associated with the disease and that it will be like this and it won't go away. Is there any way to break up these secretions or something similar and start breathing normally? It's just unbearable and we're helpless. I'm describing it in the simplest way and as I mentioned, I can't say exactly what the cause is. I'm asking for help so badly!
Hi,
!
I am so sorry your mom is dealing with these swallowing issues. I am a bit surprised by the neurologist's input, as there are things that can help with swallowing issues and you can read a bit about that here -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/symptoms/swallowing-problems and here -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/trouble-swallowing. You can ask your neurologist for a referral to an ENT or a speech/language pathologist to get further testing and possible treatment options. There are things that can be done and your mom doesn't necessarily have to "learn to live with it". I hope this information is helpful for you and that you can work with your Mom to get her some help.
Best, Erin, Team Member.
