I just found out how to swallow water without choking and coughing and I think it will help all of you that get botox shots or had surgery.It is really quite simple: Take your drink of water and lower your chin and swallow. The water goes down easily and does not go in the wrong place. I have been going to a speech therapist and just happened to mention that drinking water is a problem--hope it helps all of you as it has me!!
Re: Swallowing Solution
Wow Sherry. If only all our problems were that easy to solve. I don't have swallowing problems for food or liquids; but, ever since RLN surgery, I can't take pills without gagging. I must be doing something wrong because I am only able to get a vitamin down without gagging if I take a ton of water in my mouth and throw my head back. And, the pill has to be a gel or very small. The pill gets stuck in all other positions. For me, lowering my chin cuts off the access to my throat. Did your speech therapist explain why this procedure works for you? Quite interesting.Thanks, Lynne
Re: Swallowing Solution
I thought I told you all that! Maybe I told someone in private...Yes, drinking like a bird makes things much, much easier.
Re: Swallowing Solution
I really don't think this technique works for food or pills, but it does for water or thin liquids. The therapist explained to me that when you lower your chin, the airway passage is smaller, leaving the esophagus open for water. I was amazed at how easily the water slid down and I just don't choke anymore!
Re: Swallowing Solution
Sherry,This tilting your chin down does work pretty well. The doctor I got my botox injections from told me about doing it the first time I got my shots. Once I got the hang of it, I virtuallly had no problems drinking anything right after my injections. I have been doing this too since my surgery and haven't had much trouble. I have been putting just a tiny bit of thickener in my water and I can drink all I want. Remember to drink slowly though. They also told me to drink through straws and that sometimes helps.
Re: Swallowing Solution
Sherry,
I tried the "chin tuck" this morning with milk and it worked great. Usually the first few weeks after my botox injection I need thickner. I always have a few cans on hand. I dont like to use it but It helps. I am going to try to drink iced tea and see what happens. I love ice tea but I always choke on it. Being that iced tea is nothing but flavored water I am not sure if the result will be the same.
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