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I cannot even swallow in Capistrano

I have a drinking problem.  A literal, mechanical drinking problem.  I choke on any beverage I try to imbibe.

It hasn’t always been this way.  I used to be able to drink a glass of water without drowning.  But now, probably about half the time, I’ll end up in a wheezy coughing and choking fit as the liquid tries to go down my trachea.

I don’t know what’s changed.  A year and a half ago, I thought this would be fixed by my Chiari decompression surgery.  It wasn’t.  I still cannot drink properly.  It might be weight-related — that’s my best guess at the moment.

There are all sorts of programs and support groups for people with alcohol dependency.  There are almost none for actual drinking problems.  So I guess I’m going to have to deal with this myself.  Ideas, other than “Drink more slowly”?

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 01:19:50 -0600
Under medical
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4 Responses to “I cannot even swallow in Capistrano”

  1. Bob Mike Says:
    February 8th, 2008 at 8:56 am

    I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one whose mind immediately went to Airplane!.

  2. Amal Says:
    February 8th, 2008 at 9:39 am

    Get thee to a doctor’s office! You might benefit from some physical therapy. Are you finding your speech weakened or affected at all as well?

  3. Joshua (Site Owner) Says:
    February 8th, 2008 at 9:42 am

    My speech is slurred sometimes, yes, and, separately, I cannot articulate words as well as I used to, even when I’m really concentrating.  Simple stuff, like saying my name so that people can understand me.

    PT or OT?

  4. Petra Says:
    February 8th, 2008 at 10:02 am

    MD, they will prescribe PT or OT as needed.  But probably OT.

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