swallowing

High client volume does not allow for the speech pathologists at HSC to follow up in person with all of their patients. So, they send out annual follow-up questionnaires, complete with a self addressed stamped envelope.

I just finished filling my out.

To sum up my responses, my swallowing/coughing situation has stayed the same. I appreciate the follow-up, and I assume that if I have increased concerns, I can connect by telephone.

But I did ask a serious question: when I am unable to activate the swallowing reflex, is it okay to add liquid to try and "trick" the reflex? Surely stuffing more food in my mouth isn't the answer.

Because I do wonder - what am I supposed to do. No body else seemed to think that squeezing my breast was a smart idea, so I'm at a loss. Is there another body part that can act as a "save me from this situation" button?

Should I tug an earlobe?

Wrinkle my nose?

Emily