I went to dinner with my husband, son, and parents tonight, and my dad choked while trying to eat a spring roll. This was the first time I had seen him choke, and it scared the living crap out of me. He is fine now, but I got to see first hand of what happens when the choking occurs. He was coughing trying to get the spring roll down, so I knew that he was breathing. But, I could tell that his breathing was weird because something was lodged in his throat. He stood up and started to walk away (I think he was embarrassed and panicked), and I followed him thinking I was going to need to do the some CPR. He ended up getting the food down, but I know it scared us all. He said he took to big of a bite, but I doubt that. I asked him if he has ever choked when he was alone, and he said no. My question is what should he do if he is alone and he chokes? Some of you had given me some suggestions about putting his chin towards his chest when he swallows, and I passed that along to him. I also was told that drinking thicker liquids helps too. For those of you with the Bulbar symptoms, does this choking thing get worse? I know that a feeding tube will probably be in the future. My dad has not lost any weight yet because he is able to eat pretty much anything he wants, but if he continues to choke, we will have to make some changes in his diet. My mom also told me that his breathing seems irratic. He is going in for a sleep apnea test next week. She said that he holds his breath for a few seconds while he is asleep, but she said that he is starting to do it during the day too while he is awake. My dad is aware of it. Is this normal with ALS? I know that people wear masks while they sleep, but is this something people do during the day too? I'm just curious what is going on with his choking and now the breathing too. Are the two connected somehow? I will take any suggestions and helpful hints. THANKS!
Dana
Dana