Do any of you have this problem?? It's pretty bad tonight:( I have to keep clearing my throat,I have a dry cough, and it's hard to swallow. I'm sure its another great thing the myositis causes but what can I do to help it? Do I need to call my rheumy? Thanks fir any help.

Hi Christy. I also have this problem, although it is not happening all the time, thank goodness. I have been told it is from the myositis. Just another "muscle" issue. I am actually having a dysphagia study being done Thursday March 13/2012 to get it checked. You should keep an eye on it, as it can cause some problems, not including the obvious choking hazard. I would definately talk to your doctor about it. there are several options available to you, including stretching the throat if necessary. for now, I would suggest drink alot of fluids, in small sips or with a straw. Also I use fluids like gatoraid or such to "chase" down everything I eat. It's not perfect, but does help. Keep up the good fight, and God Bless!! Wayne

My teenage son told me that I was damaging my vocal chords when I cleared my throat and sure enough, he was right. It can make you hoarse and does damage your vocals. Instead, try to swallow or drink a sip of liquid or cough lightly instead of the throat clearing (ahem). Hope this helps. Also, on the throat closing. I am sorry you are having this issue and I do hope you get that checked out so you will have some answers. It seems this disease has many complex issues. I think of ya'll every day and wish for you to feel better and stronger and pain free.

Christy you should go see a Gastoenterologist for this issue. Mine has been very helpful to me. With this disease Most of my esophagus has a 0% function. I only have one contraction at the top and the rest is useless. I eat a soft food diet, take small bites, and drink down water with each bite. We are monitoring it to see if my muscle function comes back in my esophagues as my muscles come back in my body but it will probably be a lifetime issue. I am now eating small amounts of solid food but usually soft, along with my esophagus being paralized my stomach and bowels are also making it hard to digest very much food due to gastro paralysis. This is more of a lifestyle adjustment then anything by removing hard to digest foods and eating small soft meals. Hope this helps and get it checked out.

barbie, did you have an esophagus mobility study?? I'm having one on Thurs. I've been having a bunch of studies and procedures done by my gastro. My issues and diagnosis sound exactly like yours. I'm having a procedure done in the next few weeks in Pittsburgh to release my sphinctor muscle. Does this sound familiar?