I have had similar problems before, but only viewed them as a mere physical dilemma, not a Cosmic Joke.
I choked on my own saliva and my throat spasmed entirely shut AFTER the outbreath. Trying to breathe in with a vacuum below the constricted area only tightened the constriction. It took me a full minute plus a few seconds to figure out what to do and how to do it. I could not do anything to stimulate the Vegas nerve ’cause not enough air in the right place. Couldn’t panic or let my fury at this betrayal of myself take over as then the adrenals would just make the cramping worse and also make me try to breathe in, and make me use up the oxygen I did have more quickly. I’ve had other nerve generated spams and I cannot always consciously relax them, though I do try … I do not ever stop with this effort. In this situation it was necessary to wait until the spasm relaxed in order to breath in. There was still some air in the bottom of my lungs which was turning to CO2, but enough for 2 or 3 minutes.
I had to give up breathing in order to breathe. How damn irritatingly ZEN is that? My own personal koan.
HOW DOES ONE BREATHE WITOUT BREATH?
Not a lesson I really want to learn. I was formulating a (most unpleasant) Plan B when The Creator finally laughed.
bearspawprint 
I am secondary progressive and the only drug i am on is Naltrexone for fatigue. I stay away from steroids. I was diagnosed wit MS almost 30 years ago. How about you?
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I currently only take a blood pressure med and an acid reflux med. . I also avoid steroids. However I three rounds of prednisone while still considered RR, and refused when it probably would have helped, additional times, and twice for spine issues. For dealing with inflammation it is a miracle drug, but the trade-off cost is terrible and high. Dx RR MS 16 years ago. Symptoms for about 50 years, Told “most probably MS” by doctor(s) 43 years ago. Took Rebif sub-Q for 5 yrs. RR had morphed into SP about 5 yrs. ago. I would take quality of life enhancing and symptom specific Rx … if circumstances allowed
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Whew! Thank God!
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Whew! Thank you God for finally laughing!!
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Well He does have a great sense of humour. Look at the platypus I have had happen to me exactly what happened to you. I know if I panic I will die. The only thing that helps is to completely relax. Easy to say. As I’m still here to talk about it, you know it worked. I do fear the next time however. And it will happen. Good luck to us both!
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You have my full sympathy and prayers. and please read my other replies. Usually I try to conceal my discomfort (agony) or distress (real danger), I thought out of courtesy, but probably out of ego. And so, I posted. And you thoughtfully responded. Thank you. I am sorry this is an ongoing problem for you and me and so many others. —- Bear
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Challenges to be overcome!
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Do you think of it that way? As challenges to be overcome? That can be taken several ways. How do you mean, for yourself?
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I have a great life. Yes I am in a wheelchar, I need help getting into and out of bed, I cannot walk, I could go on and on. I refuse to live in fear of choking. It could happen but I could also get killed by a falling asteroid! I am aware of the danger and I know how to lessen it. But I think having MS and the difficulties has made me more aware of how beautiful and precious life is. Life is a risk worth taking!
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Yes, life IS a risk worth taking. Is the help you need available?
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yes. In Canada those with disabilities are taken care of and I also have a disability pension from my office.
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I am so very glad that something is partly right in this world. But I am also saddened that you have such needs. Are you PP? Have steroids become a staple food?
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Thank you God for forcing me to let go, when I could not do so voluntarily.
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OMG that is terrible!
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Lots (most?) people with nerve/brain disorders have similar symptoms. Have had this before (lots and lots and much worse) and will again and more. It’s just that I finally got the joke. I suppose I’m a slow learner.
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Thank you. It really is terrible when I am not trying to avoid the terribleness. When it happened, this time, I blamed myself because I was crying and my throat was already tight with trying to keep silent and then I choked on a silent sob, actually (I have choked on saliva plenty) but I felt it was my own fault for not being able to dissociate enough to not cry whilst I did a few things. However, usually there is enough space for a tiny bit of air to get by, not a vacuum. Instantly I had to give it up, when I had been unable to transcend only moments before. Give it ALL up or die. God had to hit me with the Zen Stick. Didn’t much appreciate it.
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This is awful, the reaction I suppose is to gag but that of course will just aggravate the situation. God bless and support you . May he always have his Zen stick ready!
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I get this lesson, already!! Enough with the Stick!!!
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😉 okay I am going to ask him to just give you back your breath with a gentle kiss!!
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Thank you thank you thank you
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😉
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Glad you’re breathing again!
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Thank you.
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