Dear doug2018, I too had problems with swallowing after my fusion. Years later I still sometimes choke on the larger pills and supplements that I use. The gel capsules sometimes get caught at the back of my throat and gag me. I have to be very still and calm when I take my pills. Mostly I choke on the magnesium capsules and the fish oil. After 7 yrs it has not abated. Also tend to choke on food while in restaurants. Mostly on drier meats and sandwiches. Can be scary if I cannot get a breath.