lilyann here. i was wondering if someone could help me as i seem to not be getting any better with this: tightness, squeezing, dog collar feeling around my neck ever since my surgeries starting the beginning of the year. yesterday, became very alarming for me as i gave more thought to this thick mucus in my throat which is hard to clear, swallow and gagging and burping and its just become so constant. one bite of food and i have to drink water right behind it and then hopefully that goes down. have not heard from any of my dr.'s since i had the barrium swallow on august 2. so glad to not to go to any dr. appts. the ENT dr. said my epiglottis was not covering my vocal chords, and could aspirate. so i am being as careful as i can. one good blessed thing....i can still breathe but have been wondering for how long if this mucus thing. coughing is a constant thing also, this however, i have been doing for years. i have dr.'s appt. come the beginning of october. the dentist appt. however is on sept 12, i am now wondering if i will be able to let someone clean my teeth. so many thoughts. i hate to bother the dr.'s as i was told that they need to clone their selves. so what does that tell you. i have read where some have those suction machines and i feel i might need one of those. heck, i don't know what i need. so many of you have been going through so much that i hate to present my problem but i know many of you can give me some answers to my question and rid my mind of so many thoughts. god bless all of you out there, you are in my prayers nightly.