Nelie,
Can you get some lidocaine based mouthwash from your doc for the pain? If it is dilute enough, it should help the ouchiness, but not numb your throat so much you can't feel stuff go down. Ask and see what he says. If you are swallowing anything at ALL you shouldn't be at risk for your throat closing up, but the less you use those muscles, the weaker they get, like any other muscles.

Andrea