I have been skittish about swallowing large items since I almost choked on a large piece of steak a number of years ago (10 years ago now). Nobody at the table knew I was having problems, I just relaxed myself...my throat and eventually spit it out. Had I tried to swallow any further, or panicked, I'd have been in trouble. If I have something in my mouth that feels too big, I sometimes will spit it out - better safe than sorry. It is scary, really, I am SOOO glad you are alive and okay! I know that you can give your own heimlich also, by bending over a chair or couch if necessary (probably with a lot of force, I will check the link you gave).
It is amazing that more people don't choke, it's really pretty easy to do.
