ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: kaitysmom on December 02, 2010, 11:27:19 am
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I'm three weeks post surgery and still have swallowing problems. I feel fortunate this is my own only problem post surgery. But, it's driving me nuts. I'm on a liquid diet until I can pass another swallow test on 15 Dec. I've been to a speech therapist to help me but that was a dead end. She didn't see where I had a problem. I couldn't swallow applesauce!
Anyone have this problem post surgery? If so, what did you do?
Thanks
Jody
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Jody,
I'm sorry you are having swallowing problems as I know how frustrating that can be.
What is the specific cause of the problem? Since you are on a liquid diet, I assumed that is NOT from vocal cord paralysis (which was part of my problem). Initially, I was not allowed anything other than thick liquids and pureed food.
After the first of three vocal cord injections that allow me to speak (albeit very quietly) I was able to start drinking normal liquids. It took quiet awhile before I essentially learned enough about how to eat again before I could do it without choking at every meal. What I did was learn the following:
1) Eating was time I had to sit at a table and focus on that one activity. Eating had to be intentional, not casual, no wondering through the house eating cookies.
2) Pick foods I could handle. Some were obvious, others it was by trial and error. Rice, cracker, cookies are all things I still have to be very careful about.
3) Small bites. Insanely well-chewed.
4) Sip liquid after almost every bite if it was any food without a liquid base.
5) Patience.
Not quite 10 months later, I can be a bit more casual, but the autonomic swallowing processes (the smooth muscles that drive peristalsis) still does not work me. Don't let this scare you though, I had largish tumor and long surgery, and I was born to do things the hard way. ;-)
What do the doctors say about the nature of your problem? There is a good Wikipedia article about swallowing that may help you understand how it is supposed to work which in turn may help you compensate.
I hope this is helpful,
Tod
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I agree with Tod's suggestions. You are still very early in recovery. Things are likely to improve. I have left vocal cord paralysis and I went through many swallow test, feeding tubes, etc., but I can eat just about anything now.
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Thanks Tod for the suggestions. My vocal chords are ok. Seems my tumor rested on the swallow area and when it was removed the muscles haven't bounced back yet. I had expected all the different outcomes, because I read a lot on this site. I never gave swallowing a thought though.
I know it's soon. I am a tad impatient. Broth, jello, ice creme and Ensure are getting old.
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Shrimp and lobster bisque was my special treat.
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I have that problem...going for something called a strobe test to test nerves or something