Dysphagia

Pebbz1981
Pebbz1981 Member Posts: 32
edited February 2019 in General discussion
Hello all.

So over christmas and new years i was in hospital again. I have been having some swallowing issues for about 6 months now and its seem to have got worse as the weeks go bye, when i mentioned it to my oncologist she said it could be a mixture of chemo, body being so weak, radiation to breasts and just the cancer itself. So she didnt do anything about it. Just before christmas we called ambulance to the house cause i was javing trouble breathing, long story short, ended up in hospital for unrelated issue, but refused to leave till i got answers about the throat issue. Did tests turns out i have Dysphagia......... does anyone else have this? I have been on puree diet since christmas and it is HARD.  My husband and i are doing our best to make recipes up then hope once its pureed they taste good. I have ent specialist next week and i hipe hes able to give me some good news.
Any help or recipes maybe you ate when you had trouble swallowing would be greatly appreciated. I can give my email address if it makes it easier or msg me privately.
Thanks so much in advance.

Comments

  • Zoffiel
    Zoffiel Member Posts: 3,372
    Oh that sucks @Pebbz1981
    The only cook books I've seen for  Dysphagia have been written for people who have had a stroke. My Mum struggled with it for a few years ( if you want to see an 86 y/o completely lose it, mention thickened fluids to her ) Thankfully she has recovered to a point and decided to take her chances with the rest. Try your local library. Mxx
  • arpie
    arpie Member Posts: 7,521
    Some wonderful info there, @kitkatb and SO much more interesting & tasty than what I was able to give patients 40 years ago!  That is just awesome!  

    I'll tag @Nadi  into this conversation as well, as she also has a swallowing problem.


  • kitkatb
    kitkatb Member Posts: 442
    Thanks @arpie  yes you should have seen the looks on the residents faces trying salad for the first time for some of them it had been years.   I always try to think of the puree residents as much as possible as unfortunately in some places they are the forgotten ones and given a constant diet of mashed potatoes. mashed pumpkin and meat.   I even worked out how to puree pavlova took quite a few disasters but got it in the end. ( and taste tested haha ) The look on their faces was priceless and makes the effort worthwhile . xox
  • arpie
    arpie Member Posts: 7,521
    Back in the day, @kitkatb   I used to put Roast Lamb & veg (and other meals) into a big blender with a heap of gravy & mint sauce, curries, etc .... and they loved it.  I also did lots of smoothies with tinned fruit & ripe fresh fruit - with custard, cream, ice cream, eggs & vanilla ... anything I could 'value add' to with flavour or calories.

    My husband lost 3/4 of his stomach to cancer, so I got even more practise at it, 9 years ago!
  • Pebbz1981
    Pebbz1981 Member Posts: 32
    Hey all.  Just a quick update. I had the botox injection about 6 weeks ago. So much better. Not on solids but i am eating much more softer foods like pasta, toast, potatoes,pasta and so on so on. I have put on 2 kgs so far. Its a vey slow process.
    If anyone needs or is considering botox for throat muscle for dysphagia or similar i recommend. I will see ENT again in 4 mnths to see whats happening and if its worse, same or better. If it gets worse till then we do botox again if it stays same then we leave it till it starts to play up. The other problem i have now is my sinuses. Post nasal drip is an issue but i will write about that another time. Hope everyone is well.
  • poodlejules
    poodlejules Member Posts: 393
    @Pebbz1981 just reading your thread here.........so many shitty side effects of treatment. So glad the botox worked and you are back on solids. Thinking of you and sending good healthy vibes your way! All the best! 
  • jan61
    jan61 Member Posts: 48
    Flamin heck..... I have just self diagnosed dysphagia. I have a video conference with the oncologist next week but I doubt I will mention it. I’m more than a bit sick of things going wrong :(

    I feel like there is a lump in my throat/chest. It’s difficult to swallow. I’m short of breath and living on somac and maxalon. The heartburn is horrendous. I did google and am treating it as suggested on the BC website.

    im so sorry you are going through this @Pebbz1981
  • arpie
    arpie Member Posts: 7,521
    Gosh, @jan61 - it might be wise to mention it with your Onc next week ...... I am sure they'd want to know.  Apart from anything else, it would be really annoying  :(   Are you dropping weight?

    Take care xx

  • jan61
    jan61 Member Posts: 48
    Thanks @arpie I will see how it goes. I have already been called the difficult child..... the one that’s has problems. The oncologist is a lovely young woman but the issues communicating with her ( and not of her making ) are stressing me. I am sure the hospital will send me another feedback form and I will fill that in.
  • Pebbz1981
    Pebbz1981 Member Posts: 32
    @jan61 please mention it to your 9ncologist if you get a chance. Hope your appt goes well.