Dabbjjesse-

Sorry..just saw your add'l questions...after the initial Barium test, I was told not to eat or drink anything by mouth. They said I had silent aspiration even with thickened liquids, which was no suprise as I was having trouble and coughing even with soup. After about 6 or 8 weeks of the standard exercise regiment, I repeated the test. This time I was feelling good and confident I would pass with everything, but it turned out I was still silently aspirating. At that point, I was told that I should only drink nectar thickened liquids and continue with a few pleasure foods, but also continue to supplement my diet with the feeding tube. I was also told that I should continue with the exercises, but that I may not see much more improvement. Thats when they mentioned Vital Stim therapy as a last opion, although it is still unproven, not covered by insurance, and not offered at Moffitt Cancer Center.