I started using the iSwallow app about 18 months ago. I figured if I couldn't do one of the exercises it must be because of weak or atrophied muscles. The SLP just gave me two, hoping it would help the epiglottis lift properly and one to strengthen the front of the neck. I pretty much do the Mendelsohn often some stretching.

I have not been hospitalized with pneumonia since around 2003. I started intense breathing therapy about 2 years ago and nebulize about 4 times a day when the pneumonia gets bad. I alternate with a weak saline solution and N-Acetylcysteine. It clears out a lot of the gunk in the lungs which immediately improves oxygen levels and ability to breathe.

In January I agreed to let my family doctor X-Ray my chest to confirm the pneumonia more for his benefit. He confirmed the pneumonia but informed me I have a lot of air around my lungs from significant blockage like seen with advanced stage COPD.

Many of the swallowing techniques for helping aspiration pneumonia are only temporary strategies and don't really "fix" muscle issues. With epiglottis issues I found a very interesting exercise through a voice coach. It helps except when extreme cold fats move through.

SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023