Posted By: brickster Throat expansion - 11-17-2009 03:56 PM
Has anyone had any experience with throat expansion procedure? My Doc did it during my dissection and it worked like a dream.

My question is, I recently had surgery for a broken arm and it seems as though swallowing has become more difficult since then. I'm wondering if when they shoved the tubes down my throat if they dislodged one of the rings. Anybody know if that's possible?

Thanks,
George
Posted By: Brian Hill Re: Throat expansion - 11-18-2009 03:32 AM
We have had a lot of individuals here that have had multiple dilations to improve swallowing. I am not one of them, but it can help a great deal. I am answering this so it will move to the top of the posts again, and someone who has gone through this will answer you.
Posted By: brickster Re: Throat expansion - 11-18-2009 02:07 PM
Thanks Brian. The dilation worked great (couldn't remember what it was called) but all of a sudden it seems like it's getting harder to swallow. I go see the doctor in a little more than a week so I'm sure he can take a peek and see if something happened down there.
Posted By: EzJim Re: Throat expansion - 11-18-2009 02:22 PM
I have hd many dialations brickster. They seem to make a great deal of difference in swallowing each time. I hope your Dr doesn't have a time line between them being done. I was at 1 yr intervals for dialations, then at 6 months, then went to 3 months. Right now I am 4 months past due for one but the OC has us at a stand still for awhile. good luck with them and don't let the dr forget you. I have been getting them since 1996 right after surgery to my esophagus for Barretts.
Posted By: brickster Re: Throat expansion - 11-18-2009 08:16 PM
Thanks Jim. I didn't realize you had it done multiple times. I thought it was a one shot deal.

Thanks again,
George
Posted By: MikeG Re: Throat expansion - 11-19-2009 12:52 AM
Mike had a total of 3 throat dilations. All within the first 12 months after treatment. He has not needed another for the last 2 years.
Ginny
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