So I just got back from my first meeting with the speech pathologist and I have to say I feel good about it. Normally I cringe at the thought of a new medical professional dealing with me, however this gal was intelligent and definitely not the pretentious type.

She was amazed at how good my speech was considering all of the changes I've gone through over the past two years. She was knowledgeable on Vitalstim, actually hit on it before I asked and seemed to have a great grasp on things. Very refreshing, especially in my neck of the woods. I'm really very confident with this and think she'll be able to help me with my swallowing and speech issues. Good times

Eric

Yes my brother, speech therapy can work wonders and the VitalStim at least lets me swallow some of my saliva.
My plastic surgeon who did the tongue flap reconstruction said just today at our meeting that my speech was "EXCELLENT" for such extensive surgery - even though I sound like Dick Clark on New Year's Eve.
The key to success is home practice, each and every day in addition to the therapy visits. You know the drill already from physical conditioning and will do just great
I am so glad to hear some good news for you. You deserve it all.
Charm

Thanks Charm, after reading your posts about your experiences I felt very informed prior to my appointment. I wouldn't mind sounding like Dick Clark though, it would be an improvement, and maybe I could get a gig in radio!

You've been an inspiration to me my friend and I appreciate your posts and insight.

Eric

If either one of you can talk like you type, you will both be fantastic public speakers. You are both eloquent with words.

Charm, Eric and Jim,

All three of you guys are awesome. I follow your posts regularly. (This happens to be my 100the post. Yippee!)

Anita

Jim, I used to have to do a lot of public speaking for work, miss it actually. Although I will say that visualizing people naked while doing it never worked for me...just kept making me laugh.

Anita, congrats on your 100th POST!!! and on my thread no less! It's great to have contributors like yourself, Charm and Jim on these boards...why I keep posting.

I useed to have to do it when I was a Mayor but the worst was performing Weddings. Holding court wasn't bad . Anita,, congrats on the 100 posts and I hope I am around when you do the 1000th.

Eric,
Did you find this speech therapist on your own or did your Drs recommend her to you? I am wondering if I should get one ofr my swallowing issues? I know I just finished treatment, but I have been craving water and really want to drink it. I love ice cold water.

Angelia,
If you are not choking or sputtering, it is going down correctly and drink all of it you want. Keep that swallowing going. It will allow you to eat sooner. It will also keep you hydrated.

Take care,
Eileen

Angelia

One of the benefits of getting a speech pathologist is that they will arrange to have a modified barium swallow test (MBS) done for you (although you will need your ENT to "prescribe" it). This easy test shows graphically how you are doing swallowing and exactly where anything goes. I have failed 4 of them so far which is why I am still on a PEG. This clearly won't be your problem if you can sip water already. Although the first time around, I did not get any speech or swallowing therapy nor MBS since I went thru that TX with no PEG and swallowed the entire time.
Charm