Surgery last June left me without more than 1/2 my tongue. Not being able to be understood clearly and slobbering/spitting all over when I try is truly the most challenging aspect of this whole experience (so far). I don't seem to be able to swallow all my saliva (still have good "flow" even after rad) and have to "slurp" constantly (or SPIT) Is there any kind of prophyllactic (sp?) that can help? I find it helps if I hold my head back when I speak, but it's not very practical. Still in the game-but kindof losing the initiative to participate with "normal" folks.....
Also tend to choke fairly regularly-NOT something you want to do in public

I really found that drinking from a bottle - not a cup or glass - really helped at first when I was re-learning to swallow. Water from a bottle seemed to hit my mouth in a more favourable spot - not sure if this will work for you but it is sure worth giving a try.

Let me know.

Donna

We all have what's called a "refexive swallow" that washes saliva down into the stomach several times an hour without us even thinking about it. Sounds like your "relexive swallow" may be diminished in frequecy (fewer swallows per minute) or efficiency (incomplete swallows) - the end result can be similar - the self cleaning feature of your mouth is not working optimally and you have saliva to spare. I've used the scopalmine transdermal patches for excess secretions - their side-effect is to dry the mouth - this may be a good temporary fix but the true issues seems to be that you're not swallowing well enough or frequently enough to manage your saliva.

Have you seen a speech therapist? I hate hearing that this issue is leading you towards isolating.

Jennier

Thanks, guys for your responses. I have seen a speech therapist, but other than doing tongue-stretching exercises, there's litle that can be done. She did refer me to a specialist, however that she said could build a mouth insert to lower the roof of my mouth and could possibly help both my swallowing and eating abilities. Two minor problems with this however; 1)The prophyllactic will cost me around $5k (which I don't have), and 2)I've lost his information AND the referral.
My family thinks it's not even worth talking with this guy if the insert is going to cost more than I have....(or can sweet-talk my way into!)
I have Medicaid/care and I think it'd be at least PARTIALLY covered, right? The main thing is to keep from isolating (thanks, Jennifer) and feeling "less than"

Just always remember that when you choke in public, people really do not think about YOU at all...they are all busy figuring out whether THEY remember the Heimlich maneuver well enough to apply it! Too funny, but very true.

As Dr. Phil said (only quote of his I will repeat) "You would not worry NEARLY so much about what people think about you - if you realized how SELDOM they do."

This is very very true - so absolutely do not isolate yourself. Do the exact opposite. And stop worrying so much about what other people think - if they are your friends they will understand and encourage you, and if they are not your friends - WHO CARES??

Hugs

Donna

(still try the water from a bottle....eventually I did learn to swallow from a cup..)