Well I sure had an interesting couple of weeks. I finished TX 4 years ago and I am indeed doing OK. Cancer free so far and I am back into triathlon shape. The only problems have been my neck, which had the #$^@ beat out of it from radiation. Significant fibrosis. I do have some constant pain, that is another story.

So since I recovered I always cough when I eat. I have a hard time swallowing and must drink something with almost every bite. I cough out food and get quite a bit in my nose, gross but I thought it was the "new normal" as we all say. I really thought it was just a side effect that I must live with.

last March, I came down with pneumonia, several days in the hospital, pretty sick dog! recovered and did not look back. Then 2 weeks ago I came down with Pneumonia again! I thought it odd as did the doctor in the ER. X-rays showed lungs were looking bad, infiltrates in all lobes. The er doc asked if I have a hard time swallowing, yes was the answer. He thought I might be getting Pneumonia from food aspiration! we did a swallowing test and low and behold, my swallowing stinks. The radiation did effect my swallowing and i do get a lot of food down my trachea. So the wizards at the hospital say I should use a thickening agent in my fluid. It is often used for stroke victims. So I have been putting it in my water and juices and low and behold, I do not aspirate, no food up my nose in the last two weeks! I do not put it in coffee as I do use a lot of cream. Also, none in my occasional beer.

So, it some unlucky sole is aspirating food, and comes across this post. Do get a swallowing test and if it shows a problem, try the thickening agent.

no kidding, it has changed my life. I am stoked that I do not blow food all over the place anymore.

hope this helps

Steve

Thanks for posting this info Steve! This can help alot of patients when they are relearning to eat after finishing rads.

Best wishes with your new way of eating!

Hey Steve, glad you are back in tri shape! I'm doing "The Hilly 100" Sunday and they are forecasting 10-20 mile winds. UGH I'm sure we will be riding into that damn wind the whole time.

Glad you found something that makes a daily improvement and for sharing it as I'm sure it will help others. Also glad you don't have to put it in your beer!

Thanks!

It is great to get long time members coming back and posting about cancer related medical conditions. Helps others stay aware and proactive with watching health. Also really nice to get reports back of survivors who are doing great and enjoying life.

Thanks
don

The thickening agent is great but kinda gross... I used it with my dad poor guy HATED IT. Sometimes it's about timing too I find I miss swallow when I time my breathing and and chewing wrong. Ergh... usually it goes down the right hole thankfully, but I have had those occasional up the nose, and down the wrong hole moments. Thanks for sharing and so glad you are doing well.

I had aspiration issues after my ND. Like Cheryld I would aspirate depending on how I breathed while eating. For me I had to breath out through nose while taking fluid or food in. This breathing out while taking in has become second nature now. And did anyone have horrible burping during drinking or eating? Always coughed after every bite or drink in the beginning. ( thick water ) Hard to imagine. Continued good swallowing to all! Shawn U.