 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Kerri, so sorry you are beginning to struggle! I agree, a nasal tube is great for the short term use. This is in case you arent able to get the peg tube quickly.
Just remember even if it hurt, you must continue to swallow every single day. This is to keep those muscles active. Its necessary even sipping water several times a day will be enough. But.... you MUST continue to get 48 oz of water and 2500 calories every single day. If not you face a good possibility of dehydration and malnutrition creeping up on you. Push yourself to drink more. I would really hate seeing you wind up in the hospital from not being able to take in enough. Please be careful and take care of yourself.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
