 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Welcome to OCF, Steve! Always nice to have another long time survivor join the forum. Sorry you have been thru a recent recurrence.
There are a few things to help with swallowing. There is a vita-stim which the doc places electic stimulators on your throat. Its supposed to help stimulate the muscles to get them working again. Unfortunately, Ive heard mixed reviews about the vita-stim. But it may be worth a shot to at least give it a try. Also ask about a barium swallow test to see how well your swallowing muscles are working.
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  | 
