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