Hi
My husband, 76, had oral cancer 20 years ago, soft pallet, half tongue and jawbone removed. Is unable to swallow, suck, blow or move anything in his mouth as tongue is tethered. Started off with PEG but once when it got blocked taught himself how to 'dump swallow' by gravity, 'drinking' his liquid food and cups of tea, but after a chest infection a year ago was told to be nil by mouth. Since then, I think because he is no longer washing the phlegm down, he has constant phlegm in his throat and is getting chest infection about every 2 months, and his jaw has now contracted and wont open (neck area in general is gradually contracting, head pointing down).
HIs spirit is so low, he has no quality of life. How do we get lessen this thick phlegm? He coughs constantly and finds it hard to speak without coughing. Is reduced to coughing over the sink and pulling out what hangs out of his mouth, constant use of suction pump. Any suggestions gratefully received.

Last edited by ChristineB; 08-04-2017 02:22 PM. Reason: moved to its own thread

One step at a time