Pete,

Have you ever had your throat dilated?

I'm not sure exactly when it started, but my throat completely closed up last March, 17 months post Tx. I mean completely - no water, mashed potatoes, pudding, or ice cream - absolutely nothing. It all tried to go up into my nose or down into my lungs. I was admitted into the hospital, and that's when I met my gastroenterlogist. He dilated my throat and I was able to swallow that evening.

He said that the throat constriction can first start as long as 2 years post rad. He couldn't dilate me all the way in one shot because it was SO constricted (didn't want to tear it), so I had it done twice more, each a few weeks apart, until it was of "normal" size.

I was having trouble swallowing again lately, so I just had my esophogus dilated again (4th time) and again Blessed relief. It doesn't solve all my eating problems, because I still have tongue stub, dry mouth, and no teeth issues, but the difference is incredible.

It's no problem to have done, either. Mine is done in the Doc's office under anesthesia. Go to sleep, wake up, It's done. And that night you're swallowing like a champ. There is no sore throat or anything either. You feel just fine.

Lani