Hello All,

Even though I can eat orally (peg tube removed in Feb) everthing gets stuck in my throat. Up high where the trac tube was. I talked to my on'gist last Monday and am scheduled for a barrium test tomorrow before my scheduled mri. They want to see what is blocking my throat from swallowing. After the test they may try and stretch my throat with a type of bladder they slide down your throat and inflate to stretch it. I'm told it's a very quick procedure and usually helps. Anyone have this done to them? What was it really like.?

Danny Boy

Danny Boy,

I remember that Danny G. (digtexas) had a procedure done to stretch his esophagus. I did a search and found that his was done with a solid device instead of a balloon, and I believe he was pleased with the results. The search also showed that larryfb had the balloon procedure done and he was also pleased with the results.

There were also a couple others who had this procedure done. I'm sure some of them will respond.

Rainbows & hugs,
Rosie

Danny have you seen the posts on Vitalstim? From what I remember it a kind of Tens Machine that help the muscles needed for swallowing.
I will be happy to look for info if you would like?

Take care of yourself Danny.
love
Marica

Danny,

My 89 year old father had his esaphagus stretched 3 times this spring after he had suffered several strokes. It worked like a charm, no more swallowing problems.

Take care,
Eileen

My father in law had his esaphagus stretched several times and it helped with swallowing and chocking. He did not have any cancer, just a tight esaphagus.

hi Danny,

i indeed did have the stretch twice.. it is a fairly simple proceedure. my esaphagus was tight due to radiation. scaring was on the outside rather than inside, so the fix is longer lasting. i know a woman who has to have the proceedure done every 6 months, whereas i'm still ok a year later.

i also had the barrium test done a couple of times and i think that it was almost a waste of time. the docs looked at it, but never simply said 'get the stretch.' instead they left the decission to me... i put it off because i wanted my throat to have time to heal.

there is a small risk of death due to bleeding out if something goes wrong during the proceedure.

i pray that the stretch will work for you.

cu,
larryb

Thank You,

I had the test yesterday. Hoping they can do the stretch soon. Will keep you posted.

Danny Boy

Danny Boy,
My mom had her throat stretched as well. It seems to have worked as she is now able to drink some liquids and has started eating oatmeal -- and she really didn't experience any discomfort from the procedure itself either.
Best wishes,
D

Hi Danny Boy,

Hi Danny Boy,

Sorry about my first post. It was my 1st one and I hit the wrong button. I also am considering an esophagial stretch because one year after radiaion, I still get food stuck when swallowing. It sounds vey similar to your experience. I have had a hard time talking my ENT into doing the procedure. I was encouraged by all of the positive responses you received. Please let me know how it turns out. Good Luck!