Update: Back from the doctor. The swallowing test went okay. They started with the Naked green juice because its a thicker liquid. Then they stuck a camera scope in my nose all the way to my throat. They didnt use numbing spray because it could effect my swallow. It did not feel good!!! I was able to get the teeny tiny bit of green juice down in about three swallows. But still choked. Then she removed the camera and said that was all we were going to do today. She explained that my swallow is severely impacted from surgery and radiation. When you swallow, your airway is shut off by your epiglottis so you dont choke. My epiglottis stays open now, all the time, and theres no reversing that. She thinks thinner liquids will be easier to get down...the problem is they are harder to control Im my mouth without a tongue. So...this week I have to practice with 1cc of water. I am supposed to hold my breath, swallow the water, breathe and clear my throat. This is supposed to help me from choking on it. I was able to do it once in the office. Next week, well look at it again on camera and see if the swallow is stronger. I could see a look in her eyes that was concerned that this might be as good as it gets for me. Im not upset by that...I plan to practice as much as I can this week! Im okay with whatever the outcome is. In better news...she was extremely pleased that I was able to wear the purple speaking cap on my trach all the time. So, she switched the purple with a red cap that totally cuts off the trach and you are totally breathing on your own. If I can wear it all the time, then next week we will talk about trach removal! Emphasis on talk. But, Im one step closer to getting it removed! Hooray! Then she sent me for a chest X-raw because of my terrible cough still. So, Im staying positive in light of all this...thanks for all the well wishes and love! Much appreciated!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Posted on: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 17:21:21 +0000