Hearing and swallowing problems

It's good to be aware of the side effects Elaine but do remember not everyone has all the side effects to the same degree.  If you can, take each day as it comes and seek help and advice when you need it. 

As I'm sure you realise, you'll find lots of help and support on this forum from people who have had similar experiences as well as from your team.

Take care.

Linda x

What are you doing to improve your swalllowing -- besides loads of pain relief, that is?  I've recently come out of extensive surgery for oropharyngeal and neck cancer and was left with one huge problem: swallowing sufficiently strongly to get liquid and foods down.  I've devised out of pure necessity a couple of management techniques and would be happy to share them with you.

Just like to underline that pain relief does indeed need to be taken by the clock. Each and every time I've let it slip I've regretted.  Self-discipline can be good here.  

There is a range of swallowing exercises that our SLT should give us. I did mine religiously through treatment and still fo them now three years later. It’s just part of the daily routine 

Thanks Linda

Here hoping it’s not too bad and yes thanks, lots of support available. My mouth is like the bottom of a bird cage as it is but if everyone else gets through it, I can do it too 

Elaine

To be honest was on pain relief for 9 weeks or so and I’m not convinced it does much for the type of discomfort I get which is a stretching and aching feeling. brufen  and paracetamol don’t help. I avoid stronger stuff as I think my discomfort now is something I should get used to and live with. Don’t want to be hooked on drugs that make me constipated. I do have amitriptyline however whether that helps who knows but it helps me sleep. Of course once the radiotherapy side effect come I’ll pop the pills again and take them regular if or when it gets painful. 
when swallowing fluids I need to concentrate so it doesn’t come down my nose , foods ok but need plenty of water and obviously some foods are better than others. 

Have you still not seen Speech and Language Elaine?

Linda x

Hi Linda 

I saw them pre op and a week after discharge. I got a leaflet with some exercises to do. I’ve been doing them and can now open my mouth 2 finger widths and get a fork in so much better. I think I’m getting a phone call tomorrow by salt pre radiotherapy starting. It’s a different salt as had op in regional hospital and radio in local hospital. 
thanks 

Elaine 

Do tell them about your swallowing.  It would be great if you could get an appt to see them so they can experience first hand your swallowing and give you some proper one to one advice and ways to make things easier.  They would also be able to give you proper instruction on swallowing exercises.

Linda x

Yes thanks, I will ask 

elaine