Swallow Test

Hello Again Everyone,

I went for my 3-monthly check-up today with Dr Casasola at Ninewells and he stated that he was happy with my ongoing situation. When he asked about my eating habits, I had to say that they were nowhere near back to any sort of normality. | said that the Oral Medication had referred me to ENT for a Swallow Test and the Speech & Language Therapist said that she could do this right away if I wanted to and I agreed.

It was not what I expected at all, I thought it would be by x-ray, but it was done with a nasal endoscope; which really was not as bad as I thought. Apart from some drier foods (biscuits) hanging around the epiglotis, everything was good. I explained that some 'bits' of food, or debris, sometimes lodged at the epiglotis and this caused me some discomfort with coughing that sometimes induced vomitting to clear the blockage - this can sometime be alarming due to being in a near choking mode. The Speech & Language Therapist did say that there was still some swelling and rawness in the area treated by RT.

I still can only manage a small portion of meats, even with lots of gravy and drinks, but I will keep trying.

Anyway, my next procedure is in two days time for cataract surgery on 1st June.

On the recommendation of the S&L Therapist, I had a quick look at an alternative forum - The Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Support Group - https://theswallows.org.uk - anyone have any knowledge of them at all? 

Onwards & Upwards,

Take Care,
Bob Turner