I really do mean joy and am not being facetious. Since my last maxillectomy in 2022 I have had an issue with drinking as fluid comes out of the side of my mouth. I have very few teeth left and I have an incomplete lip seal as a result of ops. which causes the issue. I have stopped drinking when I go out as it is very embarrassing mopping up my mouth continually when I drink. I drink water standing over the sink to save some mess. Recently I saw a speech pathologist to discuss the issue. I was wondering if thickened fluids might help. She gave me some great advice and I have bought a thickener she recommended. I have had such a great result. The fluid has enough texture now that it stays in my mouth with no spillage. Hurray. I took some of the thickened fluid with me when I went out the other day to my Scrabble group and had no issues with spillage at all. It was like a miracle. I have started trying out different fluids that I could not manage previously. It has really opened up my life. So yes I have found the joy of thickened fluids.
Lyn
Oh Lyn who on earth would find joy in thickened fluid? Anybody who has not been in your shoes would think you were mad but we all understand and share your joy. I can see it’s made a huge difference. You are a miracle, Lyn. Huge hugs.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Not directly relevant to Lyn's situation, but I find with a lack of saliva that water is absolutely useless when eating but the slightly thicker texture of beer (ale) really does help with chewing an
d swallow. And it's a good excuse for a cheeky drink with a meal!
