The Joy of Thickened Fluids

  • 7 replies
  • 49 subscribers
  • 444 views

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

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

    Community Champion badge
  • Hi Lyn. Huge hugs from me as well seven been with you from the start of 2019 from memory. Great to hear that you can go to your scrabble group and out and about. Huge step forward for you.

    Hugs Hazel 

    Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz 

    My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com  HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now  6 years  post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help

    2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers 

    https://www.instagram.com/merckhealthcare/reel/DBs8Y0niJ8N/

  • Sophie , good to hear a positive post about fluid thickener.  My uncle had to use thickners when he was discharged after a long time in hospital but he constantly wanted to just have a drink that quenched his thirst.  Zymurgy!

  • Hi Lyn, that's great that you can now have drinks when you are out and about. Sometimes it's the little things that mean so much.

    Ray.

  • 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 anRofld swallow. And it's a good excuse for a cheeky drink with a meal! Rofl

    Peter
    See my profile for more details of my convoluted journey
  • Thanks everyone for your replies. It is amazing what little things can make such a big difference in your life that others may not understand. Peter that sounds a great idea. A perfect and reasonable excuse for enjoying a tipple. Go the beer. 

    Lyn

    Sophie66

  • Absolutely fantastic Lyn that this thickener has such an effect! Happy drinking! Xxx