Since my larynjectomy in June and a further operation to fix a leak my eating ability has worsened to the point where I’m having a procedure next Wednesday to widen my pharynx using a balloon. Has anyone else in here received the same treatment and how successful was it.
Hi Bbmblanc, welcome to the forum, as you see I’m one of the Community Champions and also a Laryngectomee, unfortunately sometimes this is a problem and I have had several swallowing tests to make sure everything is Okay
The procedure for stretching the back of your throat will be done under anaesthetic as they don’t like you to move, it’s no different to the endoscopy you would have had at the beginning of your journey, be prepared though that you may require further stretches to get a good swallow.
There are several other places that can help as well as this forum
Swallows is a great charity group
Also a facebook group for Lary’s
https://www.facebook.com/groups/809357200892816/
Other Lary’s will come on board hopefully with their experiences
You may be best also in the Head and Neck Group for better exposure and help
https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/head-neck-cancer-forum
Take care and stay in touch if you wish
Tony
We will move mountains to help people with cancer live life as fully as they can.
We'll do whatever it takes. For information, support or just someone to talk to,
call 0808 808 00 00 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk
Onwards and Upwards
Voicebox Cancer- Laryngectomy 2020 and Oesophagus survivor 2022
Adminitrative Assistant at Frimley Park Hospital, Cancer Support Hub
Good evening Bbmblanc, the only stretching/widening i have heard of is "dilation of the esophagus" where they stretch it because it can sometimes shrink . This can happen in the early stages of recovery from a laryngectomy , maybe the first two years. In most cases it is quite successful but some of my friends had to have it done a couple of times before it settles down with no re-occurrence. I never had this problem but the people i know who have had it done coped ok with it. Good luck for Wednesday,take care.
Chris.
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
