Has anyone in this forum experienced difficulties swallowing food and liquids?

[Cateran]

I have recently been diagnosed with a mild transient ischaemic attack or mini-stroke. As part of the NHS response, a speech therapist has suggested that I take a liquid thickening powder to assist with my swallowing which is rather difficult at the moment. I am subject to coughing and spluttering when I eat and drink. From my reading my difficulty is part of a condition called dysphagia. I have undergone a series of explorations of my oesophagus with cat scans and neck scans. Fortunately, with the excellent and rapid response to all clinicians concerned, I am recovering from this episode.

Can anyone enlighten me about this swallowing problem from similar experiences? I am wondering if there might be a link with my bronchiectasis as a chronic lung problem.

[skischool]

Cateran,i had quite a lot of experience with dysphagia as my dear wife after a devastating stroke suffered it and for the first 6 months post stroke i had to feed her via a PEG tube.The local hospital and Salts team virtually gave up on her but i was determined to help her get better.may i suggest that you contact your local Stroke association who have loads of very informative free information that will serve you well.

You will need to thicken liquids initially to stop silent aspiration and also adopt a soft diet until such time as you recover which after an ITA should be reasonably quickly.

To my knowledge there is no link to your current lung condition but it will of course make things a whole lot more difficult.

I eventually managed after approx a year working with Cecilia to get her back to being able to eat and drink a normal diet so in most cases dysphagia can be overcome.

Wishing you the best of luck.

Ski's and Scruff's

[Cateran in reply to skischool]

Many thanks skischool for this helpful reply. I should have said that I have joined the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association here in Scotland and their booklets are very informative. You have been a great support to your wife in her journey through the stroke encounter. Very inspiring !

Terry.

[Johnsel in reply to skischool]

Ski’s what a lovely man you are. All you have been through with your own health and losing your dear wife and yet you make us all laugh with your Humour. Cecilia was a very lucky lady to have a husband like you. Carole 😘😘

[skischool in reply to Johnsel]

Ahh thank you Carole but i certainly ain't no saint lol life can be hard sometimes but we crack on and if we can help others on our journey it is nice to do so. x

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Take care of yourself