Failed swallow test for Stuart again. So depressing and upsetting.

[Ruri2712]

Stuart had an oesophagectomy on 14 November last year quite high up. He had another swallow test end of January which showed no improvement in his swallowing. We had a long meeting with speech therapist about this. He’ll have another swallow test in 3 months meanwhile he has a series of specific exercises to do daily. If he fails the next one then that’ll be it for a year. It was so depressing talking to the therapist today as there were a couple of things I hadn’t fully understood. She was so gloomy about his chances of recovering his swallowing. Meanwhile I won’t share this with him as I have to keep him motivated. I could cry.

[Julieanne60]

Hi Ruri2712. So sorry to hear your concerns for your husband. I assume he is taking his nutrition via a pump? It must be so disheartening for him. I truly hope that the swallowing exercises do start to make improvements and that his swallow reflex will start to recover. Take care. Julie

[Ruri2712 in reply to Julieanne60]

Thank you Julie for your support and kind words.

[Suec123]

so sorry to hear this. Unfortunately I can’t add anything helpful but hoping that the situation improves.

[JE1983]

so sorry to hear this praying and hoping the exercises will work over the next 3 months. It must be so difficult for you. Sending you lots of love and look after yourself too supporting a loved one through this journey is completely exhausting and a rollercoaster of emotions xx

[hunsdon]

my thought’s are with you like others we are all thinking you x

[Libuse]

I’ve had a feeding tube for 18 years, also have problems projecting my voice. However I have a full and active life. At 72, I still work full-time. It really isn’t the end of the world.

[Ruri2712 in reply to Libuse]

Thank you. Can I ask why you didn’t recover your swallow. Are you Peg fed?

[Libuse]

hi Ruri- the tumour was high in the oesophagus but my husband was told it was inoperable because quality of life would be zero so only option radical chemo and radiotherapy. I always knew from the beginning that it would be so. I have a jejeustomy tube into small intestine and hook up to machine at night for 8 hours (I speeded up machine so I hampered during day. Got used to sleeping on my back. It will be ok. About to do 6 km walk in Epping Forest. Check out my web site doreenfletcherartist.com ❤️