Connect
← Return to Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction (Difficulty Swallowing)
Discussion
Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction (Difficulty Swallowing)
Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) | Last Active: 5 days ago | Replies (20)Comment receiving replies
I had same cancer in 2013. I now am dealing with Osteoradioncrosis. I had a 12 hour surgery January 2023. It was skull base free flap reconstruction. Very traumatic. The surgery was very successful. However now I have major swallowing and speech issues. I’m working with swallow therapist and doing electrical stimulation . Have not improved at all yet. Lots more to do. I feel your frustration and the tough time swallowing and being social. Very difficult. I guess we just have to hang tough my friend. I’m trying to avoid tube feeding too. I e already done it 2 times before. Once during cancer treatment (radiation and chemo) and once during my surgery in 2023.
Thanks for sharing. You’re the first person that I’ve communicated with regarding after effects of radiation.
✌️
Replies to "I had same cancer in 2013. I now am dealing with Osteoradioncrosis. I had a 12..."
Connect
hi
Sorry to hear that you had to have a 12 hr surgery - must be quite an ordeal! My radiation sessions was bad too - I had severe burns around my neck, and was told at that time (that was almost 20 yrs ago) that they are seeing for the 1st time such bad effects! I believe it might be better nowadays - with the advance in technology and all!
I understand that the swallowing and speech will not be back to 'norm' - which means that I, myself, have to adapt and change my lifestyle. I avoid eating out, and this means that my meet-ups with family and/or with friends are nil or very limited - due to swallowing and speech issues.
Until a proven medical treatment is available - am doing the best I can with exercises to keep my speech and swallowing disabilities from deteriorating - to the point where a feeding tube is needed - which I have told my doctor - it's a NO!