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Anyone dealing with long-term dysphagia and chronic cough?
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Mar 18 10:55am | Replies (56)Comment receiving replies
@jcl2018
Hear you ... I was treated for nasopharyngeal cancer in 2006, and in 2020 I was diagnosed with late effects of HNC radiation - i.e. dysarthria, dysphagia and severe neck fibrosis.
I avoid eating out in public - for fear of choking and having to cough out or spit out food in public; also avoid talking when eating; have to take my food in small bits and pieces and also having my food "mushy-like" helps in swallowing.
I do my daily jaw and neck exercises (not sure if it helps, but doing the best I can), and also go for therapy (myofascial) treatments every other week - again, not sure if it help - but doing the best I can to keep my situation from deteriorating.
Recently, I have been referred to try a palatal obturator - any input or feedback on this?
Take care!
Replies to "@jcl2018 Hear you ... I was treated for nasopharyngeal cancer in 2006, and in 2020 I..."
@josk I, too, am a survivor from 2006 and avoid restaurants simply because of how slow I have to eat. Dry food is a chore, so I prefer dishes with gravy or sauces when possible, and lots of water. I've become accustomed to the side effects and see them as minor inconveniences for the most part. I'll reiterate this here for those who've made it for a few years. Radiation keeps on giving long past the treatment. The neck blood vessels can be affected years later to the point that it is difficult for the body to regulate blood pressure. It's called Baroreflex failure. Everyone who has been through this should monitor their BP regularly, both seated, and reclined. Good luck
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@josk No feedback on palatal obturator. Never heard of it till your note.
If you try, let me know.
Thanks