@lilypilly Hi, you are not alone on this journey! For me, the adjustment to my "new normal" is still a challenge, and I am a bit further out from my treatment than you are. I did see an improvement in my swallowing earlier this year when I began to focus on reducing my internal inflammation. While my inflammation markers remain in the high range, I noticed an improvement in my swallowing after starting acupuncture. The acupuncturist focused on reducing my inflammation through acupuncture and herbal teas. Once I started seeing improvements in swallowing, I began researching other anti-inflammatory techniques, so I "tried" to remove all sugar and salt from my diet. I also drink turmeric/ginger tea and started taking supplements such as beetroot and Omega-3, 6, 9. If I want to eat a meal with minimal challenges, I eat at level 3 or 4 food consistency (soups, etc.), but that is not always possible or satisfying.

Each person's body reacts differently to diet, so I can't say these things will help you, but for me, they have helped with my swallowing.

Best of luck! You got this!

Eric