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Inability to swallow and never ending foamy saliva
My 76 yr old husband had TORS surgery for SCC (HPV 16+) of the tonsils, back of throat and base of tongue in late January. Also had right lymph nodes removed. He ate a meal the night before surgery, then after the surgery could no longer swallow at all...not even his own saliva. Has anyone had that experience? He is doing all the swallowing excercises and also has very foamy saliva that is difficult to swallow so he spits. He still has a PEG tube and probably will for months at this rate. I have read that dry mouth can cause the foaminess so trying mouth rehydrating sprays and reducing hydrocodone doses to see if that help. Would appreciate hearing any suggestions or similar experiences. Thank you!!
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@mk52dk51
Never give up hope.
@mk52dk51 That's a tough fight you husband is going through. I have an uncle in the same situation. He does what he can to take his mind off of the daily difficulties. But month by month he is getting better despite setbacks now and then. All we can really do is love.
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1 ReactionHi, I had a similar experience to your husband's. I went on a g-tube three days after my surgery. While I was eventually able to get off of it, I still have dysphagia. I also produce a lot of saliva, which can cause me to choke at times or when I sleep. It sounds like he is doing the swallow exercises. Hopefully, he has access to a swallowing PT who can provide additional tips. Hang in there!
I'm on a peg tube too and will be for the rest of my life. Heavy mucus and even foamy saliva are problematic. One relief is the little sponges on a stick, I dip them in dry mouth mouthwash and swab the inside of my mouth to clear the stuff. This is not a preventative, but it does a temporary fix.