Hello @johnmazski.
If interested, please look at past comments made by me concerning this very issue. When my feeding tube fell out, I refused to have it reinserted. After three swallow-studies, the flap began doing its job. It took a good year of throat exercises, and utilizing a red-light wand. The longer you do not use the throat muscles, the harder it is going to be to get it going. I believe in you. You can do this. The doctor told me I could aspirate without the tube, but it is possible to eat and drink again. It takes a lot of hard work--throat exercises, red-light--and a hard head! The fact it did work at one point proves the epiglottis is not fused to the throat wall. Some poor souls have had this happen. You are in my prayers. Praying was number one, while the rest is up to you! Best wishes to you.