Pharyngeal flap surgery

Hello, I hope you are doing well.
I am writing to ask why your husband is having this surgery? The reason I ask is because I am currently going through some health issues myself. Both of my flaps—the upper flap that closes so food or water doesn't go up your nose, and the other flap that closes so water doesn't get into your lungs—are affected. I have nerve damage, or neuropathy, resulting from cancer treatment. I was wondering if your husband is experiencing something similar, and I would appreciate any insight you could share.

Wishing your husband a successful surgery and a quick recovery.
Connie

@cskippy Thank you and yes, it is similar; the reason he is needing surgery again is because when they operated in March, they took a 2cm piece from his small palate which left the open hole where it is supposed to block liquids from going up the nose. All went well, he can eat fine but drinking liquids is still an issue for him as he has to take very small sips, otherwise the liquid will go up his nose. Even with small sips are sometimes a problem. He didn't have radiation or chemo, only surgery. Have you checked with your doctor to see if you can have an Obturator made? Surgeon recommended an Obturator, however 2 specialty dentists here in Florida who make these and both confirmed that he cannot have one made, it will not work as it will make him gag due to where the hole is. I understand the surgery will be quite painful; they will need to take a piece from the leg to build it and connect the blood vessels.... Sounds like you also might have taken swallowing tests hoping to somehow get it corrected?

@pamelaaci Hi
I have been experiencing ongoing issues with swallowing. I recently took a barium swallow test but did not have good results. I have been attending speech therapy, which is helping, and I have also been trying red light therapy. None of my doctors have mentioned Obturator to me yet, so I have attached my latest medical report for your review. Does your husband also have nerve damage?
Connie

@cskippy Hi Connie, seems you might both have same issue. Regarding nerve damage: Prior to surgery, the surgeon mentioned he might have issues with left arm (great: Richard is left-handed!) They removed all lymph nodes. Didn't happen right away, but yes, his shoulder is much lower on the left side and he's going to physical therapy twice weekly to try and rebuild the muscle which I hope is still there. The exercises seem to help but taking a long time. This flap surgery seems really difficult, and I think sometimes fails from what I have read. We are FL. There is a surgeon in Ohio who seems to be an expert and maybe the right person for this round... Not sure where you are located. We were not warned of this swallowing issue which scares me as you say, we don't want it to leak into the lungs...

@pamelaaci Hi Pam, I am in Oregon and wanted to check in to see which city and hospital you are checking on in Ohio. Please keep me posted on what the doctor tells you. Could you also share the surgeon's name with me if you know it? I would like to do some additional research.

@cskippy Ohio is a bit far for us, wish this surgeon was closer. You might want to google Michael Fritz MD of Cleveland Clinic Ohio. I am still on the hunt locally and hoping that even Mayo Jacksonville, FL might have someone of his caliber. Our doctor appointment is at the end of this month, and I do want to tell him that we want other opinions as well. Hope this helps!

I know, the best are always far, I did here Mayo Jacksonville, FL is also great. I have appointment up in Portland OR. their going to give me the barium test again. To be hosty I don't want anymore radiation going through my body, even if it a small amount. You guys have a goodnight.

@cskippy will definitely let you know what we come across. Fully understand how difficult this situation can be and meantime hoping the barium test turns out better for you this time. Crossing fingers.