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Esophageal Self Dilation Therapy: An Effective Alternative Sep 17 10:39am | By Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator (@kanaazpereira)Comment receiving replies
Yes my GI doctor is willing to help me. We are currently looking into how to go about getting the device (I have actually found them in different sizes on ebay new and used if you can believe that) and if Insurance will cover it. I plan to do it regardless. I too feel it will help me stay open more regular instead of stretching and closing over and over. My doctor is currently using a 48 but has gone bigger in the past. He says he thinks the 48 is a good size for clear passage. I hope to end up using the 48 daily or weekly but may start with a size or two smaller. Could you share with me the small things you have discovered to make it go smoothly for you? I watched a very helpful video on youtube but they will not let me post a link. You can find it by searching Esophageal Self Dilation it is by MarletteAcres
Replies to "Yes my GI doctor is willing to help me. We are currently looking into how to..."
Hi @rlp63
I noticed that you wished to post a URL to a video with your post. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. Please allow me to post it for you.
Esophageal Self Dilation
RLP, Would you also like to connect with others who have had tonsil cancer in the Head & Neck Cancer group? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/head-neck-cancer/
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We were fitted with ours by a thoracic surgeon who specializes in esophageal strictures amongst other things. We use a 46 and so far it’s been a life saver.
We insert up to the white 35 mark as directed by the doctor. I coat the dilator with KY jelly. My husband takes a few deep breaths and I lay it on his tongue and direct him to swallow. As soon as he swallows I know it’s going in correctly and I ease it down quickly until the 35 is at his lip. As it’s going down I coach him to breathe around it, very important not to hold your breath! Then I count to 10 and pull it out. The whole thing takes 20 seconds and the swallow has to be timed exactly right to when I start easing it down. You should not have to push!
You may want to look at a product on Amazon called Healios, it’s made by a doctor and provides nutrients to the esophagus for people who’ve had radiation. My husband finds it soothing before or after dialsting.
Hope this helps