Anyone dealing with long-term dysphagia and chronic cough?

Posted by americanfurn65 @americanfurn65, May 29, 2024

Asking for my husband who is 61 and 12 years post chemo/radiation for stage IV scc base of tongue w/lymph node involvement. He is now dealing with the long term side effects mainly dysphasia and chronic cough. Asking for any others who have dealt with the cough and what may have worked. He is working closely with his ENT who currently has him on 1200
Mg of gabapentin for possible neurogenic cough; antihistimine regimen as he has the “wet” cough. He has had injections in the larynx area, he has a paralyzed vocal cord. He has had his esophagus stretched. He also has dealt with a couple of bouts with aspiration pneumonia.

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steve55 | @steve55 | Jul 3 8:57am

In reply to @sharonlee "Are you able to eat soft foods in addition to the boost? Are we able to..." + (show)

I am able to eat most foods. My issue is the small portions since I have a difficult time passing food past the upper esophagus due to radiation. Boost high calorie makes up about 50 % of my caloric intake.
I don’t know how to direct message, perhaps a volunteer can suggest.

josk | @josk | Jul 3 10:34am

In reply to @sharonlee "Are you still able to comment? Do you continue with exercises? Does it help stop the..." + (show)

Hi sharonlee
I try to maintain a bi-wkly session for myofascial therapy, and a daily 10-15 mins of stretching exercises to my neck and shoulders - in the hope that this will slow down the deteriorating late effects of radiation.
I don't know if by doing these exercises helps in slowing down the late effects - but I do hope that it will halt or slow down the late effects of radiation.
Hope this helps - take care!!

sharonlee | @sharonlee | Jul 3 1:24pm

americanfurn; hope things are improving. I know your post was from 24. Did your husband do speech therapy?

sharonlee | @sharonlee | Jul 3 1:27pm

In reply to @steve55 "I am able to eat most foods. My issue is the small portions since I have..." + (show)

Thank you for the reply. Small portions is good, when things don't move smoothly. Do you have a few high calorie boost each day?

sharonlee | @sharonlee | Jul 3 1:30pm

In reply to @josk "Hi sharonlee I try to maintain a bi-wkly session for myofascial therapy, and a daily 10-15..." + (show)

Thank you so much for the reply.
It's hard work, but I am glad to see you doing the therapy. I believe this will help.

sharonlee | @sharonlee | Jul 3 1:42pm

In reply to @suzannekay753 "Wow it’s finally so nice to hear from people who have the same issues. I’m almost..." + (show)

suzannekay; I hope it's okay to respond to your comment? Is there a way to treat Osteoradioncrosis? Is there an simple way to diagnose? Hope you are continuing with the swallow therapy. Sorry , I notice this is an older post. Don't know if it's still followed.

steve55 | @steve55 | Jul 4 7:30am

In reply to @sharonlee "Thank you for the reply. Small portions is good, when things don't move smoothly. Do you..." + (show)

I drink 3 high calorie Boost each day. They are 530 calories each.

sharonlee | @sharonlee | Jul 18 2:56pm

In reply to @forestleaf "My husband has dysphagia from late effect of radiation treatment some 35 years ago, and is..." + (show)

Hello;
Did you find a way to manage the dysphagia?
Looking for same.
Thank you.

forestleaf | @forestleaf | Jul 18 4:12pm

As of now, we have made an appointment with a GI doctor for consultation (for a g-tube). Just take one step at a time. In the meanwhile, husband is very careful with mouth feeding . It almost takes him a whole day just to get enough food. Maybe a g-tube will cut down his feeding time and free him up to do other activities?