Complete laryngectomy

Hi @msherfinski, I was just thinking about you the other day. I moved your message to the Head & Neck Cancer group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/head-neck-cancer/). I'm glad to hear that your laryngectomy was a success and that you've had the feeding tube removed.

Here are some past discussions that may interest you:
- Feeding tube removal https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/feeding-tube-removal/
- Soft Food Suggestions https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/soft-food-suggestions/

Now to getting tips to help make your recovery easier. I'm tagging @deborahe @jeffk @phinken @alpaca and @gaybinator and @loli to bring them into this discussion and for their suggestions about swallowing problems and constant mucous production.

Msherfinski, how is the transition to food going? What have you been able to eat and swallow?

It's tough to swallow. Of course it's been only one day!! I'm hoping it'll get easier with time. I've been trying to choke down whatever I can. I just don't want to go back on that damn feeding tube. I've been trying soft stuff like jello, malts, soup and whatever. Like I said it's only been one day since the tube came out. 10 days since 2nd surgery.

Hi,
Wishing you well. Sound like you are on a fast tract. The mucus in you mouth may be related to you swallowing. I had thick mucuses in my lungs and stoma. I found 2 thinks that helped. Stay hydrated and I still take Guaifenesin or plain Tussin. Mussinex it thins out the mucus. Make sure it does not have additives like DM, flu or allergy meds.
The second if you have mucus in you stoma is saline bullets or I use simply saline spray 2 x a day. You may need a humidifier at night. I did see a speech pathologist for swallowing therapy. Have a speedy recovery. Remember to follow up and it does take time.
From the sunshine state!

Thank you so much, Phinken. I wrote down your tips. I'm a snowbird and visit the Sunshine State in February, March and April. I love it. Ft. Myers area.

Hello,
I am considering having a complete laryngectomy as I am not able to eat or drink anything for two years. I was wondering how are you doing with swallowing.

Hi Karl,
I'm tagging @msherfinski to make sure that he sees your question about how he is doing after his complete laryngectomy 4 years ago, in particular with swallowing.

Karl, how are you doing with the feeding tube?

@msherfinski could you please let us know if how you are doing post your complete laryngectomy. Are there any challenges that you are still facing?