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Damage to the epoglottic flap from radiation: Will it work again?

Posted by johnmazski @johnmazski, Jul 6 8:56pm

I had head and neck cancer (tonsil and tongue base) in 2009. Trismus is a issue that I had been working with since then. Back in 2025 the epogolittic flap stopped working as a result of the radiation effect. I was hospitalized and in approx 3 weeks I lost 35 lbs. A G tube was inserted and have had very little by mouth. Some coffee, broth, water. Is there anything that can be done to get that flap back working or is my fate to be on this feeding tube forever?
Any replies will be appreciated. John Maslowski in Arizona

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pamelaaci | @pamelaaci | Jul 12 8:54am
In reply to @johnmazski "@thomason Here's the information on the one I use. The neat thing is it's rechargeable and..." + (show)
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@thomason Here's the information on the one I use. The neat thing is it's rechargeable and pulses. power on= steady light, power on then press the on again hold for 3 seconds and the lights pulse.
Bought on Amazon cost $39.99 minor price for something that helps.
Red Light Therapy Belt for Body, 37'' Cordless Red Infrared Light Wrap for Neck Chin Knee Ankle Hand Pain Relief, 660nm & 850nm with Pulse & Heating Modes

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@johnmazski Ordered 1 today for my husband too! Thank you

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thomason | @thomason | Jul 12 12:17pm
In reply to @omaest "@thomason Once the radiation fibrosis has hardened does red light therapy help? What if you have..." + (show)
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@thomason Once the radiation fibrosis has hardened does red light therapy help? What if you have cervical problems in the neck?

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@omaest , thank you, for asking. I will end up probably getting either an ultrasound or an MRI. The thought makes me ill! I am waiting for a redlight device described by a great person on this forum. The redlight wand does work, but it is outdated. Thank you, for caring!

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johnmazski | @johnmazski | Jul 19 5:15pm

UPDATE!!!!!! Here's a picture of the Red Light Therapy wrap I use. It's rechargeable and pulses the lights. I use it twice a day 20 minutes each time. I have had results that have surprised me and my partner Connie. Yesterday I was able to eat some almost raw hamburger and drank about 1/2 bottle of sugar free root beer! Today I was able to swallow baby food carrots! Never realized how good carrots tasted. When using it I swallow and exercise the flap.
KEEP UP THE FIGHT WE WILL WIN!!!

John
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cskippy | @cskippy | Jul 20 2:30pm
In reply to @johnmazski "UPDATE!!!!!! Here's a picture of the Red Light Therapy wrap I use. It's rechargeable and pulses..." + (show)
Profile picture for johnmazski @johnmazski

UPDATE!!!!!! Here's a picture of the Red Light Therapy wrap I use. It's rechargeable and pulses the lights. I use it twice a day 20 minutes each time. I have had results that have surprised me and my partner Connie. Yesterday I was able to eat some almost raw hamburger and drank about 1/2 bottle of sugar free root beer! Today I was able to swallow baby food carrots! Never realized how good carrots tasted. When using it I swallow and exercise the flap.
KEEP UP THE FIGHT WE WILL WIN!!!

John

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@johnmazski Hello thank you so much for posting the picture 🙂 I try to enlarge to see the name couldn't make it out. I did order a mask, but had to return it didn't fit right 🙁 Yours look more like a wrap and lays down covering the neck and upper part of the chest right? please when you have time could post the name. Hang in there 😉 Best!

Connie Sue
We're on our own journey, but yet we're on the same journey.

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johnmazski | @johnmazski | Jul 20 2:53pm

@cskippy The shirt was from a trip to Roswell NM to view things about UFO's. Very disappointing however yes it is a wrap not a mask. Here's the information for it. Click on the picture to view it in full size.
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cskippy | @cskippy | 6 days ago

Are you in therapy? Have you check into buying a item that can help you. do some Jaw Exercises: Stretching regimens, which are often prescribed alongside handheld devices like the Therabite Jaw Motion Rehabilitation System, help mobilize joints and strengthen muscles. check out this video... https://youtu.be/eMT0vtbgCUk Hope this help God bless

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thomason | @thomason | 5 days ago
In reply to @johnmazski "UPDATE!!!!!! Here's a picture of the Red Light Therapy wrap I use. It's rechargeable and pulses..." + (show)
Profile picture for johnmazski @johnmazski

UPDATE!!!!!! Here's a picture of the Red Light Therapy wrap I use. It's rechargeable and pulses the lights. I use it twice a day 20 minutes each time. I have had results that have surprised me and my partner Connie. Yesterday I was able to eat some almost raw hamburger and drank about 1/2 bottle of sugar free root beer! Today I was able to swallow baby food carrots! Never realized how good carrots tasted. When using it I swallow and exercise the flap.
KEEP UP THE FIGHT WE WILL WIN!!!

John

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@johnmazski You are a fighter! Good for you! Thank you, for inspiring me and all the other suffering souls.

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