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Difficulty swallowing liquids
I’m 69 and about 22 years out from throat cancer. I was treated with three rounds of chemo and 6 weeks radiation. My swallowing issues have developed in the last 4-5 years, fortunately prior to that I had little problems.
I have not seen many posts on swallowing liquid which I find difficult. I also have problems swallowing food which there are many post on . Most of my liquids are swallowed when eating, at that time water goes down easier.
Does anyone deal with similar issues?
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I'm just a year out from surgery for tongue cancer. My swallowing is getting better. But one thing I find is that some foods go down better with hot liquid. So I always like to have decaf tea or coffee standing by. Others are just fine with room temp water. It also seems that when my lymphedema is bad my swallowing is worse.
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1 ReactionThanks Sandy.
When drinking liquid only, do you drink warm liquids as well?
Good luck with your recovery.
Hi. I'm 65 and 16 years out. My surgeon told me my soft pallet was not working effectively. I have had swallowing issues, primarily food, for the last 4-5 years. Liquid is still OK although I have found I cannot swallow liquids "quickly" (chugging). Slowing the process down seems to be better for me. Also, eating and carbonated drinks don't seem to do well together.
I posted the attached last week. I try to do swallowing and neck exercises everyday.
Head and Neck Exercises (Head-and-Neck-Exercises-1.pdf)
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2 ReactionsNot necessarily. If I'm not eating I can drink hot or cold. But with food I still have to concentrate on eat bite and make sure it clears before taking another. Sometimes ill drink a cold drink and have to follow up with hot to get it to clear.
I am 71, and 18 years out of nasopharyngeal carcinoma IV. Was ok after radiation and chemo treatment. Four years ago - mid 2020 - I started having difficulties in speech and in swallowing as well. Diagnosed with dysphagia (swallowing issue) and dysarthria (speech issue) - told that these issues are the late effects of radiation - especially to survivors of head and neck cancer.
Yes - I require liquid with my food, and food have to be in small bite sizes - soft and 'mushy', also liquid or water is hard to go down - had to tilt my head a little for the liquid to go down well so that it does not come out through my nose. Drooling also comes into place, and numbness in the lower mouth/jaw area.
Am learning to adapt to this change in lifestyle (with these invisible disabilities, it restricts me mingling and socialising with families and friends and in public places).
After 4 years - am still learning and adapting to be 'ok' in living with these disabilities!
It's tough!