Fitting for Obtuator: What is this like? What's the process?

We would like to know as well. Husband wasn’t fitted for one before surgery in March No issues eating but is having issues with drinking thin liquids which aspirate through the nose.

@pamelaaci the fitting just involved getting impressions then they will wire it in during removal of cancer tumor. Then, as the swelling goes down, they make a more permanent one and it will involve adjustments. These are very expensive and my dentist doesn’t file medical so I had to pay and will hopefully be reimbursed by my insurance company for some of it. Does he use straws? How long was his recovery post surgery if you don’t mind sharing? How are you ?

@jadwyer his recovery was good and not painful. A month of puréed food and then no issues eating. The drinking is the issue with or without straws. Doc suggested waiting 6 months prior to getting fitted, but now agrees that he needs something now at 3 months. We are hoping to get an appointment next week. Good they are fitting you for it before surgery and hoping it helps with swallowing. I heard yes very expensive and hoping Medicare will cover it. They removed about 80 lymph nodes (which had no cancer) from his neck and he is having shoulder issues— is off to physical therapy for that this morning and for about 20 visits.

I just went through this. As someone else mentioned, the first step was the prosthodontist made impressions of my mouth and was in close coordination with my surgeon about what the plan was so he could make the device as close fitting as possible. It was wired in place during surgery because it can then protect the skin graft and enable you to drink, eat and talk. Note: for me at least, this first one has no teeth. Shouldn’t be chewing on that side anyway as it’s healing.
At the post-surgery appointment (~10 days later) the surgeon unwired it so now it’s removable for cleaning. Trust me, it needs regular cleaning. The dentist will make a permanent one, with teeth, when treatment is finished and my mouth has healed. There was no point (for me) in making a permanent one until we know what all my mouth changes are as there is likely radiation and chemo in my future. Hope this helps.

@sarahbee56 it sounds like I am really lucky. I have teeth and I don't think I have to do the flap thing unless it is more extensive. I am hoping not because it is a longer recuperation. I am sorry that you are having to go through this. What should I get to drink while recuperating? This is so helpful. I have a husband with dementia and a 14 month old great grandchild living with us so I am just freaked out about the whole situation. Thanks so much for sharing.

@pamelaaci I hope the dentist can make him a good one. That seems to help with drinking. Did he have an incision on his neck or just with a scope down his throat? It helps to have teeth to attach the device to but they can make pretty fake ones. Yes, hopefully medicare will cover it. Be sure to ask if they file medical at the dentist. Or if you have a good dental plan with your Medicare, that might kick in. Glad to know that his recovery was good but sorry about drinking. Hope you are coping with all of this!

@jadwyer I still have teeth on the right side of my upper and lower jaw and didn’t have to have a free flap.
Not sure exactly what surgery you’re having but generally you get the obturator because there’s going to be an opening in the roof of your mouth after surgery. The obturator plugs that hole. Without the hole being plugged your speech sounds weird (“hyper nasal”) and when you drink/eat there’s a decent chance some of it will go up through that hole and out your nose.
Your doctor should be giving you clear instructions on what you are allowed to eat after surgery. I would call their office now and ask for those instructions so you can stock up. For me it was clear liquids (including jello) for a few days then “full liquid” which basically meant everything had to be pureed or that consistency. All of my surgery involved the upper part of my mouth and not my neck or tongue so swallowing wasn’t a problem. But I used jello, chicken broth, beef bone broth, protein shakes (Kachava brand), pudding. For pureed I’d blend up chicken noodle soup, beef veg soup, cottage cheese. Applesauce is perfect. Same with smooth yogurt. No chunks - still can’t chew! Mashed potatoes : heaven. Mashed sweet potatoes. One super helpful tip for me was adding some canned (soft, well cooked) cannellini beans to those soups. Helps add calories and fiber but doesn’t affect the taste.
You really have your hands full. Are there any local/county/city services you can take advantage of to help you through this if you don’t have enough family/friends pitching in?

@jadwyer yes crossing fingers this will solve the issue. They did make a big incision across his throat for the lymph nodes which has healed up very nicely and hardly noticeable. He does have all his teeth and hoping this helps with the obturator which sounds like it may help. Thank you for the helpful details which are a big help!

Yes, the teeth make it so much easier because they can attach better that way. Hang in there. I really find the message board to be helpful.