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Mic tube, GERD & GI's suggestion??
Hello, my dad has a mic tube b/c of oral cancer reconstruction. He believes the excess mucus in his throat is because of GERD. The GI at Johns Hopkins said the manometry revealed a motility disorder and wants to inject botox in the LES. However, the swallow barium test shows no delayed esophageal emptying so, it seems like that's a contradiction. Correct? Also, how would relaxing the LES help with GERD if he is tube feeding? I don't think she has much experience with patients that have tubes.
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Dad's daughter,
I no nothing about a mic tube. I am guessing the manometry was a test in and down his throat? I am 65, I had a swallow test done 4+ years ago, not the barium one, had that 100 years ago, useless. This one was useless too. I feel the doctors were just trying to shut me up. I had a 4 year long cough that nearly broke my ribs. They tried to diagnose me with GERD, sure I had an episode about 2x a year. The cough and the gagging mucus were terrible. For me, the answer was right in front of their nose (idiots). I had pSS- primary Sjögren's syndrome. It's so so much more than dry mouth, eyes and nose. But I got to learn all of this on my own. Back to the tube, mucus and Botox. Is the tube in 24/7? Is it down far enough, since you mentioned feeding tube.? I haven't had one, don't ever want one 😱, but I did have the nasal gastric tube shoved up my nose and down my throat, esophagus, clear into the small intestine...it was to prevent surgery for a small intestinal partial blockage and twists. In the ICU they X-rayed the placement 5+ x, initially, then a few more times for adjustments.
I think you have a valid point about all of this. I'm not afraid of Botox, I get them every 10 weeks, 25+- injections all around my head , neck, shoulders for refractory migraines, for 15+ years. But, I would be scared of Botox anywhere near my throat.
If your dad gets the tube out after feeding, I told you I know nothing about this... but I do know mucus. I tried so many different remedies. The final and best is gargling with a small amount of seltzer water, name brand is much better. When I first started I used too much water and churning up the carbonation in my throat....well you know what happens when you shake a can of soda and then open it...well it came forcefully spraying out of my mouth, so do it over the sink. I use a bit more of it now and I swallow a tiny bit of it before I spit it out. It has saved me from many excruciating coughing episodes that could last for 10-30 minutes each. I have no idea if this is of any help, but if you try it, I would love to know if it helps your dad. He is lucky to have you as his daughter. Good luck ShelleyW
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