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15 years post and now on a feeding tube

Snickers1234
Snickers1234 CSN Member Posts: 4
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hello all, I am new here and don't know where to start.

In 2000 I did the 7wks radiation with 3 chemo treatments and then neck disection to remove lymphnodes at age 39. Recovery was slow but I made progress and life was somewhat back to normal. Well in Sept. 2013 I had to be put on a feeding tube from asperation and now I am having a very hard time with my formula coating my throat and it's making my speach very hard to understand. Anyone have this issue?

I have a g-tube so I can do bolous feedings, the J-tube would just take to much time with me working full time. Is there another way?

Thank you and I hope the best for all.

 

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Comments

  • MrsBD
    MrsBD CSN Member Posts: 617 Member
    #2
    15 years

    Wow. You expect to get better as time goes on, not worse. Have you done a swallowing study and therapy? My doctors stressed the need to do neck and swallowing exercises the rest of my life. I wish you the best and hope you will get some helpful tips from others on this site.

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  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 CSN Member Posts: 4,716
    #3
    If your tube formula

    is backing up into your throat, have they checked you for reflux?  What about a different formula?  There are a couple full time tubers on here that will know more than I do.....I only had mine in for 9 months, and never had a problem with it backing up (well, except the other end Smile).....

    p

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  • Barbaraek
    Barbaraek CSN Member Posts: 631 Member
    #4
    Sometimes the esophagus narrows

    could that be happening? If so, I know there are procedures where they can expand it. I hope you find some answers soon!

    Barbara

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  • jackflash22
    jackflash22 CSN Member Posts: 524 Member
    #5
    Formula.

    I was on formula for two years. I found the thicker formulas hard to digest so I mixed them with water. I still have part of my daily diet in formulas. I make them into a warm drink. I use two neutral flavours in the morning in a jug with spoonful of coffee for a kick. I use to use the bolus method but had rests so as not to 'guzzle' it too quickly. I had my throat opened after two years they went through the scar tissue that sealed my throat I now drink my formula. I had the Peg tube removed. I still find it difficult to swallow whole foods. I was offered intensive swallowing three times a week at the hospital but I didn't think I needed it as I swallow liquid fine. Did they say why you have the aspiration problem. DI'd you tilt your head down towards your chest when you swallowed it's supposed to stop it flowing into the lung. when you've finished your bonus feeding sit still for half an hour don't jump up as soon as you finish that can cause reflux. Can you gargle and spit that may clear reflux formula from your throat. Best of luck

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