Swallowing Issues...

JC F
JC F Member Posts: 74
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

I'm ten weeks out from 35 rads and 3 chemos for BOT. I've had the usual dry mouth and lack of taste issues but have just started experiencing problems swallowing. When I eat or drink I can swallow without difficulties but without anything in my mouth I am starting to experience extreme problems with just the act of swallowing. If I take even just a drop of water it triggers the swallowing mechanism but if I don't take any liquid or food I am having a big problem trying to swallow. When I wake up in the morning I can swallow without problem but within an hour it starts to become a problem. This started last week after I went for a CT scan and they put iodine in me for contrast. I don't know if this triggered what is happening or is coincidental but it has become a big problem. I plan on seeing the doctors on Monday but am very concerned about what seems to be a paralysis of my swallowing mechanism unless I take food or liquid to trigger it. Has anyone had any experience with this? The last few days have been very hard...

Comments

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    #2
    Fatigue?

    I've found as I return to performing and singing, fatigue plays a factor in swallowing. There have been many times after a performance and singing for 90 minutes that I can't get my swallow going for an hour or so. I can take a sip of water and it triggers it but it is disconcerting. I also still find, 19 month post treatment that my throat tires when eating, especially after a long day at work where I've been talking a lot (I'm in sales and speak on the phone all day). 

    You're just out of treatment and it takes a good year or two until you reach the "new normal" hang in there.

    Positive thoughts and prayers

    "T"

     

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #3
    fishmanpa said:

    Fatigue?

    I've found as I return to performing and singing, fatigue plays a factor in swallowing. There have been many times after a performance and singing for 90 minutes that I can't get my swallow going for an hour or so. I can take a sip of water and it triggers it but it is disconcerting. I also still find, 19 month post treatment that my throat tires when eating, especially after a long day at work where I've been talking a lot (I'm in sales and speak on the phone all day). 

    You're just out of treatment and it takes a good year or two until you reach the "new normal" hang in there.

    Positive thoughts and prayers

    "T"

     

    Once in awhile

    on occasion, I get a sensation that I can't swallow. not sure what triggers but I tell myself to stay calm. Once calm, I keep trying and it passes. Sometimes happens a day or two in a row and sometimes doesn't happen for weeks at a time. Not sure what causes but it can panic you. Tell your doctor 

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #4
    jc f, i am 5 yrs out from rad

    jc f, i am 5 yrs out from rad tx and i have the same problem sometimes.  it will actually take me a minute and much thought and trying to be able to actually swallow.  i would assume it is a side affect of rads.  i hope it will get better for you.  as i said, it only happens to me once in a while, so maybe it will be the same for you.  hoping for the best.

    God bless you,

    dj

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