posted
I had a swallow test today, basically saying there were 2-3 little problems, one being the muscle at the back of my tongue. Various liquids were "leaking". Have to wait for the ENT for actual results.
While at the hospital, I picked up a copy of an MRI that was done in Feb. for Trigneminal Neuralgia.. No real idea what it means but it scares me.
" FINDINGS: T2 and FLAIR
Posts: 10 | From Jacksonville, FL | Registered: May 2008
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"FINDINGS: T2 and FLAIR images demonstrated small areas of high signal in the perientricular white matter consistent with subcortical ischemic change. Additionally, there is a smaller area of encephalomalacia in the right parietal occipital area. There is no diffusion restriction, mass effect, or enhancement in the area. The brain stem and cerebellum are unremarkable. The cavernous sinuses appear unremarkable without evidence of mass. No abnormality is evident in the skull base. There is minimal left mastoid tip opacity."
Jackie
Posts: 10 | From Jacksonville, FL | Registered: May 2008
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
up for day shift of RNs and we do have someone who reads xrays member too. don't know how often she comes here.
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
Jackie,
Did you have a Modified Barium Swallow Study done?
Liquids are spilling over your tongue base prior to swallow being initiated?
This may not be base of the tongue issue, but a swallow reflex issue.
Let me know. I am a Speech Therapist who has done hundreds of swallow studies
As well as dysphagia (swallowing) therapy.
I may be able to help through some exercises and compensatory techniques.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
Yes, it was a modified barium swallow. The leaking was after I swallowed. The tech said something about leaking during the swallow and the muscle at the base of my tongue being "slack". My complaint was choking badly. It's as if I get get choked on my own saliva unexpectedly and I can't get a breath. to the point I think I'll pass out. Scared the heck out of a friend that was here once. I had a swallow test two years also. That time they included a pill coated with barium and it would stick in my throat. they suggested I see an ENT but my doc never followed through. This tech did suggest therapy but I can't committ to 3 times a week till I feel better.
Tips, tehcniques would be wonderful.
Thanks, General and hugs too, Jackie
[ 20. May 2008, 10:15 AM: Message edited by: Jackie ]
Posts: 10 | From Jacksonville, FL | Registered: May 2008
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
Jackie,
What you are describing sounds like aspiration.
That is when liquid/food reaches below the level of the vocal folds.
This causes violent coughing. The "I swallowed the wrong way" thing.
You need to be careful because aspiration can cause pneumonia.
Couple of things to try.
Try a thicker drink. Something in the consistency of nectar (like cough syrup).
A thicker drink gives more feedback to your system to initiate a swallow.
You can tuck you chin as you swallow. As far down as you go.
You can follow every bite/sip up with some lemon ice.
They now make a sugar free one.
There is something about cold and lemon that triggers a better and faster swallow reflex.
If you are weaker on one side vs. the other, turn your head to the weaker side.
It effectively closes off that weaker side.
You can take ice and pour lemon juice over it.
You need to be able to locate the flap of skin that sits in front of your tonsils.
If you take a small metal dental mirror and let it sit in the cold lemon mix,
Then gently (gently) stroke that flap of skin.
It may evoke a gag response, but try if you feel comfortable.
Lemon and cold stimulate the swallow.
I've had lots of swallowing issues.
I aspirated my saliva all the time prior to diagnosis.
I thought I had a brain tumor as I knew this was a neurological symptoms.
Mine has gotten better with treatment and only flares once in a while.
Once on saliva in the last few months.
Of course, I used all the compensatory techniques I knew and they worked.
If you can, at least see the ST once and ask her about techniques and exercises to
Facilitate a faster, stronger swallow.
Sometimes you need to be shown these things.
PM me anytime if you think I can be of any more help.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
Thanks, General. I'll try these. I may be able to get over to the therapist next week. You described it very accuragely, like food going down the wrong way but so scary. Hugs, Jackie
Posts: 10 | From Jacksonville, FL | Registered: May 2008
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