Post-operative swallowing difficulties

[Chipster]

Following chemotherapy (5FU & Cisplatin) and radiation therapy, I had my esophagus removed on 5-8-02. Immediately prior to my discharge from the hospital on 5-19-02, I was given a Rehab Esophagram and then a Modified Barium Swallow. The results indicated decreased deflection of the epiglottis plus penetration and slight aspiration.  I was sent home with my PEG  feeding tube still in place and instructions for thin liquids only by mouth using the "chin tuck" technique. I would like to know, "What lies ahead?"  Are there therapies available?  Does my condition improve normally with time?  I have a speech therapist who has visited me once here at home, but she is at a loss on how to proceed at this point due to inadequate(and often confusing)information from the hospital. I would greatly appreciate any information you may have regarding types of treatment available, general prognosis at this stage, possible reference data, etc.  Thank you very much.

[auntfufu]

My mother had a simular problem like yours.  Her's was caused by a series of strokes and a brain anerism.  But, she had some problems before her strokes.  The strokes just made it worse.  She would choke on everything.  Her therapist would have her do the chin tuck,  and she still had problems.  But instead of liquids, she had to put thickit in her drinks.  Everything that she had had to be pudding consistancy.  Otherwise she would asperate it into her lungs.  Also, she would have to take a bite of lemon freeze.  The cold from this would make the muscles contract and that helped to close the opening to the lungs. She had asperation (sp)nemonia? more times then I can remember.  There are excercises you can do to help this problem.  I honestly can't remember what they all are, but I know they are out there.  Don't give up though.  
My mother, bless her heart, was tired of fighting and gave up,  they eventually had to put a feeding tube in her and she was allowed nothing by mouth.  But, she had strugled so long and so many times with the phnemonia(I think that's closer)she was just tired.  But, I do know that there is help out there for you.  I do hope you the best.