How To Heal A Swallowing Problem

[seniorcit]

My dear son age 49, was recently ill. He now has limited swallowing capability and his speech has been affected in that he is unable to speak with any volume. All tests came back negative, and doctors wanted him to have a permanent feeding tube. He is adamant that he doesn't want this because he has no diagnosis. Surprisingly, he manages to drink quite well and can eat slowly. It takes him a long time so isn't getting enough nutrition. Has anyone come across this problem? He has seen several doctors now, and no one can help with cause or cure. Any advice, or information, would be so very much appreciated.

[Mamyalynne]

I have absolutely no experience of this, however the first thing to be tackled is the nutrition aspect - can they get him to see a dietitian.

There are drinks he can be taking to build him up while he hopefully improves.

Must be very worrying for you all.

[rowanwitch]

Try to explain a feeding tube may not be permanent in the sense he thinks. It's just called that because it doesn't need to be re passed every few days. In his case it would be for topping him up overnight and he could still eat and drink during the day. It would mean he would get enough nutrition to recover. The alternative would be high calorie supplements he could drink but they would make him feel quite full.

[woofgang]

There are small volume high calorie supplements which he can be prescribed but, as Mamya says, he really need to see a specialist dietician. Has he seen a Speech and Language Therapist? What tests has he had? Rowanwitch is right when she says that "permanent tubes" aren't permanent. My Father in Law had one as part of his treatment and it was removed when he no longer needed it.

[mallyh]

ii don't have an answer but I hope your son soon gets a diagnosis and they can help him ,take care of yourself to ,I know how horrible it is to see a child ill xx

[Sqad]

Too many unanswered questions here, to get any further than the excellent replies from above.
What was the original illness?
What investigations have been done?
Which Specialists have been consulted?
Is his problem going to improve, remain the same or deteriorate?
He drinks well but eats slowly means that his nutrition is at the moment, not a major problem.
If it does get worse, then he may need an indwelling feeding tube, but at the moment, I would agree with your son to "monitor the situation."
I have a few diagnosis in mind, but at this stage they would be pure conjecture and not worth serious consideration.
Interesting situation....keep us informed.

[spathiphyllum]

Is / was he a heavy smoker?