I know that problems with swallowing can be a symptom of CM but I never had an issue with that before surgery. Now ever since my 1st surgery I choke on the littlest thing. I have to take one pill at a time & even then they often get stuck. Now my throat is starting to hurt. It almost feels like the food & meds have scraped it. I can't open my mouth enough to eat a sandwich (last night I had to eat my steak & cheese with a knife & fork lol). I am hoping this is normal & will go away as I heal. I asked my NS about it and he said to talk to the anesthesiologist. When I had my 2nd surgery I asked them and they said the tube doesn't go down your throat so it wouldn't be that. Anyone else have problems like this? If so please tell me they just went away I don't want to go to anymore doctors.
I too have the same problem since having surgery on June 20th! It is getting better now, but still have to have a drink sometimes to get stuff to go down. I asked my surgeon about it and he said it is probably from all the swelling and inflammation in your neck area from the surgery, which he said is normal and will get better! Glad it is not just me and hope this helps you some!
I have to sleep in a sitting up position too, did not have a leak, but surgeon said to sleep that way. Your chin to your chest could be making it worse, I have woken up a few times and been in that position too! I also could not open my mouth very wide after surgery either, but it is better now! I think you will be fine and just need to let yourself heal. Remember you had brain surgery twice and have a lot of healing to do. I worried too, but figured if it did not get better, or got worse I would check with the doctor again. Luckily, it has gotten better and I am sure you will too with some time!:). Sending healing thoughts your way
I can't believe they didn't make you take a swallowing test before you went home for the hospital. Most Chiarians has Dysphagia (Swallowing or Choking problems). You may also have a lot of saliva when you have swallowing problems. It has nothing to do with the Anesthesiologist. The surgery affects the nerves in your throat. Applesauce & pudding makes pills go down a lot easier post op.
They didn’t have me take any test either when I had my surgery a few weeks ago! I am 6 weeks post op and am better, but still have a little trouble swallowing some things!! Great advice on the pudding and applesauce:).
Becki,
I had trouble swallowing after my fusion (C5-C7) surgery in March. It cleared up for the most part, there are days when I still have trouble swallowing or even drinking water. I have heard of some people having trouble and it did go away after the swelling and inflammation went away.
Mike
Becki,
Don't know if it will help but gargling with warm water and salt sometimes helps swelling in the throat. If that's what is causing the problem it might help. I hope it clears up quick. Not fun dealing with that on top of everything else you are going through. Praying for you.
Wendy
Okay... interesting that you ask this because it is something that I planned on asking my doctor on my follow up. I am 2 1/2 weeks out of surgery. Swallowing has been on and off. The being able to open my mouth wide though is a HUGE problem. I tried to eat a sandwich the other day and could not do it ;-( I am not sure what to think about this... I am afraid to ask anything because I DO NOT want to go through this again. I have been having a hard time these past two weeks, but fighting like crazy. I go to see the Dr on Monday
Becki,
It took 3 - 4 weeks if I remember right for it to go away on a daily basis. I still get it occasionally but not nearly as bad as I had it after my fusion. Right now it happens maybe a couple of times a week usually when it does I am either eating or drinking to fast. If it doesn't clear up or if it is really bothersome ask for a modified barium swallow with speech. That is what my PCP ordered for me when I told him about the trouble swallowing. All it is is the techs sit you in a chair and have you drink/eat things of different consistency and they watch it in your neck, throat area (with X ray). Hope this helps.
Becki Bowling said:
How long did it take to go away? I have had trouble with liquids too. I really thought it was all in my head but it just won't clear up. I am not glad to know others have had the same issue but I am glad to hear that it cleared up with most that have experienced it. Kind of frustration when in for surgery to get fixed & have to deal with a whole new bunch of problems. Hope you are doing well!