Swallowing

About stroke Physical effects
1

I had my strokes last July and have had problem with swallowing since, has anyone else had this, will it get better? Do all my exercises.

2

Hi Peter!

Swallowing problems can be quite common after a stroke. I hope some of our community can offer you some practical tips!

We do have an advice and information page about swallowing, which has some websites, advice and videos: https://mystrokeguide.com/advice-and-information/physical/swallowing

Hope you find these resources quite helpful?

Andrew smiley

3

Cheers Andrew ???

4

Cheers Andrew ???

5

I have swallowing problems 5 years post stroke. This is with drinks, tea , coffee and especially water, not solids. I was referred to a speech therapist for this, took some tests and now use Nutricia, Nutilis powder which thickens tea etc very quickly when stirred in. It is on prescription.

 

6

Hi Peter, I had no swallow after my stroke in August 2010; it improved a little within weeks; after months of drinking awful (!!!) thickened drinks and eating minced and mashed food, it became *completely* normal. I had a Gastroscopy last week where I had to swallow the camera tube: no problems at all. I can have problems eating nuts but had those pre-stroke.

I was stupid enough to try drinking water after my swallow started improving. Stupid in this case meaning I nearly drowned in bed and later developed double pneumonia that nearly killed me. So, be careful and work with the experts. 

So yes, it can get better - will it? I can't promise that because we are all different. I'm someone who did get better but I know people who did not. Persevere and I hope you do improve - do nothing and you won't.

Take care now,

Damian

7

Thanks Damien your email has given me hope, I have found on the internet sloe drinks which you can mix with wine, beer and cider. But the clear thick and easy isn't too bad with gin and tonic. I must admit I don't drink much myself now usually have an orange. I will let you now how I get on.

8

Hi!
My Father-in-law had a stroke 10 days ago and he has lost his ability to speak and his ability to swallow.

I tried the link in the reply above, but it now shows up as an error. I expect the website has changed since the post in 2018.

As I am new to the site, could someone try and provide a new link to this advice and information?

Many thanks!

9

Hello Adajohns

This website changed recently and so you have picked up an old post. I replied to another post: Weak muscles in tongue, which you might be able to find using the search facility. However my reply to that post was as follows: Although I suffered a haemorrhagic stroke, there is cross over with other neurological conditions such as MS and Parkinson’s and they have websites and information which I often find useful. Parkinsons.org.uk have information on “Eating, Swallowing and Saliva control” if you can find it. You can download it as a pdf. Regular swallowing and mouth exercise are part of their approach. Hopefully your father in law is getting some therapy from a speech and language therapist. Best wishes