Dysphagia

[lawnerd]

Weird, I got kicked out mid "posting" and had to log in again, thought I revived things and did mange to post the above but it is missing a good bit of the things I added last.

I hope I didn't duplicate too many things that are in diet for which Agate provided a link. I will take a look at that before I try to recreate rest of my initial reply.

I hope some of my earlier post is helpful. I also hope your dysphagia is a short lived exacerbation.

Keep us posted and take care,
lawnerd

[lawnerd]

Abby2006,

Its me again. . . Hope I am not overloading you. B/c of problems my mother has had with nursing home "not getting it" [or not careing if they get it], this is a hot button topic with me. Thus, I will try to re-create the parts of my earlier post that "got lost".

Setting - Important to avoid distractions while eating. Avoid conversation. However, if possible, it is a good idea to have someone close by who knows heimlich maneuver. And/or learn it yourself. Eating is a situation when "doing one thing at a time" is a good idea.

Oral Hygiene - Very important. Poor oral hygiene is a very high risk factor for aspiration pneumonia, even for people who have dysphagia and a feeding tube.

Oral Meds, pills and capsules - If you have to take any such meds, how are you handling that? Some meds are very dangerous if crushed. Google "crushed medications" and you should locate a widely regarded "do not crush" list. Ask your pharmacist about this issue - some know about it others are rather clueless. There are liquid/pediatric formulations of a good number of pills and capsules. Caution, in a good number of instances the pill or capsule will be covered by insurance, but the liquid version won't be covered.

Blender - If you can't afford to buy one, maybe you know someone who will lend you their blender. I have a blender that gathers dust about 364 days a year and I think that is fairly common.

Ground meats [like sausage and hamburger or chili] - work well in blender. Add condiments and you can pretty well duplicate the taste of a hambuger w/o the bun or a chili dog w/o the dog or the bun.

Eating smaller "meals" more frequently - As mentioned by someone else, this is a good idea.

Jello - I saw this mentioned. Jello has same melt in your mouth problem as does ice cream.

Lasagna - Most pasta dishes are a gunky mess if put thru blender, but for some reason lasagna seems to work well and has been a favorite for my mother.

Cottage cheese & yogurts - Full fat versions - good for you calories. Can be blended with fruits or savories like a seeded, peeled tomatoe.

Fruit pies - do pretty well in blender.

Cheese Puffs - Not one of the 1st things that might come to mind. However, my mother loves them. Speech therapist had given the OK for them b/c the basically dissolve in your mouth. They are relatively high in calories, fat [& salt]. They can give you a bit of that crunch factor you may be craving.

Hydration - It is almost as important to focus on good hydration as it is to focus on nutrient and calorie density. People on these type of diets are a high risk for dehydration. Don't just drink b/c you are thirsty, drink because you should. Soups also help.

Mechanical soft diet - This is step in between pureed and regular diet. Usually meats are ground up, but most soft cooked veggies, soft raw or cooked fruits, soft scrambled or boiled eggs and soft breads can be eaten "as is."

With a little imagination and caution, this doesn't have to be terrible.

Good luck,
lawnerd

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Lawnerd))))))

Great suggestions!

Lasagne was a favorite for my boys, and it did puree well. If a bit dry (pertains to anything), a little water, or juice, or broth can be added to thin or moisten.

My sons loved pancakes, and with applesauce, maple syrup, a little water, it could blend into a good consistency.

Borrowing a blender from someone is a terrific idea. Abby, you might also search the internet for "refurbished blenders."

Love & Light,

Rose

[Abby2006]

I was back in the hospitalfor awhile now in rehab because I am not ready to go homw

Abby

[stillstANNding]

(Abby),

I am sorry to hear that you have been back in the hospital and now in rehab. I hope the can get you stronger and back to being independent.

Please let us know how you are doing.
ANN

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Abby))))))

I'm so sorry you were hospitalized again.

Sending healing thoughts and prayers for your full recovery and that you can return home soon.

Love & Light,

Rose

[Abby2006]

I will probably be goinginto assisted living

Abby

[Parsi]

Hi Abby. Feeling of two minds about the change? I know I would. No one likes to give up their independence. But help with things is good (cleaning, perhaps cooking, laundry). I don't know how extensive your assisted living place will be. There's a wide range of facilities. Some offer minimum services. Others offer services just short of nursing care. I hope yours offers activities that you can take advantage of and lets you do the things you still can do.

[lawnerd]

Thinking of you,
lawnerd

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Abby))))))

If assisted living is the option before you, then I pray that you will be well cared for by compassionate assistants and medical personnel dedicated to returning you to health.

My thoughts and prayers are with you ~

Love & Light,

Rose

[Virginia]

If you make this decision to go into Assisted Living I hope it turns out to be a place that you truly like a lot. I have a friend who went into independent living and loves it. She is 86 and went in when she was 85. She found a boyfriend right away and is very happy!! Who knows Abby what might be on the
horizon.

However, I know that it is a hard decision to make.

[Abby2006]

I am back home and on long assisted living waiting list.

Someone I know in New Jersey is going to pay to have someone to come in and halp me out for a mmonth

Back down to 59 lbs

Thank you all for support

Abby

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Abby))))))

How generous and wonderful of the person helping you to hire an assistant. I hope you find a competent and kind caregiver.

Sending healing prayers that you gain some weight soon.

Love & Light,

Rose

[Virginia]

Great news about the "helping hand". I hope you have someone who fits your needs perfectly. I was hoping to hear you had gained some weight. Maybe you
can get someone who will cook the things you are able to eat and the things you like, which would be a blessing.

[Abby2006]

Had the first visit from the 'helping hand' yesterday - its hard to sit and watch someone else do what you had to do all your life.

Had to order some scales and they should be here soon.

Not expecting a big gain but at least out of the 50 something that feles so weird. Gave the "orgain' protien drink another try in chocolate and really like it - takes 2 days to get through the 16 ozs but I do it. and back to eating those stupid pop tarts.

There is a new thing (I guess) for those that are spening to much medicare hospital time and a real live dpctpr amd murse will be visiting me tomorrow. my Internest set it up (gee I wonder if she is going to pay for it) I have no idea what they are going to do take vitals I guess won't be getting a new D3 check for another 2 months to see if that number is going down,

Still very weak and sleep alot but still hanging in there

Abby