Another Video Flueroscopy

Mom had another Video Flueroscopy today. They brought in a Speech Language Pathologist to try different swallowing techniques and also see how mom does with different types of liquids and solids. There are a few changes. They tried different positions during the swallow. Typically if a patient tucks their chin while swallowing liquids it helps close the airway and reduce the risk of aspiration. They found that none of the positions made any difference for mom. During one swallow with thin liquids, some of the liquid did penetrate the trachea. Unlike prior test mom didn't cough or feel the penetration. This is not good. This puts her at great risk of aspiration.  Additionally during swallows with solid foods, the food stopped at a bump where the aorta presses against the esophagus. From here on the doctor wants mom on soft food and thickened liquids, and she has to follow every bite of food with a drink followed by a hard dry swallow to clear her esophagus. These swallowing issues have to be one of the worst parts of this disease.