Living with Dysphagia
Dysphagia is a swallowing impairment and it affects roughly 1 in 25 adults. Different health conditions can cause dysphagia, such as a stroke or brain injury. Or, it can also result as a consequence of cardiac or spinal surgery. You may have been diagnosed with dysphagia in a hospital setting. The way that it was addressed was very ‘medicalized’ which makes sense because of the environment you were in as a patient. Now you’re home. Your house is not a hospital. The community is not a ‘medicalized’ environment. How do you live with dysphagia now?
Food and drinks are integral, they sustain our life. Dysphagia may mean that you consume nutrients a bit differently. Perhaps you have to change the consistency of your drinks for a bit, so that you don’t choke. Or, maybe your foods have to be prepared in softer, bite sized pieces. Some of you rely on special feeding utensils or strategies to be able to eat and drink. It can feel like much when trying to eat outside of the house.
I want to remind you that food and drinks are life sustaining, but they are also part of the most meaningful moments in our lives. As a therapist, I care about you eating safely with dysphagia, but also that you enjoy eating with others again too. Here are some strategies to make living in the home and community with dysphagia, a bit more dignified:
Stock up on reusable to-go cups.
You can avoid mixing up drinks for your dysphagia diet and instead have them ready to go, ready to sip.
Cheers!
If drooling is a problem, keep a nice handkerchief on hand. Or use an athletic sweatband around your wrist so you can wipe your mouth more discreetly. Keep extras with you to change them out as needed. Use a small wet bag to stash the soiled ones away until you get back home again.
If you currently drink thickened liquids, make them ahead of time. Buy a few resusable to-go cups that match your style and personality. There are so many to choose from these days! The ones that are double walled usually do a good job of keeping drinks cold.
Always keep a few snacks that match the consistency of food that you eat on hand.
When eating out with someone, plan ahead. Look at the restaurant menu online to scope out options that match the diet you’re on for your dysphagia. Don’t hesitate to call ahead and speak with a manager for more details. Be strategic and dine at times that aren’t too busy.
When attending events where meals will be served, pack up your dysphagia meal in a compact lunch pack. Find one that keeps hot foods hot, or cold foods cold. Not sure if you can bring your own food to that place? Call ahead and ask!
I know that living with a new normal can be hard for you. Because of the advances we have in treating dysphagia, for many people it does get better. However in the meantime, don’t be afraid to venture out and live your life– even with dysphagia.
Are you having a hard time eating? Have you been losing weight, but you can’t figure out why? Do you avoid foods that you really like, because it’s hard to eat them nowadays? Bright Speech is a private practice that helps adults like you to find answers to your swallowing problems by evaluating your dysphagia symptoms and creating a customized treatment plan. Feel free to reach out with questions.
