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October 20, 2003

Talk & Swallow

Well, having had a long chat with the Speech Therapist today I understand more what's being done, and reasons as to why she's drinking one minute, and slushing the next.

We've also got a good idea on diet and things she can do too (click away for more).

Swallowing


The post-op stroke has affected her swallow muscle control. As a result if things are too runny they'll pass down her throat without her noticing what's going on, and so mean she'll end up coughing, and eventually get a chest infection.
Also, her energy levels are quite low, which is affecting her swallowing. She's not got the energy to chew a lot, and so will end up swallowing larger bites and choking. Hence it's better to eat puried foods until her energy levels are back up and she's able to chew for longer.

Communication

Her understanding is good, when not too much information is presented. Complex verbal info, and reading seem difficult. She's able to understand language very well, but concentrates on the important words. As with the swallowing this might be affected by her energy levels too. The impairment is order based, i.e. things don't necessarily come out as they should, e.g. vowel sounds. They get muddled up between the brain and mouth. The brain is slowly relearning what is what. Different parts will take over the damaged bit, the therapy aiding it on it's way.

Things To Do
  1. Simple books, e.g. Mr Men, so they'll be going down next time I'm there :-D

  2. Read magazines and newspapers to her, both as something to do, and as an aid to her understanding of language and speech.

  3. Gentle correction to what she's saying, rather than complete correction, so she's getting a chance to correct herself rather than listen to someone tell her what she should've said.

Things To Eat
  1. Light sponge cakes, but nothing too dry. Cake and custard would be a good one

  2. Stews and curries, but slowly cooked so that the meat is extremely soft

  3. Fruit smoothies, milkshakes, ice creams

  4. Anything mashed up, but no large lumpy bits, it needs to be soft

Posted by alan at October 20, 2003 12:54 PM

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Comments

makes sense. will try and go see her later, but with the northern line off, will to probably bus it : (

Posted by: Chris (jule's bruv) at October 20, 2003 1:03 PM

ok, so I 'bussed' it. driver took the wrong route. figures.....

The service runs from Euston BTW.

Posted by: Chris (jule's bruv) at October 21, 2003 10:35 AM

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