Jules' Weblog

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.

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.

1. Simple books, e.g. Mr Men, so they'll be going down next time I'm there


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.

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