Diagnosis: Dysphagia

Dysphasia Chewy Tubes

Today Samedh was evaluated by a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) through Holland Hospital's Dysphagia Program. Dysphagia is a feeding and/or swallowing disorder that can occur in adults and children. Ms. Jenni, Samedh's therapist, recommended his initial treatment be once a week for 12 weeks.

Today's evaluation included eating treats like goldfish crackers, pudding and mandarin oranges. Samedh enjoyed every bit of it...except for the mandarin oranges. Ms. Jenni took note of how Samedh ate with a spoon, chewed, swallowed and drank through a straw. She assessed his cheek muscles, both inside and out, and found the right side to be much weaker. Samedh's top lip function is weak as well, but drinking through a straw as well as other oral motor activities should help improve this.

Tomorrow we will begin keeping a food log, as well as making notes on Samedh's food likes and dislikes (including what foods he will TRY). At next week's therapy session, we'll learn about some new oral motor activities that we can try at home. In the meantime, we are going to continue what we've been doing over the past several weeks. I may also inquire online about some Dysphasia Chewy Tubes like shown in the picture above. Samedh used one today in therapy and they are supposed to be great for exercising the mouth muscles. They might be a bit pricey though, because I found one similar chew tube from another company that was priced at $30 each. However, it should be an expense we can turn in for reimbursement through our flexible spending account. The bottom line is, whatever we can do to help Samedh strengthen his oral motor function, is top priority at the moment. This is going to be a team effort, and we are all in it for the long haul.