electrodes

Second session complete. Exhausted but very happy. The treatment consists of Miss Sinnapan attaching the electrodes on the appropriate bits of my face and neck.

She then sends a current through each one and adjusts the frequency whilst I swallow until she is satisfied that it will help, rather than hinder, the swallow. 

Once it is set I begin to chew and swallow ice chips (6 cubes worth). By the end of this(an hour) it was going from 3 or 4 swallows to 1 swallow, the same with the water and yoghurt.

All the time the importance of coughing to clear my throat and concentrating on the task in hand and not talking was emphasised as a safety measure. Without these precautions it is possible that I could take the water/yoghurt down the wrong way (aspirate), which could be very dangerous as my ability to deal with this has been compromised (ie the cough doesn't happen automatically) As long as I do this I will be safe and the natural functions will hopefully return the more of it that I do.

It is very intense. The best results are when you have consecutive treatments, so we are having 20 over the next 2 or 3 weeks. Wow. This is on top of the 1001 exercises I have to do to strengthen my jaw and tongue. 

Unfortunately because of the newness of this treatment, Keeley's Bupa coverage from work won't pay for it. This is a bit of a blow but, to be honest, right now I would pay £1000 for a cheese sarnie so it seems like money well spent.

We will continue with the ice chips and yoghurt over the weekend and see how we go on. We have also been instructed to purée some food to take with us on Monday with a view to trying it out. I fancy macaroni cheese. I will of course let you know.

Thanks to all for the good wishes, birthday greetings and expletives (Shirty). Makes an old man very happy.