[Dysphagia] Just Joined the list

[bill at kidslikedoug.com (Bill Bleecker)]

Howdy all,
 
I joined this list after discovering and reading some
of the archives.  
 
I'm not a medical professional, but unbeknownst to me,
I have been studying dysphagia, daily, for almost 2
years now as a paid care provider for one unique
individual named Douglas.   Doug is 23 and has quad CP
and severe scoliosis.  It is now too risky for him to
get a G-tube because of his scoliosis and other
reasons, so he continues to eat pureed foods orally.  
 
I was quite suprised, just now, when I typed in a
search in this list's archives for "baby safe feeder"
and only found 1 match.  This wonderful 'feed bag' as
I call it, has changed Doug's outlook by controlling
his aspiration.  His lungs have been clear ever since
I discovered the bags at Toys R Us.  For him they seem
to work by giving his tongue something to push against
as he swallows.  He doesn't chew his food (or
masticate boluses if y'all prefer), but by
placing something like a piece of fruit into the bag,
it fills his mouth enough to help him swallow the
liquified food I push in around the bag.  One of his
problems seems to be that his jaw is misaligned, ie;
when his molars make contact his front teeth still
have almost a 1/2" gap.  Sometimes when he 'tries' to
swallow his tongue pops clear out of his mouth.  The
feedbag prevents this.  Feeding him is often a 2 hour
chore, but he is doing well.  
 
Anyway, I'm certain I'll learn a lot from this list
and I thank you all in advance.
 
Bill


=====
 KidsLikeDoug.com