Ten years of living with dysphagia has taken its toll on my body - By Jenny

Ten years of living with dysphagia has taken its toll on my body and soul.

Difficulty swallowing has been something that I have had to live with since my stroke. It is a bugger of a thing and took a lot of joy out of my life. Enjoying a meal is no longer something that comes easily to me.

But gradual weight loss began two years ago, and this has been a much more difficult situation to deal with than not being able to appreciate a meal.

My doctor and specialists could not find an answer – and I tell you it was not through lack of trying.

Blood tests provided no answer, all the while I became weaker and weaker, to the point where I thought that I might be dying.

I can't fully describe to you how it feels to be starving. I felt very weak and was losing my balance for no apparent reason.

My speech therapist came to my rescue by recommending a particular dietitian who works with dysphagia patients.

It was a revelation.

After years of restricted eating and swallowing my body is short of nutrients. My diet is now nourishing with fats and high protein.

I always thought my food intake was adequate. Now after more than 30 years of type 1 diabetes, with guidance from my dietician, I now eat all the foods I avoided - and enjoy doing so, even cream and ice cream.

I urge anyone with dysphagia to be checked out by a dietitian.

I now eat six nourishing small meals six times per day, and I am feeling stronger already.

A special thank you to my husband, son, daughter and four grandsons who rally around me and provide support. Get ready for stronger bearhugs, they are coming.

Stay well. Jenny

Podcast: Nutrition and hydration

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