Difficulty swallowing

Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing. I had to learn to swallow again. I practised with 'thickened water' (for people with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)) - maybe your GP can point you in the right direction? Now, I know what food to avoid and I always have a glass of water next to me when I have a meal. Take care.

Hi Jennifer

Any new changes in swallowing should be discussed with your GP, to rule out any potential medical reason for the cause.

It’s also best to chat to your GP about getting a referral to see a Speech Pathologist.

They can assess both your swallowing, throat and coughing issues.

There are many things that can be done to help make eating and drinking more comfortable for you but it’s important to have a thorough assessment first.

Speech Pathologists can make modifications to your existing diet to ensure you are safe and also maintaining adequate hydration, nutrition and avoiding any risk of aspiration pneumonia which can cause you to become quite unwell.

You can read and learn more about swallowing after stroke here and general information of swallowing problems here.

If you have private health insurance with extras, you may be able to use this to access a Speech Pathologist but check with your insurer first.

A private Speech Pathologist can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to ask your GP if you  would be eligible for the chronic conditions management treatment plan.

 If you are eligible, this would entitle you to 5 sessions over a 12-month period, to therapy at a Medicare rebated rate.

This means there would still be an out-of-pocket cost, but that it would be less than paying privately.

You can also find a Speech Pathologist here, if your GP does not have one that he can recommend nearby.

Don’t forget it is important to be aware of any of your potential stroke risk factors and secondary stroke prevention.

You can read more about this here.

If you would like to discuss this with us further, please don’t hesitate to contact

StrokeLine 1800 787 653

or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST.

 With kind regards,

 Alicia, StrokeLine

Thanks for the responses but out of pockets are out of the question.

I'm on Jobseekerand I've already cut my health care back as far as I can. My only option left is to stop seeing my (non bulk billing) GP of 14years and go to the local bulk billing hick Drs who accused me of self diagnosing another condition using Dr Google and refused to prescribe my anxiety medication because "you need to learn to manage it without medication".

I'm done with the whole health care system and ready to let nature take its course. 

Hi Jennifer, you may also find that Jenny's blog is helpful too.

You can reach out to Jenny here. 

Hello Jennifer,

We are sorry to hear of the financial difficulties you are going through and certainly understand how challenging it can be to access the services and supports you need with multiple medical costs.  It is really hard when you feel the health system and the Doctors have not supported you.   I am sorry that this has been your experience.  It is important that you do seek the medical attention that you need, especially for something like swallowing which can cause serious illness of you end up with food or fluid in your lungs.

Are you linked in with a Community Health Service? If so, I would suggest contacting them and asking about speech Pathology services. There is a cost associated with community Health, but given your financial worries, they might be able to waive the fees, especially given the fact you do need to see a speech Pathologist.

Do you have a health care card, or low-income health care card Jennifer? This can help with relieving the costs associated with healthcare and medications.

Would you consider seeing a new GP closer to you, and one that does bulk bill?  I understand you have had a terrible time in the past with a different local GP, but is there a different clinic, or different Doctor that you could see? Perhaps asking family or friends if they see someone that they can recommend locally. Sometimes word of mouth can be the best way to find a new Gp, or specialist.

Given all that has happened for you Jennifer, would it be helpful to talk to someone, perhaps give us a call here at StrokeLine, or Beyond Blue on Ph. 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Sometimes when you are feeling like you want to give up, it can help to talk with someone. You are more than welcome to give us a call here on StrokeLine on Ph. 1800 787 653. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and would be happy to help with finding you some additional financial supports.

Do reach out to us.

Warm Regards,

Siobhan (StrokeLine)