Anyone diagnosed with Dysphagia? My husband has this as part of his Parkinson's. He just had a second swallow study. He is now in a high danger zone as far as swallowing and aspirating which can cause pneumonia. He's had pneumonia 3 times so far. He aspirated at least 4 times during the testing yesterday and didn't know it. Scary
I am wondering what others do when diagnosed. Do you 'thicken' all liquids. Dennis now has to eat 1/4 inch bites, swallow twice with head tucked followed by… read more
I have a smoothie for breakfast which is thick. When I need to add a thickener, I use Thicken Up Clear https://www.amazon.com/Resource-Thicken-Clear-P... which uses xanthum gum. Every other product uses cornstarch.
Thank you! Got the Thick It from Amazon and will check out the Thicken up clear next time needed! Have a blessed day!!!
Thicken Up Clear mixes in easily. There is usually a little residue on the bottom of the container. The trick is to put it in the container first, then add the liquid - do it the other way and it doesn't mix as well. Much more consistent than the cornstarch-based thickeners - which get gloppy and sometimes get thicker. But I've only been able to buy Thicken Up Clear on Amazon, though it's supposed to also be available at Walgreens, too - just aren't any near me. You could get a 4,4 oz/125 gram container for about $11 to try.
oops .... Meant to ask does Thicken Up Clear mix in easily or does it separate? Thanks much!
I, too, have trouble swallowing at times. I like to make smoothies which helps. Example, for breakfast I use a mixture of Fiber K cereal, oatmeal, frozen fruit, a little Stevia, and milk and blend together. The Fiber K gives me fiber as well as the oatmeal which helps me with constipation. A little "gritty" but it is very good anyway. One could prepare other foods for other meals by experimenting which I have not done yet.
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