Last Tuesday I went for a swallow study. They have changed the test since I last had one in 2000.
Before, I only had to eat and drink while sitting between the technology so they could see my stomach. But this time, I had to drink some slightly thicker than normal liquid while standing. Then they had me lay on my side and drink. Finally, they had me lie flat on my back.
That last one posed some challenge. No matter how hard I tried, I kept choking. Well, it’s not really choking. It is what they call “aspirating”. When something goes down the wrong way, and you start coughing, you are aspirating.
They had me drink some water, since it is the t thinnest thing possible to drink. Again, I aspirated. They didn’t tell me either way how the test went. I would have to find out from my doctor when she received the report.
I left that appointment so discouraged. I knew from before that when you aspirate, you failed. Since I did ok while standing up, I had soft stuff to eat, like mashed potatoes and pudding.
I was handling soft foods well, and began trying to drink more. Everything was going well, so I didn’t see any harm in it. I knew I wasn’t aspirating as long as I was sitting straight up.
Yesterday we finally got the results of the swallow study. I passed! I just knew I had failed!
The only thing I can think of, is they changed the rules over the past ten years. Maybe they had me drink while lying flat to see if I was able to clear any fluid out of my lungs, if it went in. Since when I coughed I cleared it out, maybe that’s a good sign and means there is nothing to worry about. Either way, I passed!
Since this feeding tube is in my stomach, and not my nose, I have to have a gastrentologist remove it. We found out today that I have an appointment for that to happen Next Tuesday. One more we and I’ll be tube free! I can’t wait!
by Betty Hersey, on 02.17.10 @ 1:43 am
Hi Holly,
I’m so glad you passed the swallow study and will get your feeding tube out…yaaaa! I was just watching American Idol and was hoping Hope would go through, but unfortunately, she didn’t. She should be proud of herself for making it as far as she did!! I hope you are feeling stronger each day…you are an inspiration to me!
Betty (Sarah’s Mom)
by Sarah, on 02.17.10 @ 1:57 am
Hi Holly,
Don’t feel bad about not swallowing laying on your back, it doesn’t mean anything’s not normal. I can’t do that either!! I’d be choking all over myself too! lol
I watched AI too and was hoping that Hope would get through but she got sent home in the next to last round of cuts. But no worries. She’ll get opportunities from this experience for sure. And I’m sure she’ll be a star in Dallas! This will pay off for her. (and apparently Simon and Joe Jonas were smittin by her so that can’t hurt — maybe she’ll have a shot at modeling or something too)
I wish her luck in whatever she decides to do. Please do keep us updated on her endeavors.
Sarah (the one with Miguel. lol. since there appear to have been multiples of us I figured I should specify)
by Carin, on 02.17.10 @ 10:38 am
Yeah I’d be choking too if I swallowed stuff while lying on my back. That’s why they say you should never do that hahah! Wooohooo, this means that when you fly, you won’t have to worry about all that feeding tube crap. Maybe that was meant to be.
by hollyalonzo, on 02.17.10 @ 11:46 am
I can’t blieve that Hope got sent home. I keep hoping that this year they are going to do like I have seen them do in the past–bring two people back that they previously told no. It’s on again tonight, so I’ll have people watch for me and let me know if that happens. I’m just so sad for her. I wish I could watch this myself. And she would make a great model. Tall and beautiful, but singing is her dream.
by Sarah, on 02.17.10 @ 6:36 pm
Oh yeah, I’ve seen them bring people back from the Hollywood rounds for the wild card show. Next week is the top 24 round (girls on Tues, guys on Wed, or vice versa, I can’t remember). So the wild card will probably be in 2 weeks.