Barely able to whisper and unable to swallow even his own saliva, Paul required regular suctioning day and night, and a feeding tube to prevent dehydration and weight loss.
Link: https://youtu.be/kAO16YmV1w4
I underwent an operation at Addenbrooke's hospital on the 13 April 21 to remove a brain tumour. Although the operation was successful, unexpected nerve damage affected multiple areas including swallowing and speech.
Paul Curtis - patient at CUH
Barely able to whisper and unable to swallow even his own saliva, Paul required regular suctioning day and night, and a feeding tube to prevent dehydration and weight loss.
The speech therapy team worked closely with Paul’s neurosurgery and neuro-rehabilitation consultants, including being involved in decisions such as injecting botulinum toxin type A (XEOMIN) to the salivary glands to help dry up his saliva which was trickling constantly into his lungs. This worked almost instantly and Paul was able to get a good night’s sleep for the first time in weeks.
The speech therapy team completed fibreoptic and videofluoroscopic swallowing assessments to better understand the risk of pneumonia and the best way to rehabilitate Paul’s muscles.
Unfortunately, Paul’s voice and swallowing were still not recovering much, despite time and a trial of traditional therapy. At the encouragement of his surgeon and speech therapist, Paul enjoyed some drinks for his 60th birthday, however he remained very reliant on the feeding tube and swallowing was still not easy or comfortable.
Working as a team with Paul, his wife, and his neurosurgeon, the SLT team tried a different, highly intensive and exercise-based swallowing rehabilitation programme.
Before and after x-ray video of Pauls swallow improvement
Link: https://youtu.be/0ASERq7FstE
We were all overwhelmed with this result. After 3 months of not being able to swallow, Laura, Leah and the SLT team have given me a major part of my life back
Paul Curtis - patient at CUH
Paul worked really hard, and his swallowing muscles were challenged in a careful, systematic way with different food and drink
In just 3 weeks, eating and drinking became much easier and safer for Paul.
My voice is amazingly improved, and I can now be understood which was not possible when I first left hospital. On speech Therapists Leah and Laura …to my wife and myself, have become not only our saviours but our friends. No words can fully describe our gratitude for their help. Thank you.
Paul Curtis - patient at CUH