Beach Bum

Aspirating is when stuff sent to the stomach goes down your windpipe instead. Choking is when food blocks your windpipe, which can happen as you are aspirating. Gagging and coughing is your bodies attempt to force the stuff UP and out into the esophagus, so if it works you don't actually aspirate. When you swallow your larynx comes over the windpipe, blocking that route to direct food to your stomach via the esophagus. Weak/spastic larynx can cause it to be slow or cover incompletely, letting some food or drink into your windpipe. This doesn't have to cause choking or coughing though. If your larynx/other muscles in the region are TOO weak or unresponsive, you may not feel the aspiration at all: "silent aspiration". Aspiration is bad because your mouth has lots of bacteria that are for digesting food, but hurt your lungs. Each time you aspirate, you put mouth bacteria in there and risk pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is why aspiration is serious and should be kept to a minimum.

Ken, glad you're having such a great time. I have a new, Honey-built, wheelchair/laptop table, built around my most comfortable position. We don't actually "do Christmas presents" anymore, but the timing of my table request was perfect... I'm watching snow fall and (now) blow, read and keep watching the forum. Keep having fun, and what isn't there for you to look forward to! A cruise coming your way next. Wow! Hugs,
Ann

Hi Ken, The erase board worked well for me until I got my speech device. Good thing because my left hand can no longer function and I am left handed! I hope the ipod with TextAloud meets your needs.

Judy

Merry Christmas, Ken! I'm glad you're having so much fun, and getting together with your women, lol. I hope it goes very smoothly in every way. Glad you got to go to Daytona--sounds like you really enjoy it! "See you" when you get back to the forum.
Hugs,
Ann

Ken, so sorry to respond so late! So, a Special Ed teacher! What kind--resource room, self contained classroom, etc? We either (like me) burn out fast or become very good. I replaced a suicide in one position and mental breakdown in the other. My class was self contained emotional disorder as the main problem. I hope your sister really helps in the integration process between all your women! I can tell you're nice and busy--don't see your green button up lately. Hoping all is going great for you. Hugs,
Ann

Hi
I ran across one of your posts and loved your name, "Beach Bum". I'm new here and wanted to say Hi. I was reading your post about a feeding tube and wondering what decision you made.

Well, since my feet went first (actually one foot, followed by the other a year later), I haven't been able to walk on sand for a long time now. So, I call the deck my "beach". Amazing what can be observed by simply watching a dogwood tree...robins, a piliated woodpecker. Deer actually amble down the driveway (on the other side of the deck, close to the house), and go to the pond to drink. My world is smaller, but has more in it to watch as I sit still.

I like Pandora, too! I have a David Nevue station which is very peaceful... also Maggie Sansone (Instrumental Celtic). Have a good time with your brother. I'm glad you'll have him with you for the Duke trip. Yes, in the winter, especially, it must be very peaceful at the beach. We're a forty minute drive from Ocean City MD, with Assateague Island closer. It was really nice back before the roads backed up from the tourists waiting to cross the bridge to the island. Also was nice during the off season. Now it's pretty busy year round.

I figured you were an extrovert likely to become friends quickly, Ken. That's so good. Really nice you have two daughters!

Oh, I know the weakness is pretty amazing. You'll figure out, I'm sure, how to minimize what you try to do on those days. I find that whatever is going really gets weak when I'm tired. Dad fully engages while here, and today I think maybe I'm starting to get more or less normal again. Also, I haven't learned not to chat with my friends who come to take care of me, so that even that is tiring. Best wishes with the PEG--I will be praying for that and the after care to go smoothly. Please keep me posted.

Hi Ken, I just saw this reply--you need to click onto my name to post on my profile page (or anyone's). But, Oh, Ashville. Sigh. Gorgeous. 800 miles is a long trip! We have played the "where would you most like to live" game forever, and for retirement, I'd think that area (but out in the boonies) and maybe W. VA would be lovely.

It sounds like you have a great family, Ken! Are there any other children? How are you doing now, back home at the beach? Do you know some folks who live near you? I hope that you do... good neighbors are a Godsend, as are nearby friends.

Hugs--
Ann

I did have a great time,and we toured the area.Drove over to Ashville NC,what a beautiful town with mountains all over.The colors were long gone however and the trees were bare,by the time I got back had driven more than 800 miles,bought a car for my daughter(used)love my grand daughters,both A students,so it was a lot of fun!Glad you Dad was with you, Have A Blessed Day!
Hugs Ken

Hi Ken, I understand! Did you have a great time at your daughter's home? I do hope so. Welcome back! I had my father here and am still worn out, but a good visit.
Hugs,
Ann

Hi Ken, how are you. I know it can be rough around holidays when you dont have your beloved by your side. Well, she is there, but in the Spirit. So Im thinking about you and praying for you. Today I got to play in snow for the first time in 10 years. It made me feel like a kid! And got me in the mood for Christmas already. I dont have close by family so I will go to help out in a soup kitchen for the poor, hang out with them and eat some turkey. That way I will make others feel good and pick up my psirits too! Hope you take good care of yourself! God bless.

Hello Ken, just dropping by to say howdy and ask how you are doing? I just read some of your post and I wanted to say how sorry I am that you lost your dear wife! Any time you want to talk about it, or share memories of her, please do. To have this disease, and go thru such a loss is overwhelming. But the goo Lord is holding you up. Do you use voice banking or any kind of device? Im just starting to slur a few words when I am tired.
speaking of which its time for bed. Sweet dreams!

Hi Ken, Great to hear your sleep study and breathing test went well. It is nice to hear good news. Phyllis