Question
Just wondering if anyone else has had a problem with swallowing. I knew to expect the feeling of a tight rubber band (or noose) around my neck, but I wasn't expecting it to be so tight as to constrict my swallowing. Taking all those pills has been downright dangerous. a couple of times I was afraid my husband was going to have to use the Heimlich maneuver on me. I finally figured out that if I take them with milk they go down easier. Chewing is also tricky. I'm finding that very soft or liquids are ok. Solids are still not.
Another problem, and I know this sounds weird, but has anyone else had a problem with a sore tailbone? At first I thought I must have had a shot in the buttocks, but then realized that the soreness was very close to my spine and not where a shot would be given. The only thing I can figure is that all this resting on my back at a 45 degree angle is putting an unusual amount of pressure on my tailbone. It feels very bruised. I should have had a fat transfer and had some belly fat moved around to the tailbone.


Answer
If you can survive the next 2 or 3 days, everything will become better. I drank a liquid diet the first couple of days. I didn't have much trouble swallowing my meds, so I am not much help. I cracked my tailbone when I birthed my son 35 years ago, so I can sympathize with that pain.
Here's hoping tomorrow will be a better day.
Firstteacher


Answer
Hi Dixie,
Hope this helps the pill swallowing. First, do you still have the dressing wrapped around your head, and under your neck? Because, I found it almost impossible to swallow much of anything, until that was removed on day 2. Next, a nurse suggested to assist in swallowing a pill, have somebody take their hand (or use your own), and massage gentle large circular motions, on the upper back, between the shoulder blades. Don't know how it work, but it seems to help the swallowing reflex, and relax the throat at the same time. Good luck How many days post op are you, if I may inquire?


Answer
Day 3, babyboomer. I will give that massage thing a try. I have the compression bandage on that I'm supposed to wear 24/7 except when in the shower. Maybe I could take that off when I need to take the pills.
Ooo, firsteacher, a cracked tailbone doesn't sound like fun. That 35 year old owes you, bigtime!


Answer
I am five days post-op now, and remember that it was pretty "tight" swallowing for the first couple of days. And only just yesterday, could I finally clench my teeth together without it feeling like my ears were going to explode! LOL
Also, to take pressure off your tailbone, make sure you have a pillow under your knees (or at least bend them) this works for me.
Hope you have a great recovery,
Chris