Father said he felt like something stuck in his throat. he has acid reflux. went in for barium swallow but he couldn't swallow the barium. Dr. recommends a speech therapist at the hosp. now he is restricted to "nectar" diet. so sad. he loves to eat. what kind of hope can I hold out for this?
I've been told by either a nurse or speech therapist (don't remember which) that swallowing functions can deteriorate with age. That might be a factor too.
You might also want to ask the speech therapist about exercises, such as the Shaker exercises, and ask if your father is a candidate. They seem simple but can be uncomfortable, but they work well when done properly.