Using thickener in fluids

[Heather R]

Mary C I did try thickener because I was choking a lot on drinks, but didn't really like it. So I don't bother now, but just concentrate when drinking (eg not leaning back and not trying to talk at same time). If I do this I generally find I'm okay, but find it easier and safer to put lots of water down my tube so I don't feel pressurised to drink when I don't want to. I can just take sips. x

[matthew55]

Well I have dry days when I use artificial saliva or xyilmelts. Then wet days when I use Bromide and tissues. It's a balancing act. 😁😜😘😍xx

[Mary C]

@Matthew
Hi Matthew, how do you keep your mouth moist?now you don’t take drinks?
best wishes
Mary

[matthew55]

I can no longer take drink through the mouth. I was talking about the past. 🍺🍻😭😉xx

[Lynne K]

Hi Matthew and Lynne

Well how do you manage drinks without the thickener? does it bring on swallowing problems and coughs?Have you ended up with chest infections?

I mainly drink water and squash through a straw but will give thickeners a go.

Best wishes
Mary

Hi Mary,
I just very carefully swallow using mouth throat and tongue muscles. I take some water in my mouth then move the back of my tongue up and cheek muscles in to hold the water until my throat is ready to swallow it in a gulp. No choking for a long time and no chest infections had xx

[LindaB]

As with all things recommended Mary C it depends on you...if you're choking on liquids or there are some you can manage. I'm not saying go against advice just that we all can consider the advice and make a choice if possible. Your feeding tube will ensure you have enough fluid intake so that's good.
Take care 🙏😘

[Mary C]

shelly21
Hi Shelly, good to compare notes! Speech therapist said using the thickener stops liquids going down wrong way and causing chest infections.I will give it a go.Another thing to take visiting I guess .
Have a good day.
Best wishes
Mary

[shelly21]

I also use a straw and find squash thicker than water. I'm only just starting to need thickener. I use it in water and find it OK.

[Mary C]

Hi Matthew and Lynne

Well how do you manage drinks without the thickener? does it bring on swallowing problems and coughs?Have you ended up with chest infections?

I mainly drink water and squash through a straw but will give thickeners a go.

Best wishes
Mary

[Guy]

I'd agree with Peter's comments. The thickener I'm using (produced by Nutricia) is tasteless - main constituent is Xanthun gum, which is used in gluten free cooking. I find you need to make sure that you don't put too much in though, so worth experimenting.
I heard from a nutritionist recently that there is a specialist thickener you can buy for alcohol which ensures no change to its taste!

[Ellie]

How do people get on with thickened fluids…is it just another thing you get used to easily?

Let them prescribe it and try it in different drinks, it tastes different in water than it does in tea and coffee, or even wine 😉 It can also be used in food and handy enough for soups, sauces and casseroles etc.

If you do get it, ask for the 'Clear' version to be prescribed.

I don't know if drinking through a shortened straw would enable you to drink without thickeners for longer? Of course, only if safe to do so, and you can use the feeding tube for the bulk of your fluid intake and save your energy for drinking in company.

Love Ellie.

[PeterPan]

Mary C Hi, I started using ThickenUp Clear over a year ago. It’s ok and doesn’t taste of anything at all! But I use it selectively.

Water and tea are particularly ‘thin’ and I find they have to be thickened. The alternative is a choking episode.

I can drink cappuccino without thickener, or maybe with just a tiny amount. I’ve also found that fizzy drinks are ok without (lager, Cava, Prosecco, Champagne 😀) . The bubbles seem to make fizzy drinks much easily to swallow.

I have to use thickener in red wine, but more expensive rose and white wines are ok.

Don’t be too put off - as a result of using it I have been spared a chest infection since I started using it.

[Lynne K]

Hi
After a swallow test I am now advised to use a thickener in fluids( yuk).
How do people get on with thickened fluids…is it just another thing you get used to easily?

Doesnt sound great in tea etc!
Best wishes
Mary x

I tried that about eighteen months ago. Yuk indeed. I never do now.

Good luck with getting used to thickeners Mary xx

[matthew55]

I was given some thickener but I never got on with it.

[Mary C]

I have a dry mouth constantly for a year now despite changes in medications and reducing doses.It drives me nuts as I wake at night desperate for a drink to relieve dryness.I have tried sprays, gels, pineapple juice, glycerine swap sticks all give very short term relief.
Neurologists or respiratory consultant not been able to come up with any relief to date.
Now thickeners as swallow not as efficient…moan over!!
Think I will stick with water and weak squash plus thickener !
Best wishes
Mary