Swallowing difficulty -- VFSS test?

My DS has trouble swallowing anything with more texture than a puree (he chokes and vomits) It is so sad -- he's eager to eat finger foods (like DD does -- he sees her doing it), but when he does, he gags and vomits, then sneezes and coughs a minute or so later.

The pedi GI specialist has referred him for a VFSS test -- the next available slot for that test is in a month.

Anybody out there with words of wisdom or advice?

40+mom

 

The test is easy. Just nothing to eat for three hours before so your child is hungry. I'm not sure if they do just liquids or solids too at this age. Mine had it done at 8 weeks because they choking a lot and we found out they were aspirating, so they had to be on thickened feeds. Anyways, it's just like a video x-ray and you can stay there with your child while the speech therapist feeds him. they will be able to tell if he has any anatomical differences that would make eating hard (ie. issues with his tounge, esophagus, ect).

In the meantime, just stick with the foods he can handle. If he wants finger foods, see if you can mash them up somewhat so he can still grab a small piece or two and try that (I am sure you have already done this though, but's it's the only thought I have!). My guys had texture/eating issues due to their aspiration/refulx as infants. Did you deal with any reflux as a baby? Maybe this might still be an issue. Just a thought! HTH!

 

Here is a link to description of VFSS test for those that are not familiar with it. Nathan had a barium swallow evaluation when he was around 18m related to frequent vomiting. He had to eat and drink a variety of foods and liquids coated with barium to evaluate his chew/swallow process. He had to be strapped in a special chair near x-ray machine and they took series of x-ray pictures at different intervals. He tolerated it very well. Good luck let us know how he does.

 

We had the test on my little guy right before his 1st birthday. It is as pp's descirbed. He is very sensitive and hates to be contained or made to do anything against his will, but he actually did fine with it. Just strapped in a chair sitting up straight, the tech had me feed him. That may not be the case with all techs, but if they are not having you do that and it doesn't seem to be going well, you might suggest it. We didn't have any problems administering the test.

By the way, my ds, did have a swallowing disorder, they scoped him and discovered a tremendous amount of bacteria in his lungs. He had a round of antibiotics and over the past year, with the introduction of solid foods, he seems to have totally outgrown the problem. You wil feel much better once you get to the bottom of it. Meantime, stick to foods that he can handle.

Good luck, let us know how it turns out.