Barium Swallow Study

Owen had a barium swallow study this morning. He hadn't had one since he was 7 months old and that was just a tragic experience. When we first met his new GI a couple weeks back, I talked to Dr M about ordering a new study. I was not too concerned about aspiration, but more so, wanted to know what is going on when he eats food. For over a year now, he eats small niblets of anything you give him.. then he stuffs them in his left cheek. The only way it comes out is when I put my finger in there and scoop it out. Only a mother can do something so gross.. trust me on this one.

My concern was that he was having difficulty swallowing food for a reason other than lack of practice.

I didn't want the test to be a negative experience and tried to build it up as an exciting event. I told him he could pick out any food and drink he wanted to take.. he picked goldfish, milk, pringles, "strawbaberry" and his favorite.. carrots. I told him how exciting it would be to watch himself chew his food and swallow it on camera. He was stoked!!!

The feeding therapist and radiologist were fantastic today!! They took their time with him and we only used a little bribery. At first, he sipped the barium plain.. his reaction was "I do not lite dis!" Then we added a little KoolAid and I told him it tasted like a juice box... he took another sip.. "eeewwww... not that!" Then we tried a little barium to his milk.. "milk nummy!" ... then he took a sip and said "that yucky!" The great news is that we got three big sips in!!

Then we tried chewing foods. He was not a fan of his carrot being smothered in barium "I don't like icing.. wash it off." I told him one bite and I'd get him an ice cream afterwards. Why didn't I just bring ice cream? Then we tried goldfish and he wasn't having it... until I told him to be a shark and eat the fishy on the camera. It worked!

The results? HE PASSED!!!

He had no issues swallowing any of the liquids or foods. He did only swallow 1/2 the goldfish and stored the other one in his cheek and the same goes for the carrot. Go figure. The feeding therapist stayed to chat with me about the stuffing issue.

It all comes down to practice, practice and more practice eating! I'm considering an intense feeding therapy program after he fully recovers from his last surgery this fall. He has the desire to eat.. he has all the motor function to eat.. it's just a matter of making it a habit. He has to be motivated and feel hunger on a daily basis.

I never thought that I would be dealing with feeding issues well into Owen's 3rd year. It is not a huge deal as I have a means to get him all his nutrition and he eats healthier than anyone I know.

My goal is to have him tube free by his 5th Birthday and I pray that it happens sooner for him. Owen was a rock star today and I am so glad that he had a perfect study!!

**Keep reading to the next post.. I wrote about Kam's orchestra concert.