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SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – When someone thinks of a speech pathologist, they may believe that expert only focuses on a person’s speech. But, speech therapy also includes swallowing, as well.
“I don’t enjoy eating as much. I don’t have that freedom because you find out most people, it’s like breathing, you just do it. You swallow, you eat. I have to be cognizant,” said Stanley Eilers. For years, Eilers has had major complications swallowing. The issue first began more than ten years ago when he was diagnosed with cancer in his left tonsil in 2013. “For me, the radiation was so bad it burned my mouth, my tongue, I had sores and my mouth hurt so bad,” said Eilers.
He tried to keep eating during his rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. “But, I just couldn’t do it. Eventually it caused me to have a feeding tube put in,” said Eilers. Fast forward to 2024, Eilers says that’s when he began life changing treatment at CNOS. He wants other people, who might be experiencing that same pain, to know there is treatment available.
“Swallowing problems happen for these people who are going through radiation treatment or are going through surgery. There are exercises that can help them eat throughout the radiation treatment, maybe avoid getting on feeding tubes,” said Daniel Rubens, CNOS Speech-Language Pathologist. Rubens says swallowing is extremely complex. There are around 50 muscles and five cranial nerves all working together.
“Even if they have chronic swallowing problems, which Stan did, some exercises might help them get stronger, have less issues while they are eating and maybe improve their diet,” said Rubens.
“I aspirate every time I swallow. That means it goes into my windpipe which also means it can go into my lungs,” said Eilers. Through therapy sessions and at-home exercises, Eilers says it has taken a lot of hard work and dedication, but he continues to trust the process. “I felt like it empowered me with knowledge and tools. I know longer felt like I didn’t know what was going on, but I have an understanding of what’s going on. This man, I appreciate him very much. I am very thankful,” said Eliers.
To learn more about the Speech Therapy department at CNOS, what it offers and how you can book an appointment, follow this link.
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