Morena,
Swallowing issues are very common in post-op AN patients. I was unable to swallow well enough to eat solid food for the first ten days after surgery to remove my AN. I spent that entire time on a feeding tube in Hospital. Almost four months later, my swallowing is better but still not 100%. I was taught to turn my head opposite of the direction I felt the swallowing block or difficulty appeared to be on. For me, turning my head to the left while swallowing, makes it easier. They started me out with very soft foods like Apple Sauce, Mashed Potatoes and Scrambled Eggs.
There isn't a lot more I can tell you about the condition accept in most of us, it corrects itself over time...like I said, I still have to be careful nearly four months after surgery and still choke from time to time, especially during lively dinner conversation with my boys...I get all excited just to be able to sit and laugh with them, I forget to "work" on the swallowing. Yup, I still have to think about an act you usually would take for granted.
My best wishes on your brothers speedy recovery...you're a good sister for checking up on these things for him.
Take Care!
Doc
