Big Bad Swallowing Baby!

Short and sweet: the swallow study proved that Tommy CAN swallow!

"Cricopharyngeal dysfunction is defined as the delayed or incomplete relaxation of the cricopharyngeal muscle during swallowing. This may cause dysphagia and aspiration, affecting the quality of life."

That is a quote from a medical journal. He's defied the odds to do what you and I can do naturally. He has to work a little harder at it, but in the end, the food goes down pretty easily once he figured out what was expected of him. I feel like standing on top of MUSC and blowing great big raspberries at all of the writers of these medical journals. Time and time again, Tommy has turned the medical world on its ear. He grows, he thrives, he laughs! Of all of his accomplishments and milestones, his smile is my favorite. Second is swallowing!

I don't know if he will ever get "nutrition" from swallowing, but he will get enjoyment! That tough little cookie deserves to enjoy something in this life. He goes through boring and sometimes painful therapies all week long. He has had procedures and surgeries. I can't wait to hear what his speech therapist lays out for us this week! He deserves some happy, enjoyable times in his little life!