My nutrition overview
I occasionally see speech therapists, dieticians and other medical people who ask about my nutrition and swallowing. The purpose of this page is to give a quick overview for them.
Overview
I'm on a life-long thin-liquid diet due to an inability to swallow solids; caused by surgeries and radiation treatment for head & neck cancer. Was first diagnosed in June 2009, had radiation, chemo and surgical treatment (semi-glossectomy), and multiple surgeries since a recurrence in Dec 2021.
I cannot eat solid or even pureed food (my last meal was Feb 2022).
My primary nutrition is from powdered Ensure (approx 2,300 kcal per day, when not training; more when training).
I have had a PEG previously but currently do not require it - I can swallow thin liquid /water without aspiration, if careful and not excessively fatigued
I have a high metabolism, high cholestoral (hereditary) and my remaining teeth are susceptible to decay due to radiation damage to my saliva glands (I do not have saliva), and surgical removal of all my left-hand side teeth and lower jaw.
I do mountain running - races & training, including high intensity, high energy up & downhill running - which I find burns a lot of energy during & after, with fatigue
Aside from Ensure, I occasionally supplement my energy needs with: 1) Up & go, 17g protein post-run (diluted slightly, so I can swallow it) and 2) Fruit juice, if fatigued at work or home and believe I need quick blood sugar
So to keep me alive, I consume a lot of Ensure (which I am very thankful for). I collect a car-boot full of tins every few weeks from the pharmacy.
Nutritional Analysis of Ensure
Here’s a summary of the nutritional analysis from my Ensure tins, translated into how much I consume typically per day at home.
