ysobel | Flareup update

Prednisone seems to be helping some-- swallowing is less uncomfortable, at any rate. There's a persistent feeling of pressure against my throat, like the beginnings of a panic attack, but I think I'll adjust.

Chewing is still exhausting so I'm trying to go for soft foods. I did have a friend (mom of a childhood classmate) bring over some homemade congee that was basically chicken noodle soup but with rice instead of noodles and with the chicken and carrot and onion shredded down and cooked down ... it was amazing.

My in-bed water system is possibly in need of change but I don't know how. It's a water bottle plus long hose with a bite valve on the end. I'm used to just having it rest in my mouth, bite-suck when I want water, and otherwise just resting in range.

But now ... The bite valve is slightly larger than my teeth can open; I can get it wedged in ok, but it's slightly uncomfortable (plus awkward swallowing with my jaw an inch open). Plus I end up guzzling the water all at once, which I'd rather not do.

I can't have a bare tube because it will just drain into my mouth nonstop. And I can't reach my hands to my mouth, so twist valves at the mouth of the tube wouldn't work. (Of course they're not made with an easy valve in the middle...)

I don't even know what I looking for. Sigh.