# Mike, @dropzone has been AWOL **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 26, 2021, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588 "2021-08-26T21:58:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2021, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/182 "2021-11-07T01:11:14Z")
Here’s hoping that you’re better (and better off!) soon. -crosses fingers / knocks on wood / prays to Jobu- ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2021, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/183 "2021-11-07T01:19:42Z")
Hang in there, dude. I’ve never heard of “thickened water” – do I even want to know? ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2021, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/184 "2021-11-07T01:57:37Z")
> **[Thickened fluids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thickened_fluids)** > > Thickened fluids and thickened drinks are often used for people with dysphagia, a disorder of swallowing function. The thicker consistency makes it less likely that individuals will aspirate while they are drinking. Individuals with difficulty swallowing may find that liquids cause coughing, spluttering, or even aspiration, and that thickening drinks enables them to swallow safely. Patients may be advised to consume thickened liquids after being extubated. Liquid thickness may be measured by t Th... > **[I Spent a Day Drinking Thick Water, the Worst Hydration Life Hack Ever](https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/what-is-thick-thickened-water-does-it-taste-good)** > > Thick water is big business in the health-care industry, but in reality, it’s about as beneficial as it is tasty. Which is to say, not at all ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2021, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/185 "2021-11-07T02:18:02Z")
It’s mixed with a product, usually made up primarily of cornstarch. Here’s an example. > **[Dysphagia and Swallowing Disorder Nutrition - Thick-It](https://thickit.com/)** > > Thick-It®: Improving the lives of people with dysphagia and those who love them. Learn more about our products and buy online today. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2021, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/186 "2021-11-07T02:29:23Z")
And it turns out that thickened water (and tea, coffee, and other beverages) are commercially available! > **[Ready-to-Drink Beverages Archives - Thick-It](https://thickit.com/blog/nutrition-product-category/beverages/)** > > Thick-It® Clear Advantage® Ready-to-Drink thickened beverages are a convenient way to stay hydrated at home or on the go. Pre-thickened to meet IDDSI standards, Clear Advantage® maintains its clarity and consistency whether served hot, cold, or even... In the past, I knew that the nurse would mix it to the prescribed thickness, sometimes nectar but sometimes honey or even pudding. p.s. The Amazon link says that the water, at least, is thickened with xanthan gum. This is commonly used in gluten-free breads in an attempt to imitate “regular” bread texture. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2021, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/187 "2021-11-07T05:09:38Z")
That is possibly the most disgusting thing I’ve ever heard. Poor, Mikey. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2021, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/188 "2021-11-08T00:45:47Z")
What’s disgusting is the amount of food they expect me to eat: double protein in their minds includes double everything else and breakfast yesterday, had I eaten it, equaled five meals. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2021, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/189 "2021-11-08T01:19:44Z")
My little great-niece is 2 years old and was on gastric feeding with a stoma since birth and has now graduated to thickened liquids. She’s never had real liquid, as far as I know. StG ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2021, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/190 "2021-11-08T02:40:38Z")
I think I’m gonna have nightmares about this thick water. Anyone who must stay flat on the back would have problems drinking anything without choking. Years and years ago, I had spinal anesthesia for a procedure, and my body didn’t like it. I had to stay flat on my back, the nurses even swiped my pillow. At mealtime, I got a regular meal tray. No raising the head of the bed for eating! I tried to eat canned pears with a spoon. Bad idea, I got canned pears spilled down my neck. I finally just used my hands and scooped up what I could. I probably would have wrecked the joint if I had been given thick water. ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![Rebo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rebo/32/13005_2.png) [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2021, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/191 "2021-11-08T19:48:44Z")
I have apnea, and can’t imagine drinking anything laying flat on my back! I can barely breathe! I’m so sorry, Mike. Get well soon! ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2021, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/192 "2021-11-08T20:35:00Z")
> [@VOW](#): > > Years and years ago, I had spinal anesthesia for a procedure, and my body didn’t like it. I had to stay flat on my back, the nurses even swiped my pillow. At mealtime, I got a regular meal tray. No raising the head of the bed for eating! I tried to eat canned pears with a spoon. Bad idea, I got canned pears spilled down my neck. I finally just used my hands and scooped up what I could. > > I probably would have wrecked the joint if I had been given thick water. This is a fine example of how damn CLUELESS hospital staff (and dietary staff) can be. Different scenario, but when they made me stay overnight after my gallbladder surgery, they brought up a meal tray… consisting of salisbury “steak” and other nasty, high-fat delights. I made them bring me something different. And “wreck the joint” sounds like an eminently reasonable reaction. When I was a teenager, I volunteered at a local hospital for a year or so. One patient was pretty well flat on his back. I recall one mealtime he had split pea soup - which he consumed with a straw as I held the bowl and the straw. Now, that particular dish is one I’ve only had once or twice in my life (I just CANNOT get over the appearance) but it does suggest a way in which maybe dropzone could get some nutrition. Oh - and when we had patients whose intake / output had to be tracked, one thing we had to log was if they ate something like Jello. I wonder if partly-set Jello might be tolerable for Dropzone??? ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2021, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/193 "2021-11-08T21:37:37Z")
I can’t say I actually “wrecked the joint” being beckdawrek, and all. But I upset the applecart of dialysis center this morning. Before it was done the director of the joint was in my cubical patting my hand and apologizing. ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2021, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/194 "2021-11-09T05:03:51Z")
Jeez, @dropzone, that sounds like a purely shitty misery. I really hope you graduate to an inclined bed soon and actual food and liquids. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2021, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/195 "2021-11-09T16:39:50Z")
You can’t drop a teaser like that and not spill!! Dropzone: you are being far too charitable in describing what they serve you as “food”. My most recent experience with what appears on a hospital tray suggests that the word “food” is not entirely accurate. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2021, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/196 "2021-11-09T21:15:21Z")
I had very low blood pressure. I am anemic as well, and my tongue has been sore. After dialysis I was going to the hospital for a blood draw that my doctor asked for. The dialysis center insisted I was to give them a blood draw as well. I resisted and caused a dialysis “expert”( not nurse) to say they were gonna give me Valium if I didn’t settle down. Like I said, before it was over the director was in there patting my hand. I imagine I’ll never see that “expert”( not nurse) again. ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2021, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/197 "2021-11-09T21:53:34Z")
@Beckdawrek Poor baby! We’ll put out the call for a posse of SDMB volunteers to storm the dialysis center and beat the crap out of your choice of bullies! In my experience, once you formally say “I decline,” the Gestapo has to back off. I’ll make a special effort to find the so-called dialysis expert and kick the snot out of him/her for threatening to tranq you. No wonder the director apologized and patted your hand! Gah, pull out your phone, pull up Google, and start muttering “personal injury lawyer and malpractice.” Because that was a sterling example of exactly that! ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2021, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/198 "2021-11-09T22:38:32Z")
Dammit @VOW I do need your mouth.😏 ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/199 "2021-11-10T21:35:51Z")
So, the Comcast service outage lasted two days for me. They keep trying to foist on me thicker liquids like water with the consistency of, dig it, HONEY. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/200 "2021-11-10T22:26:21Z")
Hi, Mikey. I’m happy to see you here. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588/201 "2021-11-10T22:43:06Z")
I just read an article where some Docs actually think you’re not hydrated enough on thickened liquid. I know I’d balk at the prospect and just not drink. It also causes gut issues. I know you have choked a few times. Can you manage crushed ice by the spoonfuls? Seems like that could be a solution for you. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-dropzone-has-been-awol/949588.md?page=11)