Faith, Friendship, and a White Washcloth

Managing Saliva: A Journey of Adaptation and Unexpected Blessings

Some topics are tough, but sharing them can encourage others facing similar challenges. Today, I want to share my experience with saliva control—or rather, my lack of it—following my 2009 accident.

Yankauer Tip

No Swallowing, No Control

When I suffered my injuries, one of the immediate effects was losing my ability to swallow. This meant I had an overabundance of saliva that I could not control or keep in my mouth. I also had a near-constant nasal drip, making things even harder. The saliva and nasal fluid flowed almost non-stop, making it necessary to have a way to keep things sanitary.

To manage this, I relied on a Yankauer suction tool, a medical device designed to clear secretions. It became a constant companion in my daily routine. It’s typically attached to a suction hose and designed for efficient fluid removal. Its durable construction and ergonomic shape make it a reliable instrument in bedside care settings.

This device was something I had to use all the time. I had to change out the suction tip regularly, and nurses would sometimes need to replace the hose.

Fixed Suction Room Design

In old pictures of me in my wheelchair or hospital bed, you might see a white washcloth near my neck. That wasn’t just for comfort—it was to catch any extra saliva or nasal drip. Managing this at night was a constant battle. I would wake up to find my washcloth completely saturated, and this happened from the very first day and continued without stopping.

Then, one night, something changed. I woke up the next morning, and my nasal drip was completely gone. Just like that. I don’t know what happened, but I see it as an unexpected blessing from the Lord. I don’t know where all that liquid went, but I am beyond grateful that it stopped.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

Life at Home: Adjusting to New Routines

Once I returned home, I still relied on a suction system for a few months, but this time, I had a portable Yankauer Box that collected the liquid into a container. My mom had to empty it daily—sometimes even twice a day—because it would fill up quickly. To help with odor control (because let’s be honest, mouth fluids don’t smell great), we would pour a little Listerine into the container to keep things fresher.

Portable Yankauer Box Components

To help reduce my saliva production, I also wear a prescription Scopolamine patch. It’s a small patch I wear behind my ear, alternating sides every 72 hours. While it has helped tremendously, my saliva production still varies depending on the weather. When it’s rainy or snowy, my saliva tends to increase, which can make management a bit more challenging.

Lessons in Adaptation

Looking back, learning to manage my saliva was not just about medical devices and hygiene—it was about patience, adaptation, and persistence. It was frustrating, exhausting, and sometimes discouraging, but over time, I found ways to improve.

I hope that by sharing this, others who may be struggling with similar challenges can know they’re not alone. Some improvements happen slowly over time, and some—like my nasal drip disappearing—happen in an instant, reminding me that God is always at work, even in the smallest details.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

The Importance of Weight Shifting: Preventing Pressure Sores

Wheelchair Weight Shift, 2009

While learning to manage saliva was one challenge, preventing pressure sores was another crucial aspect of my recovery. I needed to know how to manage pressure on my body due to extended periods of lying in bed or sitting in a wheelchair. When mobility is limited, it’s crucial to be mindful of weight distribution to prevent pressure sores—a serious issue that can develop when too much pressure is placed on the same areas of skin for too long.

Weight Shifting in My Wheelchair

To prevent pressure sores, I had to perform weight shifts every 30 minutes while sitting in my wheelchair. This meant that every half hour, I would tilt my wheelchair backward, putting myself into a more horizontal position for one full minute. This simple action relieved the constant pressure on my buttocks and lower body, giving my skin a break before I returned to my upright position.

This routine was essential to my daily life. Without regular weight shifts, people who are constantly in a wheelchair or bedridden are at high risk for skin breakdown. Pressure sores can become extremely painful, take a long time to heal, and even lead to serious infections. That’s why caregivers and medical staff emphasize the importance of movement, even if it’s small adjustments like tilting in a chair or repositioning in bed.

Repositioning in the Hospital: No Such Thing as Undisturbed Sleep

While in the hospital, I couldn’t perform weight shifts on my own while lying in bed, so the nurses took on that responsibility. Every four hours, they would come to reposition me—sometimes moving me onto my back, then four hours later shifting me to my right side, propping me up with pillows and blankets, and then next time moving me to my left side.

This wasn’t just during the day—it happened throughout the night as well. So, as you can imagine, getting a full night of undisturbed sleep in the hospital was impossible. Just as I’d start to drift into deeper rest, it would be time for another repositioning. While frustrating at times, I knew it was necessary to protect my skin and prevent pressure sores from forming.

Visitors

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Why Weight Shifting Matters

For anyone with limited mobility, whether due to an injury, surgery, or a medical condition, being proactive about weight shifts is key. Caregivers play a vital role in helping those who cannot shift their weight on their own, ensuring their loved ones don’t experience painful skin damage.

Looking back, I’m thankful that I was taught the importance of weight shifting early on in my recovery. Though it was a simple action, it was a necessary step in maintaining my health and preventing further complications.

The Power of Presence: Family Visits and Support

One of the greatest blessings during my recovery was the unwavering support of my family, friends, and coworkers. Being over four hours away from home at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia, I knew visits weren’t always easy. Yet, despite the distance, my family and loved ones made the effort to visit as often as possible, some even every other weekend, strictly keeping to their visitation routine.

Shepherd Center didn’t restrict visitation, allowing my family to visit freely. That policy made a world of difference in my healing process. The emotional support, the simple presence of a familiar face, and the reminder that I was not forgotten helped me push through even the toughest days.

A Wall of Encouragement

Besides visits, I received countless cards and letters full of prayers and encouragement. My mom taped them onto the hospital wall, and I remember how they covered an entire section of the room—a visual testament to the love and encouragement pouring in from all directions. All the colors of the rainbow with hand written, heart-felt notes. I wish I had taken a photo of it, but I will never forget how that wall of words lifted my spirits.

A Community of Support Online

In addition to physical visits and mail, my mom kept a daily online journal on a website called CaringBridge. She updated it nearly every evening with details about my progress, and then she would sit beside me, reading aloud the comments and messages people left. Many faithful visitors left encouraging words and prayers online, even if they couldn’t visit in person.

Why Support Matters

This taught me that even small gestures make a big difference. Whether it's visiting someone in the hospital, sending a card, or even leaving a kind message online, those simple acts can uplift a weary heart.

The Bible tells us in Matthew 25:36, “I was sick, and ye visited me.” We are called to care for and encourage those in difficult circumstances, whether they are sick, injured, or facing hardship. I am forever grateful for those who showed up for me—both physically and in spirit—during one of the hardest times in my life.

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

If you ever wonder whether your kindness matters, let me assure you—it does.

Just as God provided relief from my nasal drip overnight, He also surrounded me with a loving support system during my recovery. Through every challenge—big or small—God’s presence and the love of those around me carried me through.

 Be encouraged. 🧡

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