- Search CSN:
- Members: Login to search all areas
- Not a member? Click here to search public areas
Problem with sleeping
|
|
Aug 27, 2006 - 3:38 pm
I have had 30 radiation treatments for throat cancer. I have survived the daytime mucous battle but I haven't been so lucky with the nightime battle. I fall asleep very quickly but I am awaken in 3 to 4 hrs by the mucous build up in my throat which makes it difficult to breath. I drink ginger ale to help break up the mucous but there is so much of it and the fact that I can't spit it up and I have to dig it out with paper towels takes a long time and after doing this for a hour or more, I find it very difficult to fall asleep again. |
Joined: Jul 2006
Hello,
I'm 9 years out from radiation, but had similar problems like yours.
I always used warm water to break up the mucous. Of course the first time I put it in my mouth it doesn't do much. You have to use your fingers to get it out because it's so thick. I just kept repeating the procedure until I got my mouth relatively free of the mucous.
I use biotene mouthwash (for dry mouth). May be too strong for your sensitive mouth now, but try it later if it doesn't help now.
If you can sleep on your right or left side, the mucous will not accumulate as much impeding your breathing when you go back to sleep.
I know, in the middle of the night, it was sometimes frightening trying to get back to sleep when it's hard to breathe.
If it's impossible to get back to sleep, could you fall asleep in a chair like a lazy boy.
Sitting up doesn't seem to be as bad as lying down.
Hang in there, it does get better. The mucous gradually get thinner and thinner and eventually you will be able to live with it. Right now it seems overbearing
Best Wishes
Joined: Sep 2006
I had surgery for tongue and neck cancer, and so had problems swallowing as well as the mucous problem you describe. I kn