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unexpected dry mouth solution

jim and i
jim and i CSN Member Posts: 1,788 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
We stumbled upon an unexpected solution for dry mouth at night, C-PAP. Jim has sleep apnea but has not worn his C-PAP machine for almost a year because of it being uncomfortable and pressing on the already painful nerve that the tumor pressed on and so got out of the routine of wearing it. Well his PC doc said he was not getting his energy back because of the sleep apnea. Jim started using it again and low and behold, he sleeps ALL NIGHT!!!!! Reason? the machine blows warm, moist air into the nose. I feel I should let the medical community in on this but who do you tell other than Jim's MD who probably will think it is great but not get it to the right people who can prescribe it (and get the insurance companies to pay for it).

By the way Skiffin, it is not pretty and will give your wife lots of fuel for teasing you. So you would have to decide if it is worth it. :)

Debbie

P.S. Jim had his 6 month PET yesterday. Please pray this one is NED. Won't get results until next Wednesday.
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Comments

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 CSN Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #2
    LOL....
    I was talking about the headband, not the C-PAP, LOL....

    BTW, looking forward to your news on good results from the PET.

    Aren't you coming up this way coming week-end?

    JG
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  • KTeacher
    KTeacher CSN Member Posts: 1,103 Member
    #3
    Thank you
    I have been wondering if that would help. I haven't wanted to try because of my upper lip. I fondly refer to my surgery as my 'lip lift!' Years ago my mother was worried when she saw my CPAP, she thought I needed oxygen at night. Skiffin, a friend of mine has the machine, sometimes the hose comes off and the dogs fly out of the room, the girls might not want to sleep with you anymore! Wife might call you an elephant because of the hose. You can take it, we are tough skinned after our treatments.
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  • Pam M
    Pam M CSN Member Posts: 2,196
    #4
    Hoping for the Best
    Debbie,

    Sorry Jim needs the CPap - glad to hear of the bonus. Hoping for good news next week on his PET.
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  • jim and i
    jim and i CSN Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #5
    Skiffin16 said:

    LOL....
    I was talking about the headband, not the C-PAP, LOL....

    BTW, looking forward to your news on good results from the PET.

    Aren't you coming up this way coming week-end?

    JG

    Coming this way?
    What is going on this weekend that would bring me to Lakeland?

    Debbie
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  • stevenl
    stevenl CSN Member Posts: 587
    #6
    Pam M said:

    Hoping for the Best
    Debbie,

    Sorry Jim needs the CPap - glad to hear of the bonus. Hoping for good news next week on his PET.

    C-Pap
    Don't think I could handle it. I just got me some real good
    sleeping pills. Yeah I know, I am a sissy boy.
    Sis Steve
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  • flaladee
    flaladee CSN Member Posts: 15
    #7
    CPAP
    Havent they made a CPAP machine that just fits into your nose, almost like an oxygen tube? That is what I heard.......I am about to get tested for sleep apnea, after being told by my sister she thinks I have it (she took care of me for ten weeks after a hospital stay during treatment). I am severely clautrophobic and would not be able to handle anything over my face......
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  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 CSN Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #8
    jim and i said:

    Coming this way?
    What is going on this weekend that would bring me to Lakeland?

    Debbie

    Orlando...
    I thought you guys were going to Orlando that week-end....

    JG
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  • jim and i
    jim and i CSN Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #9
    flaladee said:

    CPAP
    Havent they made a CPAP machine that just fits into your nose, almost like an oxygen tube? That is what I heard.......I am about to get tested for sleep apnea, after being told by my sister she thinks I have it (she took care of me for ten weeks after a hospital stay during treatment). I am severely clautrophobic and would not be able to handle anything over my face......

    yes they do have the kind like oxygen
    There are two pads that kind of fit on the nostrils, it has to seal the nostrils to work. The tech told us most people like it better than the mask. Jim of course did not so he tried a couple masks until he found one comfortaable. Hope you don't need one but if you do please use it as it will make a huge difference in energy, restful sleep and helps with the dry mouth.

    Debbie
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