Dry mouth from chemo

PamRav

My mouth during the night is so dry, (I'm talking no saliva at all) , that it actually wakes me up 5 or 6 times.  I have water at the bedside and I drink that when I wake up.  I tried some of the biogene products out there but hated them.  I rinse my mouth with salt and baking soda during the day.  

Anyone have any suggestions? Any thoughts??

thanks

Trubrit

Hate to be the bearer of bad news

I'm 3 years 7 months (as of yesterday) out from chemo and I still wake up almost every night with my tongue sticking to the roof of my mouth. I too have water by my bedside. 

The only thing I have noticed that helps a little is if I don't eat too much salt, especially with the evening meal. 

None of the dry mouth washes make any difference. 

Do take a look at your tongue. Make sure you don't have Thursh. I had Thursh all through chemo,and  tried several medications that would help for a short period.  The Thrush has cleared up but I am left with damaged tastebuds. My tongue has a nasty white film on it all of the time. 

Be sure and tell your Oncologist before your next treatment.

TRU

JanJan63

Is it possible that you two

Is it possible that you two are dehydrated as well? This doesn't help for in the middle of the night but when my reaction to that last chemo was so bad and I could hardly open my mouth my husband got me Mr Freezies. They're so good! Now I have one before bed to combat my dehydration caused dry mouth without having a drink so that I have to get up and go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Trubrit

Nope, not me!

I drink water like its going out of style, so I doubt I'm even close to being dehydrated.  I don't think I was during chemo, either, but it was 3 plus years ago, and I can't remember yesterday. 

Oh, and I'm up at least three times going to the loo. Drink, pee, drink, pee. Its never ending. 

Good idea though. I still think Thursh needs to be looked at. 

TRU

PamRav

Tiresome

I too drink water like crazy.  I took a good look in my mouth I'm certain it's not thrush. (At least not yet. )

Compared to all the other side effect out there (some of which I've had and some of which I haven't) this is small.. but annoying and tiresome ..  but as with everything else just one more thing to get used to....

JanJan63

PamRav said:

Tiresome

I too drink water like crazy.  I took a good look in my mouth I'm certain it's not thrush. (At least not yet. )

Compared to all the other side effect out there (some of which I've had and some of which I haven't) this is small.. but annoying and tiresome ..  but as with everything else just one more thing to get used to....

For sure. I get so sick of

For sure. I get so sick of all the little things that are annoying. In the past few days it seems like the neuropathy in my feet is going away, finally, and being replaced by being itchy. So awesome! It's a relatively minor thing but just yet another annoyance.

I wonder if you used a small humidifier in your room if it would help.

PamRav

Good idea

i think the humidifier is a great idea.  I have dry eyes too.  

I'm turning into a prune. Lol. 

Itchy from your latest drug reaction??  Does Benadryl help, or does it just put you to sleep? Seems like there must be some medication out there to give you some relief.

lizard44

Ice chips

I keep ice chips in an insulated, covered mug by the bed. The ice  gives me just  enough moisture to alleviate the dryness without  having to run to the loo all night, although I still have to go at least once during the night.

Grace/lizard44

danker

age

Watt until you get as old as me. there is no sleeping thru the nite!! LOL

PamRav

Funny

to think of all of us out there wandering around in the night!!!

thanks grace. Ice chips, now why didn't I think of that. That's a great tip 

peace

PamRav

Hope

to be as old as you someday, Danker!!  It's a good goal to strive for 

Greemy

Dry Mouth

One of the best remidies for dry mouth, and also aids in the prevention of cavities, is a product called Xylimelts.  It was suggested that I use these by my dentist.  They have a minty like flavor and you stick them between your cheek and top teeth, where they gently adhere w/o any worry of dislodging And slowly dissolve Day or night.   You can find them in the dental section of drugstores usually next to the Biotene products.   They are sold as melts or spray.  

PamRav

Thanks Greemy.  I'll look for

Thanks Greemy.  I'll look for them next trip out.