Throat still sore

jtl
jtl Member Posts: 456
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Seems like my throat should be getting better by now. I am almost 5 weeks post rads and the side where I got the most rads is still very sore when I swallow anything that has spices or is fizzy, even Ensure burns going down. It is not so bad if I am just swallowing. How long does this normally last?
John

Comments

  • Fire34
    Fire34 Member Posts: 365
    #2
    Throat Soreness
    John
    I had a peg that was used approx. 2 months post, it was scrambled eggs here that my wife shoved down me to keep the muscles working, that was about the most solid food I could handle for awhile.
    What litle bit of soda I now have does still burn somewhat and my favorite salad dressing burns like fire going down. and tomatoe sauce is still a killer. I am two years post.
    5 weeks seems a litle early post rads, for things to heal and get back to working properly. Definetly dont stop the nutrition though as mentioned above it might be the new normal, and keep trying things that taste better and go down easier
    Wishe & Prayers on your recovery
    Dave
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #3
    Five Weeks
    That is a very short amount of time. Especially that the effects of radiation are cumulative, and you don't peak with the side affects until 2/4 weeks out. Took me forever, I am sure that you will have much better healing time than I did. I am over 2.5 years out, and I still cannot do fizzy drinks. Which is not uncommon after radiation. Same with some spices, I really cannot handle anything with cayenne, black pepper, or salt. The Ensure, that will get better. Water burned me. At five weeks, you are barely done cooking though.
  • fisrpotpe
    fisrpotpe Member Posts: 1,349 Member
    #4
    Fast
    We all want recover to be fast and sad to say it is not. Radiation continues at your stage to be active for 6-9 weeks post treatment. It will get better down the road but not fast enough. You will start to see a difference and it will get better. Prayers your recovery is faster than most post treatment.

    John
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #5
    Hi jtl

    It will take some time because the radiation might still be working a little, for me it was right about 2 months before all the soreness started to go away and my taste started to come back. So don’t despair I sure soon and very soon you will start to feel and see a lot of changes as your body heals for all the effects of treatment.


    Praying for you
    Hondo
  • jtl
    jtl Member Posts: 456
    #6
    Throat
    When I went to my ENT a couple of weeks ago he said he was surprised that my throat still looked so irratated which is why I wondered if this lingering sore throat was normal. I may go over today and pick up a letter from him to get a medical discount on a Vitamix. If so I am going to have him look at the area. Fortunately it is partially visable by just using a tongue depressor. Thanks for all of the comments.
    John
  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #7
    jtl said:

    Throat
    When I went to my ENT a couple of weeks ago he said he was surprised that my throat still looked so irratated which is why I wondered if this lingering sore throat was normal. I may go over today and pick up a letter from him to get a medical discount on a Vitamix. If so I am going to have him look at the area. Fortunately it is partially visable by just using a tongue depressor. Thanks for all of the comments.
    John

    stop the acid
    I agree with the others but can I add that fizzy and acidic foods are just adding to the duration of the sore throat. As long as you keep trying to eat spicy and acidic foods and drink soda your throat will stay raw because you are burning it. Stick with mild food, Cream of Wheat, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt and pudding, etc. If it burns don't eat it. Stick with bland for awhile. Also, gargle with baking soda and salt, especially after eating. It will sooth, clean and heal your throat. Jim did this on doctors advice and he only suffered with a sore throat one week after treatment.

    Debbie
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #8
    John
    Getting a Vitamix, is a great idea. Will make it so much easier to get in your nutrition. I agree, I would avoid any spicy, fizzy, or acidic things. They will just aggravate it more, and delay healing.

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