Phlegm management

My husband, Andy, had that horrendous problem around the same time as you. A suction machine was talked about but, we never took advantage because he felt like the phlegm was too far down for the device to reach and do any good. He ended up taking pretty high doses of Mucinex (guaifenisin I believe is the generic name) because we could buy it in a liquid form since pills at that point were impossible to swallow. You may want to ask your docs about a dosage if they think it would be worth a try. It's supposed to thin out the secretions.

So sorry. Just remember...it is a passing stage. Andy stood over the sink for half of his life during that time. Now, zero phlegm!

Tagboy said:

Thanks!
Thanks, Skinfin. Nice fish! I've been stalking the forum quietly for a week and logged in this week for the first time... Taking things one day at a time but with all the surprises, I know I'll need folks I can reach out to. For me really only the mouth issues have been an issue. No one mentioned to me the injections... I'd have tried them for sure. So far really just getting ahead of the mouth pain with meds and getting to where I don't spend half my time trying to successfully swallow globs of stuff has been the challenge. Where was your pic taken, if you don't mind me asking?

Skyway Bridge - Tampa Bay...
It was sitting on the bow of my boat under the Skyway Bridge Tampa Bay Florida a few months ago.

I live in Lakeland, between Orlando an Tampa, so I primarily fish Tampa Bay....

Check out my expressions pages, several photos of fishing catches...LOL. I get out most every week-end usually (if I get my honey doos and yard work done first, which I try to do during the week)...

I'm definitely a lucky man...a beautiful wife, two good kids, two lovable and goofy chocolate lab sisters, great job, nice boat, and awesome friends...life is good.

Best,
John

Tagboy said:

Thanks!
Thanks to all three of you for your commiseration and suggestions. I'm thrilled to know it doesn't last too long past treatment and I should get an IV tomorrow if we can't find a home health today. I know I'm dehydrated and just can't swallow liquids. I do 'dry swallows' just to keep the machinery running (and stay familiar with that nice rubbing burn). Thinking back, My Doctor should have re-directed my statement "One of my goals is to not have PEG." and suggested I get one anyway before treatment started and then just have the goal of "...not use the PEG." Becuase I'm down to some 2,000 calories in the last three days and none yet today... due to pain of consumption of the ensure. Will meet with Dr. in the AM and get scheduled for the PEG right away. Thansk again... I'm sure you'll be seeing me flailing about again soon!

PEG
Though I didn't have the PEG, I highly endorce them if needed.

That being said, I can understand where you are coming from concerning swallowing and pain management.

I too survived for around 6 - 7 weeks solely on Ensure Plus, a few sliced peaches (DelMonty in jars), and water. Ofcourse preceded with pain meds and followed with more pain meds.

You should definitely communicate with your MD's if you can't swallow due to pain and they can prescribe you something.

For me I had a routine....

I would set up two glasses of water, 1- 2 Ensures, a few of the peaches....a ground up percocet in just a little water, the thick throat/mouth numbing solution or liquid hydrocodon...I even had liquid morphine (roxanal), but didn't like it and it did nothing for my pain...it made me nauseaous.

Anyways, I'd take a teaspoon of the liquid meds, drink a galss of water, the Ensures and slide the peaches down to help with swallowing muscles...more water, then the percocet....

I'd follow that routin a few times a day to keep the calories and hydration going..

Anyways, don't suffer the pain if you can get something for it.

Best,
John

hawk711 said:

Hey Tag
I remember the thick mucous well. Mine lasted for 4 weeks after treatment, then the dry mouth kicked in. From one extreme to another.
I used a suction machine and it was a god send. Try it before you say it won't work for you. It cleared me up enough to sleep, which I needed.
I understand the issue of PEG and hydration. I had and used a PEG for 11 months and got IV's of hydration for 2 months during treatment. The PEG will give you nutrition and keep your weight up as well as give you water if you can't swallow.
I practiced swallowing with thicker stuff, yogurt, pudding, and soups. This is actually easier to swallow than water because water is so thin.....
I wish you the best in getting through this crap.....It does end, I can promise you that, but it will take way longer than you'd like. so be patient, very patient. Think in terms of weeks and months to get better, not days. In 6+ months, you'll see a different world and it will be a good one....Keep up the positive attitude......all the best.
Steve

I also had tremendous
I also had tremendous phlegm, the suction machine was awesome! I used it for 1 1/2 months. I was vomiting from the phlegm. My throat burns were so severe from radiation that I could only handle ice chips and had to let them melt in my mouth. I was unable to drink water or anything else as it came to fast and I could not swallow. Still, a yr. later I sometimes have swallowing issues. All of my meds were given via port a cath, due to swallowing issues. Unfortunately, before the swallowing got bad, my taste buds were gone and I would vomit up anything and everything that went in my mouth, except ice chips.

Good luck! And, like others have said, it does get better! Take it day by day, thats what I had to do.