Thrush and choking on mucus here!

Vivi C
Vivi C Member Posts: 70
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
I feel like I am going to choke on this mucus. Any ideas? I also got diagnosed with Thrush today and they put me on Fluconozole. Can't talk or move my tongue. Very painful.
«1

Comments

  • kimmygarland
    kimmygarland Member Posts: 312
    #2
    You Poor Thing....
    Hang in there. My husband had really bad mucous and the baking soda/salt w/warm water rinse helped a little bit... but really only time helped, he just spit spit spit for a couple of weeks. Try propping up your bed too, it may help some. The meds should get rid of the thrush. My husband had it too and his mouth was a mess, and cleared up pretty quickly with the medicine they gave him.
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    #3
    Ow
    Sorry you're going through a rough patch. I've heard from several folks that seltzer water does a great job at breaking up the thick mucous at the back of your throat. I didn't try it, because I was afraid of the carbonation. And, as always, drink all the water you can, and do rinses religiously. Hope you get over this phase quickly
  • miccmill
    miccmill Member Posts: 248
    #4
    kimmygarland said:

    You Poor Thing....
    Hang in there. My husband had really bad mucous and the baking soda/salt w/warm water rinse helped a little bit... but really only time helped, he just spit spit spit for a couple of weeks. Try propping up your bed too, it may help some. The meds should get rid of the thrush. My husband had it too and his mouth was a mess, and cleared up pretty quickly with the medicine they gave him.

    Mucous
    Glenn took Mucinex at this stage. It doesn't make the mucous go away but it did thin it out. He still had to cough it up but it wasn't so thick which he felt better about.

    Thursh is tough. Pain where you just don't need any more. Should go away quickly with the meds.

    Lisa
  • charles55
    charles55 Member Posts: 87
    #5
    caphosol
    You might ask your doctor about Caphosol. It is a prescription med that comes in a supply of two different small tubes. You mix the two right before you swish/gargle with it. It seems to do a pretty good job of cutting the thick the mucus and soothing the mouth. But for thrush, Miracle mouthwash did the trick for me dealing with it and for numbing the pain. I am sorry you hurt. This is truly some of the suck part of radiation. I found you just had to stay focused on why you are doing this and wait it out. But my heart goes out to you. Be strong.
  • dogsrule
    dogsrule Member Posts: 96
    #6
    charles55 said:

    caphosol
    You might ask your doctor about Caphosol. It is a prescription med that comes in a supply of two different small tubes. You mix the two right before you swish/gargle with it. It seems to do a pretty good job of cutting the thick the mucus and soothing the mouth. But for thrush, Miracle mouthwash did the trick for me dealing with it and for numbing the pain. I am sorry you hurt. This is truly some of the suck part of radiation. I found you just had to stay focused on why you are doing this and wait it out. But my heart goes out to you. Be strong.

    I know it hurts
    I am sorry that you are having all this pain. Stay strong and push through. You will feel better, it will take more time but you will get there.
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    #7
    Mucos
    I Vivi, the mucos was one of the tougher parts of my treatment and early recovery. Its was
    persistent and seemed solid as a rope. I used Caphosol, and the soda/salt mix orften for a bit of relief, but only time cleared it. The pain is a separate issue from the mucos, and I hope they both go away soon.

    Hal
  • Kimba1505
    Kimba1505 Member Posts: 557
    #8
    Hal61 said:

    Mucos
    I Vivi, the mucos was one of the tougher parts of my treatment and early recovery. Its was
    persistent and seemed solid as a rope. I used Caphosol, and the soda/salt mix orften for a bit of relief, but only time cleared it. The pain is a separate issue from the mucos, and I hope they both go away soon.

    Hal

    Not pretty..
    Hi Vivi,
    Mark had terrible mucous after his surgery. He would say that was one of the worst aspects of recovery. As best as I can make sense of it, when the throat is injured the body creates this mucous to coat it for protection. So as you heal, there is not longer a need for the body to produce it.
    Mark did all the things others have suggested. My only addition, and it isn't pretty, is Mark found relief, lieing propped up on his elbow, on his side in bed, with a bowl under him, leaned forward and just let it drain out of his mouth. I would empty bowls full of the stuff. But he watched TV and had a break from trying to hack it and spit it.
    Sorry my suggestion is so icky.
    Kim
  • chris731
    chris731 Member Posts: 24
    #9
    Mucus
    The Fluconozle will help clear up the Thrush. You can also use Biotene or Oasis to help kill the bacteria and speed up the healing of the Thrush. I used to rinse up to 8-10 times daily with it to stave off the Thrush.

    I had my doctor write out a script for a portable suction unit to get rid of all the mucus. I had it by my recliner since I pretty much lived in it during treatment. You might want to talk to your doctor to see if he can get you one. It was a life saver for me.
  • SASH
    SASH Member Posts: 421 Member
    #10
    Getting rid of Mucous
    The 2 ways I got rid of it.

    1. Puffs tissues with no lotion. Just stuck them in my mouth and scooped.
    2. Stand outside on a windy day and let went catch mucous. Eventually it will be 5-10 feet above your head then just take your finger and break it away from your mouth and let it fly. Just make sure you are up wind so it doesn't come back crashing on you.
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    #11
    SASH said:

    Getting rid of Mucous
    The 2 ways I got rid of it.

    1. Puffs tissues with no lotion. Just stuck them in my mouth and scooped.
    2. Stand outside on a windy day and let went catch mucous. Eventually it will be 5-10 feet above your head then just take your finger and break it away from your mouth and let it fly. Just make sure you are up wind so it doesn't come back crashing on you.

    LOL
    Good advice Sash. In the late night twilight zone of treatment I was often struck by the resilience of the mucous. It sometimes seemed like a permanent bridge between my mouth and the drain in the sink.

    Hal
  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    #12
    Mucinex
    My husband has used Mucinex with good success.

    Thrush requires the Fluconazole but it worked well for Jim, too. He feels like the Activia yogurt kept it away once he had the thrush under control. The yogurt was also cool and soothing to his throat.

    Hate you are going through this.

    This, too, shall pass, though.
  • Tanager75
    Tanager75 Member Posts: 89 Member
    #13
    Pop
    Along with what everyone has said a swallow, and that was about all I could do, of coke or root beer. I know the caffine in coke dries out things and it tasted bad but I'm talking a couple sips. It seemed to help cut the mucus for a time.

    mark
  • delnative
    delnative Member Posts: 450 Member
    #14
    Tanager75 said:

    Pop
    Along with what everyone has said a swallow, and that was about all I could do, of coke or root beer. I know the caffine in coke dries out things and it tasted bad but I'm talking a couple sips. It seemed to help cut the mucus for a time.

    mark

    Bless your heart
    Out of that whole miserable experience -- the radiation, the chemo and all that went with it, not to mention the sad, sad cases I saw at Johns Hopkins of people who were far worse off than I -- the thrush and the mucus were the most miserable part of all.
    I got thrush twice, and fluconazole worked both times, but not as quickly as I would have liked. My first bout with thrush, I didn't know what it was and thought it was just what happens when you get nuked. It wasn't until I was in severe pain that I asked my doctor. (Stupid me.)
    As for the mucus, I'm sorry to report that nothing worked. Time was the ultimate healer -- and that didn't pass quickly enough, either.
    Believe me, I feel your pain. But things will get better.

    --Jim in Delaware
  • finz2lft
    finz2lft Member Posts: 43
    #15
    mucousitis and thrush
    Hey Skiffin, I know that you are like a Navy Seal--everywhere but not seen, I have the Thrush too and was prescribed Fluconazole too. For the mucous sit up in an easy chair or sleep in one, and sleep propped up in your bed, I did this and have slept for 3 consecutive nights after a week of no sleep. The salt, soda and water helps too. Looks like we are at the same stage, I have 12 Rads and 2 Cisplatin's left. Good luck--Finz2lft
  • Vivi C
    Vivi C Member Posts: 70
    #16
    finz2lft said:

    mucousitis and thrush
    Hey Skiffin, I know that you are like a Navy Seal--everywhere but not seen, I have the Thrush too and was prescribed Fluconazole too. For the mucous sit up in an easy chair or sleep in one, and sleep propped up in your bed, I did this and have slept for 3 consecutive nights after a week of no sleep. The salt, soda and water helps too. Looks like we are at the same stage, I have 12 Rads and 2 Cisplatin's left. Good luck--Finz2lft

    Thank you!
    Just wanted to thank you all for your comments, suggestions and encouragement. My mucus has gone from clear to yellow/greenish since yesterday. Does this indicate an infection or not necessarily? Thank you guys. You are all the best. What a great group of people.

    Viv
  • hawk711
    hawk711 Member Posts: 566
    #17
    Machine worked for me
    Hi
    The good news is that it will end, believe me, I just can't say when. In the meantime, I suggest a suction machine. I had one for 6 weeks and it was a god-send. I could finally sleep laying down for the first time. It is very simple and the Dr can prescribe it for you so that your insurance will pay for it. I highly recommend this.
    Good luck and let us know what you do.
    All the best
    Steve
  • Dragons7-7-2010
    Dragons7-7-2010 Member Posts: 79
    #18
    Thrush and mouth sores
    Sorry to hear someone else is battling Thrush and mouth sores...

    I was so concerned reading up on all the othe side affects, I did not read the secton on mouth sores or thrush enough. I too am paying the price of painful mouth, I don't have the mucuous problem (yet) knock on wood.

    I appreciate all the responses and home the tips help.
    The PA put me on Nystantin (spelling) for the thrush and an RX for magic mouthwash (lidocaine, benedryl, maalox) it is a perscription your doctor has to write as it is made' by the pharmacy.

    Any ideas when the swollen lips will subside? Is putting ice on lips a good idea or bad.
    I am day 8 after my initial round of chemo ( days 1 to 5) and it has been really difficult with this mouth pain. My sister came to stay and help me and I feel bad she is trying to come up with things I can eat but it all just hurts other than BOOST, Ensure, or ice cream.
    I know my biggest issue is not drinking enough water. But I did the baking soda rinse religiously, used biotene, soft toothbrush. YIKES my mouth hurts....lips are peeling and swollen.

    I see the PA on Monday when I go for blood draw so I thought I'd have her look at the sores in my mouth. Ouch OUch Ouch is all I can say.

    The mouth pain has turned me into Oscar the Grouch from sesame street.

    ~ E. Cib
  • luv4lacrosse
    luv4lacrosse Member Posts: 1,410 Member
    #19
    Dragons7-7-2010 said:

    Thrush and mouth sores
    Sorry to hear someone else is battling Thrush and mouth sores...

    I was so concerned reading up on all the othe side affects, I did not read the secton on mouth sores or thrush enough. I too am paying the price of painful mouth, I don't have the mucuous problem (yet) knock on wood.

    I appreciate all the responses and home the tips help.
    The PA put me on Nystantin (spelling) for the thrush and an RX for magic mouthwash (lidocaine, benedryl, maalox) it is a perscription your doctor has to write as it is made' by the pharmacy.

    Any ideas when the swollen lips will subside? Is putting ice on lips a good idea or bad.
    I am day 8 after my initial round of chemo ( days 1 to 5) and it has been really difficult with this mouth pain. My sister came to stay and help me and I feel bad she is trying to come up with things I can eat but it all just hurts other than BOOST, Ensure, or ice cream.
    I know my biggest issue is not drinking enough water. But I did the baking soda rinse religiously, used biotene, soft toothbrush. YIKES my mouth hurts....lips are peeling and swollen.

    I see the PA on Monday when I go for blood draw so I thought I'd have her look at the sores in my mouth. Ouch OUch Ouch is all I can say.

    The mouth pain has turned me into Oscar the Grouch from sesame street.

    ~ E. Cib

    THRUSH PAIN
    I JUST FINISHED MY ONE WEEK DOSE OF THE SWISH AND RINSE NYSTATIN. I STILL HAVE A GROSS LOOKING TONGUE. DOES AND OR CAN THRUSH CAUSE TEETH PAIN, SEVERE EAR PAIN ETC. OR IS THIS STILL REVOVERY FROM SURGERY. MY DOC SAYS MY TONSILLECTOMY WAS THE MOST SEVERE ONE HE HAS EVER PERFORMED. 8-2 WAS MY FIRST SURGERY TO DEAL WITH THE MOUTH PART, AND ON 8-6 WAS MY NECK SURGERY AND HE REMOVED A FEW OTHER SPOTS IN MY MOUTH.

    HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CURE THRUSH? I ALSO SWISH WITH WARM SALT WATER 2-5 TIMES A DAY. WILL BRUSHING MY TONGUE AGGRIVATE THE THRUSH??

    BEST!!!

    MIKE
  • Dragons7-7-2010
    Dragons7-7-2010 Member Posts: 79
    #20
    luv4lacrosse said:

    THRUSH PAIN
    I JUST FINISHED MY ONE WEEK DOSE OF THE SWISH AND RINSE NYSTATIN. I STILL HAVE A GROSS LOOKING TONGUE. DOES AND OR CAN THRUSH CAUSE TEETH PAIN, SEVERE EAR PAIN ETC. OR IS THIS STILL REVOVERY FROM SURGERY. MY DOC SAYS MY TONSILLECTOMY WAS THE MOST SEVERE ONE HE HAS EVER PERFORMED. 8-2 WAS MY FIRST SURGERY TO DEAL WITH THE MOUTH PART, AND ON 8-6 WAS MY NECK SURGERY AND HE REMOVED A FEW OTHER SPOTS IN MY MOUTH.

    HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CURE THRUSH? I ALSO SWISH WITH WARM SALT WATER 2-5 TIMES A DAY. WILL BRUSHING MY TONGUE AGGRIVATE THE THRUSH??

    BEST!!!

    MIKE

    share your thrush pain
    Mike,

    I share your thrush pain. I did not have a neck surgery but the tonsillectomy is the similar though mine was only a left tonsillectomy and done on 8/4/2010. Praying I don't need the neck surgery that the lymph nodes etc cancer gets killed by the chemo. I find that out when I see the surgical oncologist in November after chemo / radiation are done.

    I am battling thrush and wondering your same question? When does the thrush get cured....my thoughts I would not brush your tongue I seriously cannot take the pain. How is your pain? when did the pain start to subside. I have only been on Nystatin since Friday night. I know I expect miracles but any input anyone can offer is appreciated.

    I am dreading round 2 chemo if I have to endure thrush a second time....

    I read in my chemo book that a side affect of one of the chemo drugs is ear pain / hearing loss. I just forget which one. I was given Cisplatinm Doxetaxel and 5FU.

    I know day by day moment by moment we will overcome.

    Eileen Cibil

    PS I am hoping the fact that I have a few extra lbs will offset the food that I am not eating due to mouth pain.
  • charles55
    charles55 Member Posts: 87
    #21
    luv4lacrosse said:

    THRUSH PAIN
    I JUST FINISHED MY ONE WEEK DOSE OF THE SWISH AND RINSE NYSTATIN. I STILL HAVE A GROSS LOOKING TONGUE. DOES AND OR CAN THRUSH CAUSE TEETH PAIN, SEVERE EAR PAIN ETC. OR IS THIS STILL REVOVERY FROM SURGERY. MY DOC SAYS MY TONSILLECTOMY WAS THE MOST SEVERE ONE HE HAS EVER PERFORMED. 8-2 WAS MY FIRST SURGERY TO DEAL WITH THE MOUTH PART, AND ON 8-6 WAS MY NECK SURGERY AND HE REMOVED A FEW OTHER SPOTS IN MY MOUTH.

    HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CURE THRUSH? I ALSO SWISH WITH WARM SALT WATER 2-5 TIMES A DAY. WILL BRUSHING MY TONGUE AGGRIVATE THE THRUSH??

    BEST!!!

    MIKE

    getting over thrush
    Mike, thrush is a fungal(yeast)growth, usually on the tongue, but it can progress to the esophagus. There is a vaginal form of it, but that is a whole other story. It might hurt like heck to brush your tongue, but it shouldn't aggravate having thrush. However, you can't mechanically brush it away. I don't know if there is any one answer for how long it takes to cure it, but when you take oral meds for it, you usually are on them for 14 days.

    I swished with Miracle Mouthwash a couple of times per day for many weeks and managed to avoid thrush because my oncologist put the fear of God into me about it ahead of time. And my mouth was so sore that I welcomed the lidocaine part of it. If my tongue could have, it would have jumped out of my mouth and ran away.

    I think it is evil that we have to put up with it while we are already dealing with cancer treatment.

Discussion Boards