medications and machines !!!

[Guest]

Hi all, I am having problems with oral thrush for second time in a few weeks, I am sure that this makes it more difficult to swallow anything, it has affected my ability to eat and drink ,am on medication from Dr for second time. I also have a big problem removing mucus which seems much worse than normal,which is bad enough at the best of times. I use a nebulizer, and a cough assist machine to try and help to get rid of mucus, I also have a ventilator which I have terrible difficulties using, but wanted to ask if anyone else has experienced problems ie oral thrush, and wondered if using the machines is making things worse. I know that my illness is progressing quite fast now but this feeling of trying to clear throat all the time is getting me down, especially during the night, I have hours awake just trying to cough up this horrible stuff. Any advice would be most welcome, I forgot to mention that I take carbocistein three times a day now on advice of respiratory nurse. X JAN Q.

[Dave K]

Morning Jan Q...

Sorry, I cannot help on your troubles as Julie is not quite there yet and I try not to learn stuff until it happens, saves learning things that may not be needed.

I can say, though that Julie has had oral thrush a couple of times, pretty much one after the other, I take it you are on some form of antibiotic for this, Julie had, I don't remember the name but it was a liquid type which seemed to work the first time but not the 2nd so she was givin a different kind (I can find out for you what it was later if you like) which cleared it up in no time.

Not all antibiotics work so sometimes it is a hit and miss even if it looks like it is working initially.

I can so appreciate and feel for you inability to cough, Julie is the same, all day (luckily OK at night). I know this is going to sound stupid but when Julie tries to cough (she can't) I end up coughing for her... Like this is any use... Just natural instinct I suppose.

Anyway, thought I would drop you a message (keep you company) but maybe someone else can enlighten you on how to solve your problem cos I just waffle on and on hahaha

Dave X

[JAN Q]

Morning Dave, Thank you for your reply, I have been awake most of the night with this terrible mucus in throat, but it is definitely worse while suffering from this thrush, Dr prescribed me liquid medication 'fluconazole 'which helped last time. No antibiotics as had three lots of those for chest infections I had and they can cause thrush. Thanks for your company, take care x. Jan Q.

[Dave K]

Just checked and the one that worked for Julie was 'Nystan'.

Hey Jan Q, you know that I rarely sleep so if you feel like chatting PM or email me, if I am asleep then I cannot answer but if I am I doubt that it would be too long before I reply hahaha.

Dave X

[mags55]

Hi Jan
I have had oral thrush twice too, both times I was prescribed nystagmus, same as Dave suggested.
I too suffer with thick mucus.. My MND nurse suggested freezing wedges of fresh pineapple and suck on it, I can't suck but I just put it in my mouth and try (you will need plenty of kitchen towel). Apparently, pineapple juice isn't as good as it kills the enzymes when liquidised.
Definately, the antibiotics you are taking won't help. It's always the way, you take something to help a sympton but causes another.
Mags x

[mags55]

Sorry, I mean I used Nystan, I really should check text before sending x

[Dave K]

HAHAHA Mags, or you could edit the original message, I do, a lot as I write, post, read then say "OH GAWD" before going back in and editing all the typo's that I can find. it's not our fault anyway, it's these fiddly keyboards A! aha

Dave X

[mags55]

That's right Dave, it's the keyboards.
If I wrote all that you write, I think it would take me all day correcting my text, lol
Xx

[Terry]

Please be careful putting anything solid in your mouth that could get stuck in your throat. I'm not saying don't do it but think about the risks, it could be a problem for some. If it is a risk, maybe you could make a slush up and have a spoon full at a time.

Hi Jan;

I don't know much about the machines but wonder if a suction machine would be of any use. When I had a (MAN) cold I would have to lay on my side to get any stuff out of my mouth.

Love Terry

[Ellie]

Hi Jan,

I don't know about machines or mucus causing thrush but you're right that antibiotics often cause thrush to develop, as can a lack of saliva, which can be a side effect from some of our meds. It's really good to take Yakult or similar, for 10 days after a course of antibiotics, as they destroy good bacteria too.

A hospice nurse told me to take half an effervescent Vitamin C tablet every day on the tongue (the ones normally dissolved in water) for a healthy mouth. They're rather sour but if you can tolerate it, it's worth it! Try even 1/4 tablet to start. They come in various flavours.

Also, good oral hygiene is very important with saliva problems.

Hope the antifungal med works.

Love Ellie.

[mags55]

After my last lot of antibiotics for my water infection, I was told to take Yakut, I just stick one through tube everyday.
I have a gel to put in my mouth at night for dryness.
And you have reminded me Ellie, I'm over due to see the hygienist.
Mags xx

[WendyWooG]

Hi
I get oral thrush quite a bit with the sjogrens the live yoghurt drinks do help, the drops the doctors gave me stopped working after a while.
Wendy x

[JAN Q]

Hi Mags,
Thanks for your reply it's so helpful to be able to ask for help from possibly someone else ,suffering the same.,yes we take one thing and then need another for the problems that may cause,we can't win can we.!! X JAN Q.

[JAN Q]

Thanks Wendy, I decided to get some yoghurt drinks to see if they help so fingers X they may help along with the antifungal medicine. X JAN Q.

[JAN Q]

Thanks Ellie,
The vitamin c tablet sounds interesting will give anything a try, have been drinking yoghurt drinks too think they could help.
All tips and ideas are so helpful as we don't always think of everything ourselves do we.
X JAN Q.