dry everything

I have had radiation to the head and neck, with the last 7 week treatment over a year and a half ago. My salivary glands were damaged.

I never took any medication for the issue of decreased saliva production or chronic dry mouth.

Saliva production has increased a tiny bit. I need to drink a lot of water throughout the day, which is actually a good thing. When away from home for any period of time, I carry a bottle of water. I need to have plenty of water nearby and at the ready whenever I eat.

I have noticed that the problem of dry mouth and decreased saliva production increases after I drink a cup of coffee or a cup of tea, both are very astringent.

For me, it has become the "new normal".

Maryann

I had radiation to my head and neck 4 months ago and my salivary glands were damaged. I have been using Salagen (Pilocarpine HCL) and it helps. You have to take it every 4 hours and yes, sometimes it makes me very sweaty all over, but for up to 3 hours after taking it I’m not constantly thinking about my dry mouth. I figure a little relief is better than none. It took 2-3 weeks for it to really begin to work, so be patient.
My question is this: For those of you who have had radiation to the head and neck, did you ever get saliva back and if so how long did it take and was it sufficient to not require carrying a bottle of water around with you constantly?
B

I am aware of 2 mouthwashes that are advertised to help with dry mouth.
I have dry mouth following radiation therapy that seriously damaged my salivary glands. I tried Biotene. I did not find that it helped and I found it to be too sweet.The other product is ACT Total Care Dry Mouth. I have not yet tried that.

I have found that my mouth gets even more dry after I drink tea or coffee. If you experience this too, limited caffeinated drinks may help. I have just adapted to drink lots of water, especially when eating. With limited saliva production, swallowing is a challenge.

To deal with dry skin, I can suggest taking warm rather than hot baths and showers. Use a good moisturizer several times a day. You may consider using a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air, which can become very dry once the heat is on in your home.

Has your physician offered any advice?

Maryann

You must be taking a medication to prevent rejection of the transplant. The dry skin and mouth could be a side effect of that drug.

Maryann