Viewing 11 posts - 1 through 11 (of 11 total)
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  • Stymie
    Participant
    April 9, 2013 at 10:57 am
    Post count: 195
    #1059849

    I’ve just noticed my mouth has been very dry lately. My throat is very dry when I wake up in the morning also. I just have been noticing this the last week or so.

    I’m wondering if the RAI damaged my salivary glands? Could it be showing up just now? ( I had RAI in September I think)

    Any input anyone has would be greatly appreciated.

    Diane

    Kimberly
    Keymaster
    April 9, 2013 at 11:33 am
    Post count: 4294
    #1178223

    Hello – I would suggest checking this out with your doctor (or even your dentist) to see if there are other possible causes that can be remedied. The research on RAI and salivary issues that I’ve seen has been related to the larger doses that are given to high-risk cancer patients. Here is some general info from the National Institutes of Health:

    (Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

    http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/topics/drymouth/drymouth.htm

    Stymie
    Participant
    April 9, 2013 at 11:42 am
    Post count: 195
    #1178224

    Sjögren’s syndrome?

    Kimberly
    Keymaster
    April 9, 2013 at 11:47 am
    Post count: 4294
    #1178225

    Hello – Sjögren’s is also an autoimmune condition, but is just one of many potential causes of dry mouth…I would definitely check this issue out with your doctor for further direction.

    Stymie
    Participant
    April 9, 2013 at 2:44 pm
    Post count: 195
    #1178226

    2 articles I’ve read today specifically states dry mouth as a side effect of radiation to the head or neck. It does not specifically state RAI…

    Momof5
    Participant
    April 9, 2013 at 4:21 pm
    Post count: 118
    #1178227

    Do you take any allergy medicine? This could cause dry mouth too. Just a thought.

    Kimberly
    Keymaster
    April 9, 2013 at 4:35 pm
    Post count: 4294
    #1178228

    Carrie just made me think of something else…those with severe allergies could end up breathing through the mouth at night, which can cause dryness.

    Where I live, there are already little yellow puff balls everywhere. Ugh!

    Of course, *all* of this is worth checking out with your doctor to figure out what is going on and how you can get some relief!

    Stymie
    Participant
    April 10, 2013 at 4:33 am
    Post count: 195
    #1178229

    I do take an antihistamine daily for the last few years. I have a sinus issue going on right now so I made an appt to see my pcp.

    I just hope it’s not Sjögren’s and just a complication from the RAI. Not that I’m thrilled with that diagnosis either.

    Hopefully I can get off the antihistamine and it will help with the dry everything.

    Diane

    Stymie
    Participant
    April 10, 2013 at 4:30 pm
    Post count: 195
    #1178230

    Just wanted to let you all know I didn’t take my antihistamine today and my eyes were less dry. I’m not sure about the mouth though. I think it was just about the same…

    Momof5
    Participant
    April 10, 2013 at 4:46 pm
    Post count: 118
    #1178231

    One day at a time. That’s all we can do.

    Stymie
    Participant
    April 10, 2013 at 4:48 pm
    Post count: 195
    #1178232

    Thanks Carrie.

    Yes one day at a time it is.

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