John,also really make sure you get enough water in. Even if you think you've had enough, get some more. As Christine and Eric said, hydration is very important and will keep some of the nastier side effects away. I "ate" a lot of crushed ice...not ice chips because they have sharp edges, but sno-cone type of ice. My hubby would just put cubes in a ziploc baggy and smash with a hammer. I went thru liters of water that way and kept my swallowing muscles working and it was much easier than actually sipping water. good luck to you. Keep up the good fight.

and add the Manuka... that was a good tip from Cheryl that I used as well...it soothes the hot spots on the tongue. I would take a mouthful, keep it on my tongue as long as possible, then just spit it out. it really did help.