Hi from Amy: I am still reading this thread intently. John's saliva production is his biggest obstacle to feeling better. The suction machine is the only thing barely able to help him, but it isn't enough. By the way, if you have do take a big tablet [as long as it isn't a time release kind] just grind it up in a pill grinder and dissolve it in hot liquid to swallow.
Eileen, if the Docs give you are reason for the "no" to the suction machine, I'd sure like to hear it. Amy