ari,

The thick saliva stage is common in just about 100% of fellow "radiation to the neck area" patients. Some have it really really bad needing a rented suction machine just to function at all but all of us had to deal with it. When this stage ends the dry mouth stage will begin and that will take perhaps as much as 2 years to recovery as much as it will.

Thanks, David. I didn't even know about suction machines till I visited these forums. I will cheer the end of thick saliva because, as noted, it seems tied to sleep deprivation. I have sleep aids available, including a prescription narcotic, but refuse them. For me, the issue is drooling and especially gagging -- the quick buildup of thick saliva, leading to awakening quickly, choking on my own gummy spit. As thick saliva diminishes, I hope to begin sleeping 1, 2, 3 or more hours at a time -- a godsend. I feel that natural sleep is the key to accelerate my healing.

Therefore I believe that when mouth soreness decreases, enabling me to eat and drink, and thick saliva decreases, enabling me to sleep, I'll really be on the way.

You mention the long, dry mouth stage to follow. I guess I'll have to cross that bridge when I come to it.

I do have one question for you: what's the appropriate use of "saliva substitute" products? One was recommended to me, but I'm not sure when and how it's supposed to be used. Do you recall any feedback on product effectiveness from forum members?

Ari,

My husband used a portable suction machine. A wonderful forum member who doesn't post much these days sent us the one they bought to use during the really difficult times. It made the whole thick, gaggy mucous period much more manageable for my husband.

I have since learned you can get rentals through your insurance companies. Talk to your doctor...it is a really good idea to have one. Whether it's for waking up in the middle of the night or just dealing with it during the day!! Way better than gagging or choking.

On saliva substitutes. I bought all brands all forms...Dan tried them all...and, during the period that you are in now nothing worked great. But, it could be that our expectations were too high. Hopefully someone else will be able to give you a good recommendation.

Thanks, Margaret