Robert A. Posted November 22, 2019 Share Posted November 22, 2019 My wife's coughing ( which is how we found her lung mass) was occasional and was mostly controlled with Benzonatate, but yesterday she had a coughing fit. We saw the Pulmonologist a few days ago but everything was under control, the Pulmonologist prescribed Anoro while we were there but there was a mix up and when we went to the pharmacy to pick up the wrong prescription had been called in which they fixed yesterday afternoon. I have yet to pick it up so I don't know it this will help. What worked for her was Vicks and a warm pack to hug and to use her CPAP with humidity, I run a humidifier because of the dryness at this time of year. Your tips are welcome, Thanks Robert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rower Michelle Posted November 22, 2019 Share Posted November 22, 2019 Hi Robert- I had really terrible coughing fits too. It’s important to protect the rib cage so have your wife hug a small pillow when they come on. The pearls didn’t work for me & I blew through all of the OTC meds. The only medicine that worked for me was an opiate based cough syrup administered every six hours religiously, especially the 2am dose. I stopped talking & got a note pad to avoid any unnecessary speech, particularly in the afternoon. I used a wedge pillow to keep my head elevated when resting. Lots of hot tea (no coffee since that can be dehydrating) with Manuka honey (the highest number you can find). For some reason the Jakeman’s honey based cough drops gave me the most relief after a cough fit ceased. Try to see if your wife can do some belly breathing exercises (YouTube) to push open the lungs in the morning and evening. Since there’s no predictability to these fits it’s important to let them happen & not try to force them to stop. Bottom line is don’t settle, if something isn’t working, keep the doctor informed. Different things work for different people. Once treatment gets started the coughing will start to settle down. Michelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert A. Posted November 22, 2019 Author Share Posted November 22, 2019 5 minutes ago, Rower Michelle said: Hi Robert- I had really terrible coughing fits too. It’s important to protect the rib cage so have your wife hug a small pillow when they come on. The pearls didn’t work for me & I blew through all of the OTC meds. The only medicine that worked for me was an opiate based cough syrup administered every six hours religiously, especially the 2am dose. I stopped talking & got a note pad to avoid any unnecessary speech, particularly in the afternoon. I used a wedge pillow to keep my head elevated when resting. Lots of hot tea (no coffee since that can be dehydrating) with Manuka honey (the highest number you can find). For some reason the Jakeman’s honey based cough drops gave me the most relief after a cough fit ceased. Try to see if your wife can do some belly breathing exercises (YouTube) to push open the lungs in the morning and evening. Since there’s no predictability to these fits it’s important to let them happen & not try to force them to stop. Bottom line is don’t settle, if something isn’t working, keep the doctor informed. Different things work for different people. Once treatment gets started the coughing will start to settle down. Michelle Thanks Michelle, I felt so powerless to do anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rower Michelle Posted November 22, 2019 Share Posted November 22, 2019 I understand Robert. My husband felt the same way. He dutifully & diligently administered all of the cough syrup at all hours of the day & night. If your wife needs the opiate based syrup be sure ask about how to taper the dose rather than abruptly stopping. It took about three weeks for my taper. Hang in there. This part isn’t easy but relief is coming soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted November 22, 2019 Share Posted November 22, 2019 Robert, I still rely on a long steamy shower. I sit on a small stool outside the water stream and inhale the steam. It works for me. Stay the course. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert A. Posted November 22, 2019 Author Share Posted November 22, 2019 Thanks all, chemo starts Monday so hopefully we can start down the road to wellness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lin wilki Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 I just have to jump in here. My cough has only worsened since starting treatment! It’s a side effect of my immunotherapy. Pearls didn’t help and made me itch. Nothing I can do about it. Can’t take hot showers cuz my rash comes out. I just felt like unloading. I feel better now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 Lin wilki, Have you tried albuterol using a nebulizer? Stay the course. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert A. Posted November 23, 2019 Author Share Posted November 23, 2019 1 hour ago, Tom Galli said: Lin wilki, Have you tried albuterol using a nebulizer? Stay the course. Tom She was given Albuterol but no effect, the Benzonatate was working well until the coughing fit of Thursday. The winds kick up Thursday so I think that may have been part of the problem. Friday was much better and today was the same as Friday. We went ahead and contacted the Pulmonologist Friday because the weekend was coming and we weren't going to be able to get in touch with anyone until Monday which is when Chemo starts. The Dr. also gave us a prescription samples of Anoro which she tried today but I thinks it's too early to see any results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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