How do you manage thick mucus? What else can I try?

@roxanne43 my pharmacist told me the same thing. My Dr told me that a humidity would help to thin the mucas. I also asked about a small personal steamer. She said yes, but use water only. Don't use anything in it like Vic's or anything menthol. I know we are all different. This really helped to thin my mucas. You could ask your doctors or pharmacist. Did you decide to get a suction machine?

@roxanne43 my son in law is struggling with that problem with his tracheostony from throat cancer. His team suggested Mucinex, just the plain guaifenesin variety. It thins secretions and seems to help him some..

Thank you.

@2313
I kept my nurses busy emptying out the filter on the suction machine. I used that thing left, right & centre. It worked like a charm.

@oliverpuppy
I go thru a bottle of fruit xylimelts very often. A necessity to carry me through the day. Goopyness is hideous though. Having a handkerchief comes in handy.

@omaest
can you have any puree foods?
doc recommends my Gtube for life!
i am okay with that to a certain degree.
i enjoy having smoothies the most.

@zenren14 I keep a suction machine with me at all times. I keep one in the living room, one in the bedroom, one in the basement and one ready for the car whenever we go anywhere. It's crazy I know, but I get real nervous when there isn't one in reach. Lol

@zenren14 luckily by day I just take small sips of water or coffee mostly very frequently. So I only use xylimelts at night. Maybe I’ll throw some in the glove box just in case! I cough swish water in my mouth and move it fast to get some of the mucus out but I do clear up eventually then my nose runs! But just having a water bottle is nice when I’m running around.. I’m happy just had a good scan so that’s nice.

That's wonderful!! Sounds like you're doing great!!!!

I have tried Mucinex I didn't notice any difference after 4 bottles, so I discontinued. I think my problem is sinus drainage. It was pretty bad during radiation treatment (1st cancer 2010) and only let up after having a stoke. An ENT once told me a few times that a liter of fluid normally flows down your throat during the day. My new problem is too much saliva. I think this is due to my skin graph on my tongue (2nd cancer 2020).
I had a Throat Dilatation done to try to gain back some ability to swallow. No dramatic improvement. Noted scar tissue and a narrowing of the opening of my esophagus. Probably try again next year.