Hi gals
Thanks for everyone who replied to my post about radiotherapy burns. Thankfully they have now cleared although my right boob seems to have a permanent sun tan!
Unfortunately I cannot get rid of a persistent cough which developed halfway through my rads. I have now had the blessed cough for 2 months and it does not seem to want to shift!!
Have had chest x ray which appeared clear and my GP has been amazing trying several courses of antibitocs which have not really helped. Has anyone else experienced this?? To add insult to injury, I also have very little bladder control when I have a coughing fit which is quite embarrassing!!
Any suggestions please before I end up spending a fortune on Tena Ladies!!
i finished 3 weeks of rads this very day 12months ago, i write a diary so have just seen that !!
i have had a cough ever since, only when i first get up on a morning though,
i cough my insides out, it sounds like a smokers cough [but i dont smoke]
I told my oncologist about it,and he said if it got worse to let him know,
i’ve had chest x-rays since and alls fine.
Tell your oncologist about it, they may know a better cure than your gp.
Lorraine
whilst having chemo I’ve had 2 chest infections so far and both times I have had bad bladder control when coughing - I believe that I didn’t have enough energy to control the muscles. it wasn’t too bad but i did need to go out and buy Tena pads for the first time in my life.
Thanks very much indeed for your replies. I have a follow up appointment with oncologist in a couple of weeks so if I am still coughing, will ask her about this. I have just ordered a homeopathic remedy from the internet called Drosera by Weleda which I am hoping might just help.
As for the bladder control, well I am sincerely hoping this will improve when the cough clears up otherwise I could end up being a Tena Lady for some time to come!!!
Bladder control: It might be worth asking your GP to refer you to a physiotherapist who could give you exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. I went to a physiotherpist years ago when I had problems after a gynaecological operation. It did help. Subsequently I went to an excellent Pilates class where we were tought pelvic floor exercieses. They work, but it is too complicated to explain in print. Pelvic floor is like any other muscle; it can be made stronger.
Radiotherapy I cannot help with since I had my first session yesterday. Last night I started to have problems (side effects?) but I will post a question separately.