Replied by Joyce (Joelton, TN) on 09/21/2008
Hello Eunice from Colorado City,
I don't have any specific remedies for radiation burn, but let's put our heads together and see what we can figure out. First off, some of the best healing things I know of are Vitamins C, E and zinc. I suggest at least 4 to 6 grams of Vitamin C (4000 to 6000mgs), 800 to l200 IU's of E and 50 mgm. of zinc daily. Since swallowing is a problem with a sore throat, these can all be dissolved in a liter of water and drink small amounts of it until all gone at the end of the day. The vitamin E also helps prevent scar tissue forming.
Another thing I have found helpful & soothing for a sore throat is apple cider vinegar and honey. Try it half and half and if it stings, then add more honey until it doesn't.
I suggest 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. swallowing it very slowly every hour or two.
A couple of other things that might be very helpful is external castor oil packs to the throat and some extra virgin coconut oil: 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. full swallowing slowly 3 to 4 times day.
You didn't say why you had radiation, but I suspect both your body and your mind have been under a lot of stress lately, so I suggest a good stress tab 3-4 times per day.
Hope you like buttermilk - if so try drinking cold buttermilk to see if it soothes radiation burn as much as it does a bad sunburn.
You probably also need to start thinking about eating more healthily. Most all natural healers are recommending that we go heavy on fruits and vegetables and lots of them (including Dr. Lorraine Day who cured her own cancer without orthodox slash, burn and poison) are recommending eating as much of your foods raw as possible. No cook, cook books can be found in most book stores as well as health food stores.
Oh yes, my brother said his worst problem after radiation, was insomnia. If this is a problem for you, put a cup of table salt in the bathtub, run comfortably warm water and get in the tub and splash it up around your neck (if you have a trach, be careful to not get it into your trach). Just lie back, close your eyes and imagine that you are luxuriating in some expensive spa until the water feels cool. Repeat these salt baths for 6 nights.
Let us know how it goes with you.
Replied by Cynders (Detroit, MI) on 07/07/2009
Klaus, It takes time but you will be able to teach yourself to swallow. I lost my epiglottis and vocal chords in a car accident as a teenager in the mid-80s. It took about a year to learn and eat and drink to a level about 50% of "normal." I can eat and drink most everything but am selective and more careful in public or with company. Drinking is more like sipping coffee, not swallowing mouthfuls - especially one after the other. I do clear my throat often and sometimes cough, whether I am eating or not. Best of luck.
