Deal with Nausea After Chemotherapy
Nausea is one of the most difficult side effects of a chemotherapy treatment. Having to deal with the cancer and its physical and emotional aspects, having to deal with radiation and chemotherapy, hair loss and a host of other issues, one must deal with nausea to a certain extent. Nausea can certainly be lessened, however, by following these steps.
Instructions
1. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR OR P.A. ABOUT PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS FOR NAUSEA
Drug manufacturers have come a long way in recent years towards battling nausea. In addition to the very powerful drugs your doctor will prescribe for the first day or so following chemotherapy, you can also request other prescription medications that will minimize the feeling of nausea. If you don't tolerate the medicine initially prescribed, ask to try another one. There are a number on the market, and if you keep trying, you will find one that will reduce your nausea.
2. SPREAD THE DOSAGE OUT
As long as the anti-nausea medication your doctor or P.A. prescribes is not time-released and doesn't specifically state not to cut or crush, cut the pills in quarters. For example, instead of taking a full tablet every 4 hours, cut the tablet in quarters and take a quarter tablet each hour. This helps to reduce the nausea because the medication is being fed into your body at a more regular rate.
3. EAT ICE CHIPS TO REDUCE NAUSEA
In addition to the prescription medicine(s), keep a cup of ice chips handy. Keeping hydrated and keeping your mouth moist may also reduce your feeling of nausea.
4. KEEP YOUR EATING SMALL AND FREQUENT
This may seem impossible when you're feeling nauseous, but it helps. Consider eating foods that are relatively flavorless and odorless. Strong flavors and odors tend to make the nausea worse.
5. LEMON
Either smell grated lemon peel or sip a teaspoon of warm water with lemon juice every 10 minutes. If you use fresh lemon while on chemo, you'll need to scrub the peel, then peel the lemon and wash it before using the juice. Since chemo reduces the body's ability to produce white blood cells, infection is a much greater risk. Never eat raw fruit or vegetables without scrubbing, peeling, and then washing them.
6. USE PRESSURE POINTS TO REDUCE NAUSEA
There are several pressure points on the body that have proven effective in reducing nausea. One of the easiest pressure point is the one on the inside of the wrists. The pressure point is located three fingers' width from the crease in your wrist between the tendons that run down the center. Apply firm, steady pressure at the very onset of nausea.
7. If you follow these steps faithfully, your nausea following chemotherapy will be reduced.
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