Help please - any suggestions for nausea

[Chickadee]

Every six months I have to stop my medication for 10 days to have a blood test (checks cancer cells).

Unfortunately, this makes me feel really ill with several problems. The worst of these is constant nausea. I have got tablets from the Doc which take the edge off but does anyone have any other suggestions for anything that will help.

I know that ginger is something that can help but I really don't like it!!

Any help gratefully received.

[Eve]

Aww no, I was going to say ginger.

Could you try different types like ginger tea or put it with some honey to sweetnen it up?

You could try cola syrup or peppermint tea.

You could try some recipes for morning sickness (there may be some threads in the Pregnancy section) like Raspberry leaf Tea, drinking lots of water and soda crackers.

[showcatbenga]

You can use essential oils for massage, this is a suggested mix for nausea & diarrhoea;
50 ml carrier oil - almond or grapeseed oil.
9 drops lavander oil.
9 drops peppermint oil.
6 drops sandlewood oil.
Check your tolerance to each of the oil's scent before purchase - guidelines say to experiment with the balance of oils because of individual sensitivity. Also that 'emotional' problems can respond best to lower concentrations of essential oils & 'physical' problems to higher concentrations of essential oils, but each person is different & your particular blend will be as individual as you are. 10 - 20 ml will give a full body massage. Detail your mix on the label with the condition you mixed it for & date your oils. Keep oils well sealed & store in the fridge. Decant the required amount of mixture before use & allow to come to room temperature before use.
Powdered cinnamon bark infused on its own or in other teas can be taken whenever necessary to relieve nausea & vomiting. 1 level tsp in a cup (225 ml) of boiling water, covered, for 10 minutes & take as required.
Cloves as a flavouring in food or drunk as an infusion will allay nausea & vomiting while stimulating the digestive system. infuse 10 cloves in a cup (225 ml) of boiling water, covered for 10 minutes & take as required.
Adjust according to tolerance & efficacy. As a condition improves reduce the strength gradually.
There are many more remedies associated with relieving morning sickness associated with pregnancy but I'm not sure if these would be appropriate for your purpose, let me know if you have success with any of the above or if you would like details of the other remedies.
Don't forget one of the best remedies for this kind of nausea is 'distraction'. You can try to become so absorbed in any activity that you can 'ignore' all feelings of nausea - however this is only temporary & depends very much on the exact cause - physical

[Chickadee]

thanks for your answers guys - most helpful.

sending hubby out in a minute for some cloves!! even if I don't like them or they don't help at least I can use them after with some apples!!

showcatbenga - distraction is also an excellent idea, unfortunately two other symptoms of not taking tablets is extreme tiredness and giddyness (which of course aggravates the nausea!!). so anything too physical is out - I would love to go for a nice walk this morning but by the end of the road I feel knackered and I have to hang onto hubby for balance!!

Thank god it only lasts for about 12-15 days!!

[bednobs]

get some different pills from the GP!

[bigmamma]

What tablets has your gp prescribed Chickadee ? I use Stemital ,or , Metoclopramide .xxx

[ethandron]

definately get yourself back to the doctor for some different anti nausea pills. my sister has been having chemo and her anti nausea stuff has been changed a few times to find one that suits her. nothing worse than feeling sick, and i'm sure the doctor will be able to find something to help you.

[Chickadee]

Thanks for all your further answers.
I take domperidone and to be honest I didn't realise there were others - although thinking about it now that is silly - there are always varieties!! makes it sound like a bag of crisps!!
I can start taking my meds again on tuesday and usually they make me feel better really quickly.
I have a medication review with my GP soon and I'll talk to her then about different tablets for next time I've got a blood test.
As I say it's only every six months but it makes me feel so awful, poor old hubby suffers too 'cos I'm grumpy!!

Again thanks for all advice, very much appreciated xxx

[showcatbenga]

My Mum had really bad dizziness after the end of her chemo (breast cancer - still going ten years on) & she got some very good pills to help with that too. Distraction can be a good book, film or music to listen to. A puzzle book or knitting or needlework. A walk round your own garden noticing the changes. Sometimes catching up with old friends or neglected family by phone can work wonders too. Keep fighting & feel well soon x.

[Eve]

Definitely ask about medication, I use Stemetil and it's very good.

[Chickadee]

thanks guys you have really been helpful. definitely going to talk to GP about changing tablets ready for next time.

have a good day all xxx

[888sally888]

My dad used to suck Extra Strong mints when he was having chemo?! Worth a try maybe - good luck x