I R SICK

Man.. I feel terrible.  I have had a BAD cold since the weekend.  What do you guys take when you have colds?  What works and what does not?  Do you crush pills, take them whole or just take liquid?  HELP!

Hey Jenn,

I'm sorry you don't feel well.  I have been sick for over 2 weeks (sore throat, coughing, congestion) and I feel like it's starting all over again - ugh!!!

I posted last week about the same thing - MEDS!  I found very few that worked and of those that did work, I only felt better for about 2 hours.  It has really made me realize how we really do have malabsorption issues. I took the liquid meds, Theraflu liquid, Robitussin,  etc.  Sometimes, they did not feel well going down the pouch; especially the Theraflu Warming liquid.  I probably spent over $100 in over-the-counter meds trying almost everything I could find.  In my post, someone mentioned the nasal Zicam; that may be a good idea ( I had not thought of that - I know you have to take it early on when your symptoms start). After 1 week, I got a prescription for a liquid Z-pack, but I really only felt about 40% better after I took it. Good Luck!  Let me know if you find something that works.....  I called Dr Kuwada's office for advice and Sherry very quickly told me to call my GP.  In my opinion, the surgeons may need to take a little more interest because of the absorption issues. Hope you feel better soon!

Hi Jenn, So sorry to hear you're not feeling well.  I have no trouble taking whole pills (with my surgeon's blessings) but I had never thought of the malabsorption being an issue with meds.  The surgeon never mentioned that nor has my GP.. I didn't have to adjust any of my other meds when I was still taking them... I do agree that our surgeons don't take much interest in our general health post-op.  The day I had my drain tube removed (a full month after my surgery!), I advised my surgeon that I had a urinary tract infection.  He told me to go to an urgent care drive-in!  I went straight to my PCP and am so glad I did as I felt as though there was FINALLY someone looking after my health from then on! Wish I had recommendations for meds, but it has been a while since I have had a cold and will likely reach out to my PCP should I come down with one. Hope you feel better soon!  Stay in bed!

I hope you feel better Jenn, I took some nyquil and it did the trick for me.. not everything works for everybody so I hope you find something that gets rid of that nasty cold!!

hugs,
Darcie

I have had two really bad colds since surgery (I teach and I'm exposed everyday).  I take Zicam at the first symptom.  It does not cure the cold but it cuts the duration and the severity.  They have disolvable tablets, nasal spray, nasal swabs etc.  I like all of the above.    I just grab whatever is on the shelf in the drugstore at the time. 

I don't have any suggestions...but I DO have these!    Take two every 4 hours, as needed.  No side effects. xoxo

I hope you feel better Jenn.  I am sorry nothing has seemed to help.  I have wondered about stuff like this.  I just hope I can avoid a full blown cold before my surgery Wednesday.  If you find something that helps you , please do post and update us. 

 

Feel better  Connie

I know that you'll probably need to talk to your PCP or "NurseLine" for meds, but being the Jewish Mother that I am. may I suggest "Jewish Penicillin" aka Chicken Soup ... or maybe Turkey Soup if you have some leftovers that need to be used. Honestly, I think that the warm, nourishing broth, vegitables and protien really do help. I also love "Chinese Penicillin" ... Hot and Sour Soup or War Won Ton soup. It often cures or at least helps what ails me.

Be sure to stay hydrated.

I hope that you'll be feeling better very soon.

Love,

Barb

I'm so sorry you are under the weather. Hope you find something that will help.  This concerns me also about the malabsorption issue. I can't believe that Dr.K would not take an interest or he doesn't know about it. Sherri might not have told him?   

Jennifer, I can totally sympathize with how you are feeling.  I came down with a horrible cold on Tuesday.  I asked my clinic what I could take and they gave me a list of approved and not-approved ingredients.  I don't have that list handy, but I can tell you what I took and what worked for me.

1: Liquid Nyquil.  I started with a half dose, let that settle for about 15 minutes, then drank the other half.  If I drank it all at once, it made my pouch un-easy.  It worked!  It worked great.  It knocked me out and I got a great night's sleep (just what I needed.) 2: Liquid Tylenol Cold (Multi-Symptom Severe).  It is a Daytime Non-Drowsy formula.  I have to admit I was a little drowsy, but I'm not sure that was because of the medicine.  I think that was just a factor of me being so sick.  Anyway, I bought the "Citrus Burst" flavor, which smells excellent and tastes horrid.  But, it's just 1 ounce and does the trick.  I just plugged my nose and drank.  The formula did help my symptoms.   3. Cepacol Sugar-Free lozenges.  Yuck.  Gross.  Tasted horrible and made my pouch feel sick.  I'd stay away from these. 4. Ricola Sugar Free Herb Throat Drops.  I bought Lemon Mint.  They're fabulous.  They taste great, are pouch friendly and really helped my raw throat.  I even swallowed half of one (on accident of course) and didn't have any repercussions. 5: Zicam. Apparently it shortens the duration of a cold, but it doesn't help with symptoms (which is the really critical part, right?)  It won't hurt to take it, so go for it.  Just don't rely on it to make you feel better while you're waiting for health to re-appear.  Take it along with other things to help treat your symptoms. 6: Finally, I'm with Barb.  Try some chicken noodle soup, and drink lots and lots of water!  I know I've been dehydrated, there's just no way to get enough fluids in in this situation, but you've got to try!  :) My worst symptoms lasted for about 3 days.  I'm still coughing, etc...but it's much better than it was.  Good luck, I hope you're feeling better soon!