Question:
What's happening with my immune system? Three bad colds in two months.
I had distal RNY on 12/17/03. I have had 3 bad colds in the last eight weeks. Before surgery, I didn't get 2 colds a year. I'm worried that my immune system is compromised. I take 4 childrens vitamins, calcium, vit A&D and 2 servings of protein a day. Anyone else have this problem or know what's going on????????? Thanks! — Nancy H. (posted on March 19, 2003)
March 19, 2003
I don't have an answer for you but also the same question. Since surgery
almost 7 weeks ago, I've had a bad cold, the flu, very bad strep throat,
and a neverending yeast infection. My sinuses have particularly been giving
me tons of trouble as well and I've been on numerous medications for it. I
too, was wondering if my immune system shut down? All I've done since
surgery is try to get over being sick! I take my multivitamins, calcium,
vitamin c, iron, b-12, but I am slightly lacking in the protein dept. I do
try to get my fluids in for the day but my sinus problem is making drinking
and eating difficult. I am wondering if I am ever going to get better?
— Dee ,.
March 19, 2003
What about iron? If you're not taking it, you could be becoming anemic.
— Leslie F.
March 19, 2003
Nancy, I think it is just a bad year for colds. EVERYONE I know has been
sick at least twice this year. As long as you have normal cold symptoms
and are able to drink your water, I wouldn't worry about it too much.
— Amber L.
March 19, 2003
maybe you should add ZINC to your regiman. my surgeon wants me to use the
zinc lozenges to boost my immune system. I bought some but haven't started
yet.
— Delores S.
March 19, 2003
As distal as you are, I'm thinking you're getting in about half the protein
you need. As a distal, I also take calcium citrate, 2 multi, dry A, D &
E, zinc, B12 shots. I personally don't take iron because my body seems to
be able to make WAY too much of it without any help (yes, being treated),
but normally my regimen would include iron + C. And 120-180g protein
supplement per day
— vitalady
March 19, 2003
I agree with the previous poster who said it's just a terrible year for
colds. I'm one of those people who "never gets sick" (why, oh
why, did I ever utter those words aloud?)....until this year. Got sick
around January 17 and have had to cancel my WLS twice since then because of
bronchitis. I think I'm finally over it. I'm rescheduled for April 7 if I
can stay well until then!
— Joni S.
March 22, 2003
I was told that for the first year after ANY major surgery and especially
WLS surgery where your nutritional needs are so high that your immune
system is compromised. The advice I was given was to stay away from
volunteering in the nursery or sick people in general. I did get a lot of
colds last year and they were usually after I had been around a group or
crowd of people.
— mama2matthew
March 22, 2003
I'm so sad to say that misery really does love company. I had my surgery,
Prox-Rny 9/02 & I've been down with so many illnesses it's incredible.
I'm talking my vitamins (including zinc), doing my protien, water ect.
Thanks for posting this question! I'm sure our bodies will eventually
figure things out. But let me know if you get any new info!
— LionGirl2k
March 23, 2003
You might try a product called Zycam. It is otc and it works. My daughter
(age 35) works at a daycare and was getting colds and bronchitis every few
weeks. She has started using Zycam at the first hint of a cold and has not
been sick in several months now. The comercials say it reduces the
duration and severity of the colds. I read somewhere that if it is started
within 24 hours of onset of symptoms it works best. It can't hurt so give
it a try and good luck. I use it too and so does my sister. We all swear
by it.
— Gay S.
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