Question:
Is it common to get a lot of head colds after surgery?

I have been struggling with a head cold on and off since 3 weeks after surgery. I'm 2 months out LAP RNY now. Any suggestions on what I can take to make me feel better now or what I can take to keep from getting sick again? Is it common to get a lot of cold after surgery? Please help because feeling sick it is helping me focus on my eating.    — amylbarron (posted on October 10, 2008)

October 10, 2008
It is not normal to get head colds specifically after surgery. The hospital is the best place to pick up a bug because it is full of sick people. I do know that once you get a sinus infection, it is really hard to get rid of it completely or perhaps you are passing something viral around with your family. Perhaps you should make an appointment with your PCP as this seems to be lingering and find out if there is anything bacterial going on that a course of antibiotics might fight off. If it's just something viral, you'll need to stay the course with lots of fluids and rest as much as possible. Of course, there is the added need to get in your protein and all of the other post op things you are supposed to be doing. With a head cold and after surgery, your taste buds are probably a little off, but you are still going to have to work at getting in the protein and vitamins and liquids as best you can so that your body can heal. Good luck to you and feel better, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

October 10, 2008
You need to take a good "liquid" vitamin / mineral supplement like VEMMA that will keep your immune system elevated, especially since your nutrition from your diet will be down. Simply put you will be eating less and getting less immune protection. VEMMA is very high in antioxidants. You need to keep your immune system "up" like an AIDS patient . Go to www.TrySomeVemma.com
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 10, 2008
Yes, I got every bug, and virus that came by me in the first 5 months after surgery. I am 49 y/o and my doctor said it talks a while for the body to heal, especially on the inside, and sometimes, due to the healing process and the radical drop in nutrition, the immune system gets a bit compromised. Those are words from my doctor, so I am sorry if I disagree with some of the other posters, but everything is different for each patient. Take your vitamins, and drink your fluids. My doctor okayed pseudoephedrine for sinus. You have to get it from the pharmasist, as it is controlled. Again tho, check with your doctor. Good luck and happy losing. Lesleigh in Ga.
   — lesleigh07

October 11, 2008
I've been the most well after surgery than ever! I rarely get sick! Take your vits! I take Zi Cam at the first signs of any sickeness...Zinc lozenges help end colds quicker...Vit C...Especially Ester C is less acidic...or Hall Vit C sf drops...Like little candies! Also and this is the biggest and best natural remedy ever!! Nasal Irrigation. Get yourself a Neti Pot or Nasal salt wash kit! It's a little weird at first, but it cleanses your entire head and nasal cavaties with nothing but salt and water! The salt soothes the membranes and dries out these cavities for breathing...It is GREAT for allergies and dirt or dust and really bad head colds. You will be able to breathe again and get well soooooo much faster without meds or antibiotics which are often over used and abused! I save antibiotics for when I REALLY need them so I know they will work! EVERYONE in my family loves their Nasal Irrigation kits!...and even have my parents and extended family using it! My nephew thanks me everytime I see him for saving him from allergy season durning sports because allergy meds only slowed him down...Now before a game he uses his and can breathe with no side effects! It's an ancient remedy that has been used in Western cultures for thousands of years...Serious and daily yoga people use it before each workout and before bed daily. It's like swimming in the ocean...You know how refreshed and wonderful you feel after a day at the beach...(even after the waters tumbled you in the sand and you got a noseful of salt water???...You just feel invigorated? Yeah...same idea! It's about 10-15 bucks at the local pharmacy or grocery store! Comes with bottle and salts! If ever there was a miracle for head colds and allergies...this is it! You can use it whenever you need to! http://www.achooallergy.com/sinus-Neilmedsinusrinse.asp
   — .Anita R.