Question:
How do you treat a cold?

I have pneumonia at 4 weeks post-op. I dump on the smell of sugar, so orange juice is out of the question (my favorit pre-op remedy). A long search turned up sugar free cough drops and anti-biotics are helping. But, how do you treat a cold, cough, flu, post-op as compared to pre-op. The coughing is killing my stomach (I have feared hernias or incision ripping.) Any suggestions would be great as I can't take every mild cold turning into a major illness. Thanks so much,    — Jeanna M. (posted on July 27, 2002)

July 27, 2002
I have only had 2 colds since my WLS in 1994. But I used Nyquil (fermented ink--yuck), but only at night. And Contac during the day. I know it's timed release 7 next to useless, BUT at least I got some benefit and it didn't put me to sleep.
   — vitalady

July 27, 2002
I also dump very easily, but I don't dump from orange juice. In fact, I'm supposed to drink orange juice when I have a dumping attack. My doctor explains dumping like a diabetic reaction to sugar and diabetics drink orange juice to calm an attack. I also use orange juice in my protein drink mixes. So, maybe you could give it a try! Good luck and feel better! Open RNY 4/29/02 -55
   — stacey L.

July 27, 2002
I would look for Tussin (diabetic version of Robitussin). I have taken it and it never made me dump. Sugar free couch drops and Tylenol Cold tablets work well too!!!! Feel better!
   — tn683

July 28, 2002
This is only a decongestant, and it sounds like you need other things too, but I take generic sudafed for my congestion due to my allergies. They only last a few hours, but they are tiny little pills so they are easy to take. Hope this helps some.
   — sheltie

July 28, 2002
I get brochitus easly. I find I need anti biotics, codiene cough syrup (or codiene pills), and an Albuteral inhaller. The Albuteral (spelled right?) stops the lung spasms. When they stop the coughing is almost non existant. If not for that I will cough all night, and hold my head and stomach from the pain. I feel for you. Best of luck.
   — Danmark

July 28, 2002
I feel your pain! After breezeing thru surgery, and starting to make a remarkable recovery, I came down with a God awful cold at two weeks post. The night time cough was unbearable. I took the Tussin Clear - no sugar, or additives, and my dr called in a rx for Tesslan pearls. The take about 8 hours to kick in, but work great for the cough once they do. I slept with a cool mist vaporizer too. Also, dont play catch up with the meds, keep them in your system, even if you have to set the alarm at night to take them. Once I was on my rx the only bad bout I had was when I slept thru a dose. And stay in touch wiht your doc!! Take care, I hope this passes quickly for you.
   — Nene B.

July 28, 2002
Jeanna, the best advice I can offer is a good decongestant which should help get things draining where you won't set up a secondary infection (if you're on a antibiotic, this will probably prevent or treat an existing bacterial thing). Also, lots of fluids will keep you hydrated enough to get things loosened up. You may want to try a liquid cough syrup (ask the dr. what is best), and get some vicks vapo rub and a cool mist humidifier. Some Tylenol is also great for those aches and pains. This is how I get my little girl and myself over all of our colds. Protein is great for boosting your immunity, so as soon as you feel like it, start heavy on your supplements. Good Luck, and feel better soon!
   — Tina B.