Question:
Postop Cold Remedies, ,Vitamins, Etc.

I thought I posted this yesterday but I haven't seen it show up so I'll post again: Preop I always took Vicam, loads of Vitamin C, Echincea and Zinc at the first sign of a cold. This seemed to be a magic formula and I was able to ward off more colds this way (including the week before surgery). I have a cold coming on and am wondering if it okay (safe) to take these things postop and if so, do I need to increase the dosage due to malabsorption concerns? Thanks.    — susanje (posted on February 28, 2003)

February 27, 2003
I take an antihistamine just about every day lately. Mucus can collect in your stomach and make you vomit. Any antihistamine will do.
   — Wanda R.

February 28, 2003
I am almost 9 months post-op and I have no problems with zicam nasal spray. I think it does work. I also use the zinc losenges but I have to be careful with those. They seem to upset my stomach a little.
   — maryburton

February 28, 2003
Zicam makes nasal swabs now, they should be safe as far as I know, since it never goes near your stomach, and it is absorbed through the mucous membranes, not your intestine, so their is no malabsorbtion issue there.
   — Kelly B.

February 28, 2003
The only thing I can tell you about is zinc and I know that I can take it just fine because I take one everyday. Haven't been sick all winter either.
   — joeandteri