Question:
Terrible mouth & lip sores?

Hello, everyone. I am just about 15 weeks post-op (open RNY, down 80 pounds). I've always had cold sores on my lip from time to time since I was a kid, but now they are driving me crazy. I get these painful little sores on my tongue and I've had two bad cold sores on my lip in the past month alone. I'm getting the vitamins in, etc...but there seems to be no cure. I've tried Abreva (stinks...$20 for a tiny tube), Campho-Phenique, and about 2 other over the counter ointments. What can I do? Maybe ask my dentist? Thanks so much. God bless.    — Kelly C. (posted on September 18, 2002)

September 17, 2002
Kelly, my mom used to get them like crazy and about 5 yrs ago, starting taking this OTC herb called lysine...you can get it at any drug store or kmart/wallmart, etc...you take one a day along with your vitamins. It really does the trick. It PREVENTS it instead of Abreva which gets rid of it once you have it. Give it a try...it is guaranteed to work. Oh, when I can tell I may get one, I start taking them and then I never get one. Good Luck!
   — heathercross

September 17, 2002
You need to ask your doctor for a prescription of Valtrex 500mg taken twice daily. Also ask for a big tube of Zovirax cream. When you first feel that tingle (I hope you understand, most people with herpes simplex do) start taking the Valtrex and dab on a little of the Zovirax cream. Your life will become much better I assure you!
   — MARSHA D.

September 18, 2002
Heather is right - L-Lysine works the best at "preventing" cold sores. I used to take between 500-1000mg (1 or 2 pills) when I started to feel the "tingle" and dontcha know, the sore would rarely ever pop up. If I catch it too late, I try to take 1 or 2 a day to prevent it from really getting nasty and I use "viractin" which really just numbs it so it doesn't sting and (I think) heals faster. I have a friend who has genital herpes and she takes this daily to prevent a break out. L-Lysine is sold at any place that sells vitamins (GNC has the 1000mg tabs). However, I with your wls, I can't say if the effects will be the same as mine, or if your pouch can handle it. You may want to ask your dr. about it first. Good Luck....
   — Anne F.

September 20, 2002
I take the Lysine too, it definately works. I used to get a fever blister (or two) (or three) *every single month* when I ran that low-grade fever with my period. My mouth looked like someone globbed raw hamburger meat on it. Not only did I get them, but I also passed them on to both of my kids. We all started taking Lysine several years ago. I take one 500 mg tab daily now with my vits and can't tell you when I had my last fever blister :) it's been years though! Go getcha some!
   — DonnaCarol

September 20, 2002
BTW, I am almost a year out from WLS, but I started taking them again after my 6 week check-up, after I got my dr's ok.
   — DonnaCarol