Question:
Surgery in one week and I have a cold or sinus infection

and I cannot use my CPAP! I could only use it for 2 hours tonight before I started suffocating. I'm so scared that they are going to cancel my surgery either because I'm sick and/or because I'm not able to use my CPAP. I am doing nasal washes, using flonase, sudafed, vit C, and drinking lots of fluids. Help!    — Chris A. (posted on January 28, 2003)

January 27, 2003
My cats have sinus and IF I remember (and can chase them down when they know I'm coming for them) I give them some (liquid) OIL OF OREGANO. That stuff is foul, yet it really helps them. I too have sinus, and did try some of the OOO but in the capsils. (In a soft gel like vitamin E). However I burped it up alot and could'nt stand it. However you don't want to miss your surgery so perhaps you can go to the Vitamin Shop (or somewhere else) and get some OOO. It may do the trick for you. At least if you can "stomach" the taste until surgery. Collodial Silver seems to help my cats with Sinus too. Actually, if I had sinus and surgery coming up, I'd take both of them. They are very good for you anyway.
   — Danmark

January 27, 2003
If you think you have a 'true' sinus infection, you may want to see you family doctor as a sinus infection is bacterial and an antibiotic will clear it up. He may treat you anyways being your surgery is just around the corner. I would probably ask for a Z-pak as it is a 5 day antibiotic but stays in your system for 14 days and workd great for sinus infections. Good luck. Go see your doc!
   — Jan S.

January 27, 2003
I have one word for you----Zicam. It is an over the counter medication you can buy at almost any drug store or Wal Mart. Someone in my local support group suggested it because it is in the form of a nasal spray and not only does it work FAST, but it works great! Best of luck to you and I hope that your surgery goes as planned!
   — spunkybear

January 31, 2003
I agree about the Zicam; if you have a cold it will work wonders. However, make sure to purchase the Zicam for colds; they also make a different formula for treatment of allergies. <br> If Zicam doesn't work, go to a doctor soon. We have "urgent care clinics" around here-- they take walk-ins who can't get an appointment and also work on weekends. You need to get those strong antibiotics at work if you have an infection, so you can be well in time for surgery. <br> Good Luck!!! Beth
   — Beth S.