ugh-I am so sick - what to take???

[crunchywannabe]

oh man, I got the same yucky illness all the kids have.

Runny nose, throat is on FIRE (so bad I cannot eat or sleep or even talk) and I can feel the mucus is starting to thicken and congest up my airway.

I've got to kick this and fast. Last time I got sick like this I ended up with pneumonia and was down almost 3 months (and that just isn't going to work with this baby time line! )
and all the pressure in my head has made my tooth start hurting again..execept now I can't take ibuprophen for the pain (which is the only thing that helps!)

I should probably just call my doctor, but thought I'd check for ideas here first

[marisa]

I'm so sorry you're feeling this way!! That's not fair at all for you to have to deal with.

I have to say, personally, when I'm in these situations I have to break down and take some decongestant with some Tylenol. Wish I had more natural suggestions to offer.

[Isaac'sMa]

Aw, that stinks! I'm not sure if Slippery Elm is contraindicated during pg, but you could look into that for your throat/mucus/congestion. A little EO of eucalyptus/peppermint/TTO can help with congestion if you put it in some olive oil and rub it on your chest and/or under your nose.

I'd start forcing liquids and get out the NetiPot asap. Tylenol might not be a bad idea either.

[pixiesmommy]

We've all had this crud, and while nothing will "cure" it, here is what I did:

Vaporizer to help "open me up" to breathe better- especially at night
Lots of soothing baths
Vick's Vaporub on my chest and throat at night
Benadryl (to help me sleep)
Tylenol (to help me with pain, fever)
Drink 852 gallons of water a day (I put a big glass pitcher of ice by my bed and just let it melt and then used it to refill my glass so I wouldn't have to be up and down out of bed as much- although I was still up and down to pee....)
REST as much as you can.

Ask your MW or OB about ibuprofen- my MW told me it was okay now and then if the pain was so bad I could not bear it (I'm having tooth issues as well as pubic bone pain that is OUT of this world!!)

Don't put heat on your tooth whatever you do- if it's infected, this will spread it. Ice is okay. Heating pad to your back if it's aching but not more than 15 minutes at a time (this info also from my MW)

Arnica is good for aches and pains. I take the little pills under the tongue, but there is also a gel that maybe you could rub on your jaw? MW would probably be familiar with this, but not sure if OB would. You can get it at vitamin and whole food type stores.

Hope you feel better soon. We have been through this one at a time- first DH for about 6 weeks, then me for about 6 weeks so far (and still having sinus drainage) and now DD who came home Friday from school with fever. UGH.

Hugs,
Manda

[crunchywannabe]

thanks girls!
well I spent all day laying down with the heating pad on my face. i was taking something to dry up my nose thinking that would help my throat, but it seemed to not make me feel like I wanted. So I sent dH off to the store to get me tylenol for my mouth (the sinus pressure was really causing me a ton of pain where I need the dental work done at) and Tylenol Allergy/Sinus hoping that would help relieve the pressure and pain.

He came home with the wrong stuff : and forgot the tylenol totally to which I promptly burst into tears because I was in so much pain and had been waiting so long for the medications

He got up, and after hugging me asked what he was supposed to get and ran immediately back to the store

I am feeling a bit better. I was finally able to eat a bit of food but I can tell I am getting dehydrated. My whole upper lip and skin to my nose is totally raw and feels like it is going to start bleeding soon.

I am hoping to get some sleep tonight, and I will probably go ahead and call my doctor in the morning JIC.

The last 2 years when i got sick so fast like this, I ended up with pneumonia, so I am trying to be very cautious this time. :

[Googy]

Oh mama, I'm so sorry! I had that junk a few weeks ago and was SO MISERABLE. I wish I had some sage advice for you, but nothing really worked for me. The best was really long steamy showers, but that only lasts a little while. Just remember to put vaseline (or similar) under your nose to keep it from getting so raw. Do you have someone to help you with the kids so you can stay in bed for a few days???

[wwisdomskr]

Oh my goodness, Mama! I'm sorry you're so miserably sick.



Do you have a netti pot? Do you know how to use it? Try to only use a decongestant at night so you can sleep...because your body is trying to clear the ickies OUT. Water, water, water...

Gargle with warm, salt water as much as you can.

Drink hot water with lemon and honey as much as you can.

Oh, and your poor tooth! What a painful combination. Take gentle care of yourself and get as much rest as you can. Easier said than done...I know....

[Apryl Srissa]

Garlic! You'll stink, but rub it along your sinuses, throat, chest, where ever it might help. it absorbs through the skin and works great. I've even taken it internally (eww, taste bad, just swallow a sliver whole like a pill). Lots of C, and tons of water.

Hope you catch it quickly and feel better soon

[maisiedotes]

I had that beast of a cold for SIXTEEN DAYS. DH had it for two. I didn't know I could take anything like robitussin (I only take it as a last resort) so I called the OB and she said "why on earth don't you take some decongestant???" it helped me at least get a good night's sleep (minus 3 pee breaks). I hope you feel better soon!