[Pipercub]

Oh, I am so sorry - that is no fun at all. I'm not exactly sure what you meant about not being able to take the decongestants - but I can relate. I can't take them either. They make me psychotic. Literally. Freaky, crazy. Like demon opressed or something, LOL. My family can tell you some stories....it took us years to figure out the link between the drugs and the way I acted when taking them. You'd think it would have been rather obvious, but for some reason putting two and two together took forever for us to figure out. Boy were we glad when we did!

Anyway, I am sorry you are sick and I hope you are feeling better. I can take the Zithromax (Z-pack) that my doctor prescribes, and that usually helps ALOT. I also take really, really hot washcloths and lay them across my upper torso and face or take lots of showers/hot baths. It's only momentary relief, but that's better than nothing. I hope you find something that works and that you feel better really soon. <3

[jules17]

Thanks, Piper. Decongestants make me cuckoo in that I get really nervous and jittery. I don't use any stimulants or drink caffeine and just seem to have sensitivity to it.

I don't think I can get a Z-pac (Zithromax) because the Dr. said it is viral and will just have to run its course. I have been "in the thick of it" for 8 days now and my patience is just about shot.

[widgit]

For the throat: an old-fashioned cough syrup called "Creomulsion". I'm a pastor and it can bring back my voice faster than anything and it makes my raw throat feel better too. I heard about it through a professional musician.

Also, I cannot use decongestants like Sudafed, but Benedryl works. What does you DH think about that?

[Summer95]

Just caught this post today. When I began teaching several years ago, my year consisted of one virus, flu and upper respitroy infecton after another. I was going out of my mind. I would disinfect my room on a weekly basis, supply the children with tissues and hand sanitizer, but my illnesses continued.

Then a friend of mine who works for a pharmacy in our are, that deals in both traditonal and alternative treatments, intorduced me to herbs, vitamins, and so forth. Being the skeptic that I am I initially resisted his advice. He gave me a bottle of liquid echinacea and told me to take it (per directions) whenever I felt the symptoms of a cold or flu coming on. So I did, and believe it or not my symptoms disappeared and I have went five years now without a cold, flu or upper respiratory infection.

Some frown on using echinacea, saying that it doesn't allow the bodies immune system to defend itself. This I understand, which is why I don't take it all the time. In fact, I would say that I have only taken echinacea three time this year (one dose per time). In addition, approximately three years ago I began taking a daily dose of acidophilus and 5000mg of garlic. No I don't smell like a pizza . Some garlic pills make you smell like an Italian restaurant, however, this brand doesn't.

This post is not a remedy for an illness, just a preventative method. To those who are sick I sympathize with you! My remedy was a dose of Nyquil and a hot shower.

Praying that you are all feeling better.

[CashCrew]

Jules I'm the same way with lots of medicines. I go nutso....float in the clouds, feel bugs crawling on me, cry like a depressed drunk! ha ha I'm also a VERY cheap date (back when I was a date lol). I cannot take anything except Tylenol or Advil without being high as a kite.

[jules17]

Thanks to everyone - I have tried most of your suggestions.

Unfortunately, I am still very sick. Today is the 9th day with a fever, so I am going to the ER when DH gets home. Sometimes I feel okay, but the fever keeps coming back.

I'll let you know what they come up with!

[Disneycrazed]

Good luck Jules
We'll be praying for you!!!

[Ms.Judi]

Hang in there Julie!! If there's anything I can do please call me and let me know!!! I can't belive you have had a fever for 9 days. I am praying for you!!
Hugs,

[annaguat]

OK this is kind of gross but "snort" a tiny amount of warm filtered water with sea salt through your nostrils. I use a small stone tea pot for this. You can spit it out of your mouth. Anna

[jules17]

Okay, 4 hours in the ER later - and I got a prescription for a Z-pack! Oh, geez! They also gave me an IV fluids and took bloodwork - everything is A-OK.

He said it "most likely started out as an upper respiratory infection (viral) but turned into a bacterial infection as well." Nice.

They were stunned that I have been walking around as long as I have - like I said, I am in pretty bad shape.

But now I am going to start getting lots better! Thanks, gang!!

[Mandy4President]

Geez Jules, what the heck did you do to yourself? I hope that you feel better soon...It looks like is shouldn't be too much longer util you get to go get that baby!!!

[AdoptingABaby]

I hope you're on the mend soon! I can't take decongestants either, but I can take and swear by Mucinex. It's a mucous thinner w/out any decongestant. Works great!! Now available OTC. They also make one with a cough supressant if you need that.

Good luck.

[GuatabeeAMum]

Sorry to hear you have been so sick....the z pack should get things better quick....til then what i use for sinus congestion pressure is alternating hot and cold packs- 4 minutes hot 1 min cold....the heat dilates the blood vessels in the area the cold constricts and it creates a sort of pump to drain the area....really effective and if you have a fever the cold will feel good...but its the alternating of both that will do the work...good luck!

[sheena7112]

Hi sorry you arent feeling to good but I heard this on the radieo one day and I tryed it and it really works. Make some hot water and put some lemon juice fresh is better and then put honey in it. It works like a charm. Drink it all day. I hope you feel better. Kim

[rhsinnc]

Jules,

Honey I'm sorry you are feeling so horrible!!!!! If I lived closer I would make some chicken soup and bring it over. I hope you will be feeling better soon!!!!! Hang in there sister. Love, Rebecca