Ugh...

[Stephanie78]

So, John has come down with what we hope is just a cold. Stuffy nose, sore throat and cough. I had the horrible mess a week ago. His Nephrologist put him on Z-Pack to try to prevent infection. He was in his office on Thursday and everything was good.

I'm sure you all have experienced colds/sickness, at what point to do you get more concerned? And did it trigger a flare or not?

Lungs sounded good (as did heart) on Thursday. DX'd him with Raynauds Disease (Blood Vessels shrink in his hands when its cold causing his hands and fingernail beds to turn purple) easy fix...Keep them warm at all times.

Normally I would think maybe I'm over analyzing it, but after our summer I think I'll analyze away!

[Al]

Hate it when that happens, Stephanie. Infections like a cold of flu do not automatically trigger a flare. There are other factors involved. But it does pay to be on top of things. You did the right thing by calling the doctor. Many weggies have trouble with temperature control. Winters can be brutal. I like a hot shower, myself, though it does drive up the energy costs--a hidden expense of this lousy disease.

Don't worry about over-analyzing anything. With WG, you are allowed.

Al

[Dirty Don]

I think I'll analyze away!

Yes, analyze away...IF my internist and my self would have caught some now obvious, but unknown at the time, symptoms, which may have kept me out of what I fell into this summer...yes, stay aware, and be persistent...

[Widthofacircle]

Since getting Wegs I find that when I get a cold it lasts for weeks rather than days like it used to. I had a cold before Christmas which lasted all of three weeks in it,s various forms.
Always go to the doc if in any way concerned
Brendan

[Stephanie78]

I actually called UNC and spoke with the neuphrologist. I am so glad I did. My main question was what John could take for the cough and congestion/running nose. I was informed that he is NOT to take any type of cough suppresant. Two reasons #1 he needs to cough up the stuff. If he keeps it in it could cause infection. #2 if he has a hemorage (like in July) the cough suppresant would keep him from coughing which would keep him from coughing up the blood!! (Good to know!)

They put him on a steriod nose spray (Flonase) just until he is over the cold. If there is a fever over 100.4 OR if there is the slightest trace of blood in anything he coughs up he is to go to UNC ASAP.

Widthofacircle: IF Johns doctors were local we would have been there today, however they are 3 hours away. Hence the reason we called instead of going. However IF it gets to a point where we are more concerned we will jump in the car and make that drive. That's the part that stinks the most about WG, finding a local specialist is like finding a needle in a haystack.

[Al]

...IF Johns doctors were local we would have been there today, however they are 3 hours away. Hence the reason we called instead of going. However IF it gets to a point where we are more concerned we will jump in the car and make that drive. That's the part that stinks the most about WG, finding a local specialist is like finding a needle in a haystack.

It's worse than that, Stephanie. For many of us, it is like looking for a non-existent needle in a haystack. Though three hours away, John does have one of the best wegs docs in the world. I figured they would be on top of it at UNC. As I said earlier, a minor infection does not always lead to nasty results, but you do want to keep any eye on things.

Al

[mishb]

Oh Stephanie, I hate seeing a post heading like this from you ......... you are now only allowed to post cheerful messages, after all John has been through.

Seriously, I hope it is just a cold and does it's little bit of coughing trick and then leaves John alone, he has been doing so well lately.

We know what little tricks can do though, however we have no worries when it comes to John's care because you are on top of it and doing a beautiful job.

Take care of yourself and your family and remember ...............

[Sangye]

Try not to get overly worried unless there is cause for concern. If it's just a cold, I truly don't see the need for flonase, which causes rebound nasal congestion and adds to his steroid exposure. Antibiotics add to the body's load of toxins and disruption of gut flora, and also kill off the competition for the viruses. Taking antibiotics when you have a viral infection is a great way to make sure you get a much worse viral infection. At the very least, taking antibiotics for anything other than a known bacterial infection is a good way to develop antibiotic-resistant bugs and allergies to an antibiotic. They should never be used unless absolutely necessary. MDs prescribe them all the time for viruses, but there is absolutely no science or even common sense to it. I have numerous antibiotic sensitivities, which creates a major problem when I do need one. I recommend using them very conservatively.

[freakyschizogirl]

If it's just a cold, I truly don't see the need for flonase, which causes rebound nasal congestion and adds to his steroid exposure.

I'm constantly being told to take flonase but i dont find it of any benefit to me, i get a look off my ENT and told to douche more.

I'm still getting a cold which hit the week before christmas, still feeling mucus sitting on my chest and my nose is like the gift that keeps on giving! The only time my nose works properly is when i'm ill and i know when i'm getting better cos my nose stops working and crusts up. Lovely.

Slightly off topic here but i've been told recently that when i'm using neilmed to clean my nose it sounds like i have a bad case of diarrhea! Thanks Mum.

[Lightwarrior]

Slightly off topic here but i've been told recently that when i'm using neilmed to clean my nose it sounds like i have a bad case of diarrhea! Thanks Mum.

ROTFL you are too funny