rhinitis still, or winter bug?

[titmouse]

Hi ladies,
the other week I was struggling with not breathing at night and some lovely boarders had some good advice and comiserated.

I still thought it was just the rhinitis but started having coughing fits on friday night, and I've had sickness/diahorrea and I ache like nobody's business so maybe this is a bug?

I don't know what to take cos the olbas oil isn't working and I can't seem to keep food down - although I haven't felt like eating a lot TBH.

Anybody else out there got some horrible bug - how are you treating yourself? Will the baby be ok? He/she is still moving a lot but I think all the coughing and sneezing is disrupting it's sleep!!

Any advice gratefully received. xx

[Sarahmum]

In the last couple of months I have had sinusitis, an inner ear infection and now flu. At 21 wks I thought I was supposed to be blooming with health and it's driving me mad - I just want to feel WELL!

Maybe our bodies are too busy looking after growing babies to look after themselves! Last time I saw my GP she said that baby would be fine and I should just rest up. She also pointed out that taking paracetamol was a better option than running a temperature, as having a high temp is of more harm to the baby.

I have been inhaling Olbas oil, sniffing a little Vicks inhaler and been taking paracetamol. I have also been taking Vit C & zinc supplements, making loads of fresh fruit smoothies and fresh veg soups, but sadly I can't vouch for anything actually working - as I still feel dreadful!

There does seem to be a lot of bugs around at the moment - and being pregnant does lower the immune system a little. On the plus side, hopefully we will get all the bugs out the way and be happy, healthy and well for Christmas and the new year!

[titmouse]

Hi Sarahmum,
sorry to hear you are feeling rubbish too! I agree though at least the chances of an illness-free Christmas are a bit better now!

I didn't know I could use those vicks inhaler things, used to have them all the time when I was younger. I will send my husband out for one!

what doseage of paracetamol are you having?

hope you feel better soon xx

[Sarahmum]

Yes - the Vicks thing is a bit like being back at school! Re paracetamol, I have been taking 2 x 500mg tablets, up to 4 times a day.

I saw my obstetrician today and he confirmed I was doing all the right things and not to worry about the baby.

The other really important thing is to keep your fluids up - lots of water and juice should help. I've also found old fashioned honey and lemon in hot water quite soothing.

Hope you feel better soon too!

[auntyspan]

Hello ladies, I'm 27 week and last night came down with the most horrific bug - i actually think it's proper flu, something I've only had about twice before. I'm coughing very hard (and leaking a bit ) and feel dreadful. I' m taking the maximum doseage of paracetamol... how long can I do this for safely?

any tips on how to ease this cough would be great.

Feeling very pathetic.

[titmouse]

Hi Auntyspan,
I haven't found anything to ease the coughing (but maybe honey and lemon as sarahmum suggests?) I do find that the coughing is a lot worse if I stay still too long, as soon as you get up you have a massive coughing fit, so I try to alternate sitting and lying positions and also the frequent trips to the loo help. I haven't leaked a wee yet but yesterday I did cough so much I puked so I sympethise!

I find having the house fairly cold helps too, I think if you get too hot it makes the coughing worse - and also as sarahmum said the raised body temp can't help the baba, I confess I hadn't thought of that before she mentioned it.

I hope you feel much better soon