My First Cold Since Starting 6MP - Any Recommendations?

[CrohnsChicago]

So I have my first cold since starting 6MP about 2 months ago. I spoke to my GI yesterday about it and he pretty much gave me the OK to take non-aspirin or cold medicine if needed, but to try and avoid the stuff if I can (which I usually do anyway).

What over-the-counter meds and/or natural remedies have you all found helpful in dealing with colds when your immune system is already being forced into quiet mode?

My main symptoms at the moment are sinus headaches, stomach aches, throat itchiness and a bit of congestion, phlegm and just feeling plain tired. I was supposed to visit a friend I haven't seen in a while this weekend but I'm now cancelling that visit because she is getting over a case of bronchitis.

It's only been two days feeling like this so far, I hope it doesn't last too long and I'll do my best to make sure.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have!

 

[alex_chris]

I've to say after I started with azathroprin in 2003 (with the exception of two year from 2008 to 2010 I have been on it straight) I never changed anything re treating a cold or minor viral infection. I take aspirin, eat bland stuff, lie around, take a nice bath with eucalyptus and/or other herbs and just rest generally.

I might just be a strange case when it comes to taking immunosuppresive drugs. As a teenager I had quite a few colds and viral infections, after starting with aza when I was 22 the frequency of colds/virus infections has been going down (I know that's counter intuitive). I haven't had a cold in over a year, while colleagues at the office and friends have the usual colds etc. every few months.

Anyway, I would just rest if I were you and not worry too much.

 

[CrohnsChicago]

Thanks for your input. That's interesting that you get fewer colds since on aza but I'm glad you don't have to deal with them much anymore.

And thank you for reminding me that I have eucalyptus oil in my medicine cabinet! Definitely plan on resting as much as I can and will definitely use some of that oil tonight

I've to say after I started with azathroprin in 2003 (with the exception of two year from 2008 to 2010 I have been on it straight) I never changed anything re treating a cold or minor viral infection. I take aspirin, eat bland stuff, lie around, take a nice bath with eucalyptus and/or other herbs and just rest generally.

I might just be a strange case when it comes to taking immunosuppresive drugs. As a teenager I had quite a few colds and viral infections, after starting with aza when I was 22 the frequency of colds/virus infections has been going down (I know that's counter intuitive). I haven't had a cold in over a year, while colleagues at the office and friends have the usual colds etc. every few months.

Anyway, I would just rest if I were you and not worry to much.

 

[hawkeye]

What a coincidence, just came down with a cold here the past couple of days. I think it had something to do with sharing food with a 22 month old toddler.

I usually will take the over the counter cold medication (the stuff with the acetaminophen and decongestant) if I have sinus / nasal congestion and pain, which is pretty much every time. Read the labels though, there was an item in the press here acouple of years ago cautioning people with colds and flu to read the labels of the medication that they take as they were taking the cold medication that had acetaminophin and tylenol at the same time and the dose can be too high.

I'll stay away from the cough medicine unless I have a lot of chest congestion that I have to get loosened up.

A neti pot works great too...and as always drink lots of fluids and get lots of rest. Haven't tried the vicks vapour rub yet or a humidifier in the room - we use those on our little guy when he has a cold.

 

[CrohnsChicago]

Thanks hawkeye, I hope you feel better soon yourself!

I have neti pot salts but need to get a new neti pot. I like it but I can't use it too often or it dries out my sinuses.

Looks like there's not much beyond the standard procedure, but always interesting to hear what others do to help with their colds...you never know what you will learn that could help.

And thanks for the heads up on the cough/cold medicines. I will definitely keep an eye out if I go that route. At this point I'm hoping this doesn't turn into strep throat....I'm really good at getting strep after a cold for some reason.

 

[Jennifer]

I usually take Coricidin and increase my vitamin C and fluid intake. Other than that, yep, usual procedure. Hopefully this wont be a common thing for you. I rarely got sick while I was on 6MP. Feel better soon!

Vitamin C is good for prevention along with hand sanitizer and/or washing your hands often. Also try to not touch your face too much since you're around children (eyes, nose and mouth are easy routes for viruses to get in).

 

[Mary:)]

Home made chicken soup!! I can make you some and bring it over

 

[CrohnsChicago]

Home made chicken soup!! I can make you some and bring it over

Yes, please!

I usually take Coricidin and increase my vitamin C and fluid intake. Other than that, yep, usual procedure. Hopefully this wont be a common thing for you.

I've never heard of Coricidin. I've also got some Vit. C in my cabinet too. I never seem to think to take it unless I am already sick In this case I figured for some reason it wouldn't be much help since its an immunity booster and 6MP reduces the immune response.

 

[Jennifer]

Coricidin has Tylenol and a antihistamine. Its safe to use for people who have heart problems (rather than deal with a speed up or slowed down heart rate from other cold medicines).

 

[hawkeye]

I forgot about the Vitamin C - I have some but should take more of it -I just take it now when I have a cold.