The onset of severe unbearable spinal pain commenced at about 09.15. That and the coughing became so bad that I had to think of something better to control my symptoms. My solution was Co-Codamol [30/500]. Codeine is often associated with cough syrups and can control coughs. There isn't any direct evidence to show it improves a cough in COPD patients but it has indeed stopped my cough and my spinal pain. After 1 hour, I managed to get out of bed to eat some breakfast. Co-Codamol should not be taken with any other pain relief and I am in no way recommending this management to anyone. This works on me and I know myself well. The worrying issue is that I now have yellow phlegm but at least it hasn't turned into all the colours of the rainbow. My solution to this is to use steam inhalation with Vicks to loosen this twice a day. The other trick is to increase fluid intake and stop all caffeine containing drinks. Caffeine containing drinks often cause diuresis [ excess urination]. One of the solutions to lower temperature is to drink a glass full of ice water every hour. A jug full of ice water is therefore an essential accessory. Good hydration is vital in any kind of infection. Infection will cause dehydration and perhaps I will let Dr India explain why that is. This is particularly evident in elderly folk.
The above is my breakfast. The reason for poached eggs is that it actually boosts immunity. I am actually egg mad. During oncalls, I used to make all kinds of inventions with a simple egg and of course as everyone knows, there is nothing like a full English breakfast at an NHS hospital. They actually cook them very well.
So essentially it is nearly 11 o clock and I am symptom free.
The above is my breakfast. The reason for poached eggs is that it actually boosts immunity. I am actually egg mad. During oncalls, I used to make all kinds of inventions with a simple egg and of course as everyone knows, there is nothing like a full English breakfast at an NHS hospital. They actually cook them very well.
So essentially it is nearly 11 o clock and I am symptom free.
3 comments:
Dr No is mightily impressed by your masterful account of your illness, written as it is while in the full throes of that illness. It shows that, whatever else, you are nothing if not tough. Should send a few shivers down spines at Euston Towers. He wishes you a speedy recovery.
In the meantime, being Dr No, he appreciates the sub-liminal imagery in the photo. Only you could get away with it!
Rock and a hard place with this. Stop the caffiene for dehydration and you lose the effect of broncho-dilation for the breathing. Don't overdo the chocolate but send out for 85 or 90 per cent cocoa fat Lindt bitter sweet chocolate. Very soothing and low in carbohydrate, which is not good for any infection. Most thrive on starches and sugars so despite the intuition that orange juice is good; it isn't. It is far too high in fructose which is metabolised very rapidly in humans. Rememember orange juice for Hypoglycaemia?
Far better Vitamin C in high dose tablets plus D3 in the long term to boost levels for winter when there is little sunshine to make it from cholesterol. As D3 has a half life of 8 weeks it won't help now but will in the future. Henry will tell you how much. Hydration is good especially iced water. Opiates with Acetominophen good for symptom relief but bad for long term use as you know as codiene will stop peristalsis fairly rapidly even in low doses.
I would hope you have a cohort of tame handsome followers to attend your needs, even at risk of infection, if I were 30 yrs younger it would be worth it. If not then 'Physician heal thyself'.
Seriously though take care of yourself, we all need you but you are a dynamo and your load will be affecting the HPA-axis and doing your immune system harm. You inspire us all but slow down while you're ill.
DN
:) you really do have a one track mind
BD
You are probably right in all you say! Am recovering well though.
RP
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