NEED ADVICE ASAP - Need to Get over a Cold/sore Throat in 2 Days

Updated on November 08, 2012
H.R. asks from Fairbanks, AK
15 answers

Hi,

I am scheduled for surgery on Friday morning. I read in the paperwork, that if you have a cold, sore throat or fever they want to be notified, and reschedule it. I Do NOT want to reschedule it, and am thinking of not mentioning it. I do not have a fever but woke up today with a very sore throat and congestion. I need all ideas asap - but cannot take certain things, like ibuprofen or anything aspirin based - there are certain things off limits, so need to be careful. Anyways, so far have tried Zicam spray and Colloidal silver. At 5 AM when I woke up with the throat pain, I did the hydrogen peroxide in my ears for 5 minutes each side. So any other ideas would be greatly appreciated !!

**Also, would it not be a good idea to workout (cardio/weights) between now and Friday ? I am not sure if that would put more stress on my immune system or what ? Any info. on this would also be appreciated !!!

Thank you.

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K.B.

answers from Detroit on

Esberitox is a super-charged echinacia that you might be able to find at a health-food store. That, and Zicam tablets. A friend of mine also makes a strong tea with garlic, lemon and honey. I also tried once a spicy meal with hot soup and I swear I sweated all the toxins out! And rest and lots of fluids!

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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

If the congestion isn't gone by tomorrow, you really need to inform your doctor of this. Congestion could prevent you from breathing under anesthesia.

2 moms found this helpful
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L.R.

answers from Portland on

Like the other responders have said, you really do need to tell your doctor about your sore throat and congestion. These rules are in place to protect both you AND the other, potentially fragile patients in the hospital. I know it'll be a drag if you have to reschedule, but it'll be better than experiencing complications or getting others sick.

That being said, I'm a huge fan of neti pots. I can't tell you how many colds I've avoided by using one. As soon as I feel that tickle in my sinuses or throat I start neti-ing like mad to rinse out the bacteria/viruses. It's kind of weird at first, but you'll get used to it quickly. My 6-year old has his own neti pot and he loves to use it! He gets a big kick out of all the crud that comes out of his nose. :)

1 mom found this helpful
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R.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I am fighting the same thing!! This is NOT what you want to hear I am sure, but having the surgery while sick might put you at some risk! :(( So just be careful going the silent route... I am sure your immune system needs to be functioning well for a surgery. That being said, TONS of liquids, keep up with the zinc and get outside in the sun for a few mins if you have sun there. :) Good luck!

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M.G.

answers from Kansas City on

Get some Zicam. I swear by that stuff. I start taking it at the 1st sign of a cold (sore throat, sneezing and running nose, etc. ) it usually takes care of it right away. (Normally by the next day I feel much better.)

Good Luck

M

1 mom found this helpful

C.V.

answers from Columbia on

Take Vitamin D3 and vitamin C. I take it all winter and don't get sick.

However, you already ARE sick. When you start having symptoms, you've already been sick for 3-7 days. There's nothing you can do but treat it.

As for your surgery? You need to reschedule. I know you don't want to hear it, but that's the way it goes. You DO NOT want to end up in respiratory arrest (stop breathing) under anesthesia due to an upper respiratory infection. That same infection will also stress your heart and could cause cardiac arrest (your heart to stop). Also, as your immune system is compromised, it will take your body longer and be more painful to heal after surgery.

Getting surgery while sick is a terrible idea. Just don't.

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K.W.

answers from Seattle on

Zinc, Vitamin C, etc. and so on are not miracle cures. They are really just immune system boosters (maybe) that help you to avoid getting sick. Maybe they'll shave a teeny tiny bit off the length/severity, but once you catch it a cold is generally going to take a week to 10 days to get over. Two days is really optimistic.

Would you rather lie to your doctor and have something horrible to you in surgery, or postpone your surgery? Talk to your doctor. Tell him/her it's just a cold and you'd really, really, really like to go ahead with the surgery, if it's safe to do so.

With a cold, a light/moderate workout could help boost your system and shouldn't hurt it. Don't push it, though.

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M.R.

answers from Seattle on

You must gargle with warm salt water several times a day.

Start drinkings tons of OJ and chicken noodle soup or broth.

Take extra doses of Vitamin C and chew on Zinc lozenges. The vitamin C is a great pre-surgery vitamin to take anyhow.

GL!

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L.F.

answers from San Francisco on

Echinacia (spelled wrong) and zinc right away. Tea with lemon and also spoonfuls of honey directly in the mouth frequently throughout the day. REST. Don't stress----its normal to get a little nervous before surgery and get symptoms of getting sick.

Tell yourself positive affirmations about being well, going through surgery fine etc. You will do great! I wouldn't even mention it----unless you are hacking and have fever, chills and snot galore, don't say anything. It could be allergies!

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N.W.

answers from Eugene on

If I catch it early, in the sore throat stage, I've gotten rid of a cold by taking about 5000 mg of vitamin C, drinking as much hot tea as I can and sleeping for a day. For me, once it gets to the congestion stage, it's too late and I'm going to be sick for most of the week.

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S.B.

answers from Redding on

You need to let the doctor know what is going on right away.
I'm not sure what surgery you are having, but if you will be under general anesthesia, they will put a tube down your throat. That's not good if you already have a sore throat. I know from experience, that if you get checked in and they take your vitals and find that you have a fever, they will not do surgery.

You want to alleviate any possible complications. I would get in to see the doctor prior to the procedure and definitely n ot be working out while you're not feeling well. You should be getting rest. You need to let the doctor know that you've been taking Zicam and Colloidal silver.

Doctors don't want to do surgery on you if you're ill unless it can't be helped. For instance....a burst appendix.

Be up front and honest. See what they say.

Best wishes.

1 mom found this helpful

C.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I would keep doing the colloidal silver. You have to keep doing it maybe 2 times a day for it to work. Try vitamin C. When I get sick I drink 3 emergen - c drinks per day, zinc, echinacea, and lots of rest. Hope you feel better!

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H.M.

answers from Dallas on

Vitamin A and Zinc. They are natural healers.

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

By not telling you may be risking your own life not to mention the lives of sick people who are in the hospital. Most people in the hospital already have compromised immune function and then you come along and expose them to something, possibly strep.

And......if you're having general anesthesia the doctor will see your sore throat and most likely cancel the surgery. And.....everyone will be upset with you for not telling them ahead of time. You'll have gone thru being admitted, prepped and be in the operating room when they cancel the surgery because your throat is red. It's possible that you'll be charged for that part of the surgery and that your insurance won't pay because you didn't follow the rules.

Please follow the rules. They are in place for a reason and that is to protect your health and the health of other patients. And, calling two days in advance allows the surgeon to schedule another patient in your place. You cannot get rid of a cold/sore throat in 2 days.

Call your surgeon and let him know you have a sore throat. Let him decide if it's safe for you to have surgery. And let him help some other patient. If you go in with a sore throat and they cancel surgery at the last minute you have wasted the time of several professionals and the operating room.

Geez! Your surgery is elective plastic surgery. It will not make a difference if you reschedule.

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M.S.

answers from Washington DC on

Gargle with warm salt water every few hours. I swear it really helps get over colds faster.

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