Sinus infection or just a cold??

[ally76]

I know you girls cant answer my question totally.....but maybe just some advice would be nice.  Im 16 weeks pregnant and went to the clinic yesterday b/c Im feeling horrible.  The dr. was a clown, he used the stethescope through a bulky sweater and my winter coat.  He barely even looked at me and said b/c Im pregnant theres nothing I can take.  He said if it gets worse come back.  It was really busy so I kind of got rushed out the door.  My head is achey (achy) my whole body hurts and my nose is burning when I blow it or even breath.  My ears and throat are so itchy and sore.  Ive been taking tylenol but its not really helping, anything else I can take??  I dont want to take cough meds b/c if its a sinus thing than it probably wont help anyways.....Thanks.

[projectbaby]

I am sorry that you feel so terrible!!!  I know what you mean!!!  I know you
can get "Simply Saline" over the counter...it's just saline and water nasal
spray and will help clear out your nasal passages....
Also if your throat hurts you can gargle with warm salt water or....you
can get some green choloseptic (NO, not cause it's St. Patty's day) but
b/c it doesn't have red dye in it!!!  That should would....also try to
use some Vicks...  As for the headache...just tylenol (which I know DOES
NOTHING!!!)....  good luck and I hope you get better soon!!!!

[ally76]

Hey Jaquie, My girlfriend just went out to get me some cough drops and saline for my nose.  She is pregnant and had the same thing a couple of weeks ago.  I feel so crappy and we got tons of snow last night so DH is gone all day and night and my mom and dad are in florida.  My best friend just moved around the corner so shes been a huge help....thanks for the tips.  You go for you IVF soon dont you?

[nikkicole827]

I got sick twice in my pregnancy so far (i'm the same as you 16 weeks) and it was awful both times so I know how you feel!  My doc gave me a list of OTC medicines that are safe and Robitussin DM was one of them if htat helps you at all.  I also used Vicks vapor rub at night.  I'm still a firm believer that OJ takes good care of colds --if that is what you have-- and I drank a lot of it and started feeling better in no time.  Right now I'm suffering of allergies and sneezing ALL the time along with headaches.  I don't even bother with tylenol since it does nothing for me.  My heart goes out to you and you are so lucky your friend lives nearby now!  All of mine are at least 2 hours away since I moved up here for my dh.  Friends would make everythign so much better!  godo luck!

[tiredbuthappy]

it's hard to say if it's a sinus infection or cold. usually, sinus infections begin as a cold or minor infection, and then progress to the secondary sinus infection. how many days has it been?
some tips- drink lots and lots of fluids. this will help thin the mucous and maybe get some of that stuff out of your head. i am assuming that at least part of your headaches can be contributed to sinus pressure and congestion. a humidifier, especially at night should help, as would sleeping propped up. soothe your burning nose with a bit of chapstick. the previous poster was right about saline. and if you use it now and it is just a cold, you may prevent a sinus infection from setting in since the saline flushes bacteria out of the sinus cavity. as for meds, my doctor and my dh (a pharmacist) say that sudafed is ok. this would help ease up the runny nose and will actually probably help the headache more than tylenol. do not take benadryl. and try some nice chicken soup... it actually does help (the extra fluids, plus apparently it has some antiinflamatory properties that may help soothe the sinuses).

i never get bronchitus (bronchitis), each infections, strep, etc... i only get sinus infections, so i have had plenty of experience with them! if it continues for several more days, if you get a fever, or if it gets much worse, see your doctor again (well, another doctor!) i love my local urgent care. the docs a fantastic, and you can usually call and make an appointment.

[ally76]

Thanks so much you guys.  Im trying to keep busy so Im not thinking about it but I just feel lousy.  I dont want to hurt the baby either so Im so scared to take anything.  Hopefully the saline will help...I just put some vicks rub on my chest and thats quite soothing as well.  Thanks so much for the advice.

[anxiousmomtobe?]

If you have specific questions, go to Motherrisk.com, this is a huge research center at the Hospital for Sick Kids in Toronto.  They complie data from around the world about the effects of meds, otc and various chemicals on pregnant and nursing moms.  Completely free service and so helpful.

[ally76]

LOL!  Your post made me laugh.  So far the hemmeroids are gone...knock on wood.  That was brutal, and now I have a stupid sinus infection.  Dr. put me on antibiotics today so hopefully I will better soon.  I hope all your tests go well and you get pregnant really soon.  Keep in touch.

[projectbaby]

Hey ally.....  I hope you are feeling better today.  Great that you have
a friend like that.  yeah, we got the snow too....enough all ready!!!
Hey, I know it's a personal question but have your hem. gone completely away??
I still feel mine...not that they hurt, it just feels like there is some
thing there....I know, gross!!!
yes, I go for my IVF soon!!! I start meds on Sat.  My first U/S and bloodwork are this Tues.!!!  I am really excited!!!  kind of weird to be excited about shots
but I am ready to be pregnant!!!  
You have been through a lot with this pregnancy too!!! hems, and now a cold!!
what the heck!!???
I will talk to you later....drink lots of water....
Jacquie