Immunity Boost Required

Hi all.

Had a bit of a rubbish time of it recently. My gall bladder had stopped working properly, which was making me ill, so I had that removed 5 weeks ago. I had a rough time of it afterwards with pain and ended up being in hospital for a while. Then I got an infection under one of my wounds and had to go on strong antibiotics. Just as I got over that I picked up a nasty case of flu that has laid me low for the last 6 days and seems to show no sign on getting better. I've had a high temperature for 5 days, I seem to have a chest infection, sinus infection and throat infection. So, on another load of antibiotics (I haven't had antibiotics for years now I've had two courses in a month! :thunbdown:).

I think the reason I've been so hard hit by this flu, leading to several infections, is because my immunity is so low from the operation and subsequent infection. I'm also concerned that two courses of antibiotics will reduce my immunity.

So, not only do I need to boost my immunity to fight thses infections but I really think over the next few months I need to take positive action to boost my immune system. Knowing there's some healthy type bods on the forum I'm really hoping for some advice on this. I know the basics about fresh fruit and veg etc but was hoping for some other specific ideas to get me back on track (or the fells as the case may be).

Many thanks :)

I am watching this with interest, as I am in a very similar position to yours Flopsy, minus the chest infection etc and second course of antibiotics... Operation/infection/antibiotics/flu/stomach bug/more flu... all in the time span of the last 3-4 months while I am normally never ill. I also need an immune system boost as I reckon it is low because of the general anaesthetic and healing...

You have my sympathies it feels never ending doesn't it. I've been off work for the last 5 weeks and other than a period of about two weeks when I could walk the dog I've not been out the house much at all. It's driving me nuts.

....waiting for some ideas (pretty please...)

Don't underestimate flu, it's a very nasty bug, being laid low for 6 days sounds completely par for the course to me. I've had flu twice and it took me at least 6 weeks before I felt it was clear of my system. So don't panic on that.

As for all the other problems, if there's no underlying medical condition which hasn't been picked up, your body is run down and knackered, you've had an operation for heavens sake! Rest, sleep, good food and be patient. Don't even think about training until you wake up one sunny morning and say "I really, really feel like going for a run". DON'T, have a brisk walk instead and take it from there. Think in terms of weeks or months, not days.

You'll come right in the end, and the same goes for Hanneke - there's no miracle cure or pill - just time and rest.

I use Hopi Ear Cadles which help to clean out the sinus's, this was first done by my osteopath but is quite easy for anyone to do( you cant really do it to yourself). I have been told this is the place that most air borne diseases get into our system. By keeping them clean and free of wax etc there is less chance of the virus/bacteria getting attached. I also have something called citricidal which is extract of grapefruit seed. This seems to help if you feel your coming down with something but is the worst tasting substance on earth. Hope this can help.

Dan

May not be quite what you are looking for, but I use Vicks first defence when I feel the signs of a cold coming on. Haven't come down with one since I started using it. Only any use against cold viruses, but seems to give your immune system a head start in dealing with them.

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Originally Posted by Flopsy

I know the basics about fresh fruit and veg etc but was hoping for some other specific ideas to get me back on track (or the fells as the case may be).
)

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I would recommend reading Aggressive Health by Mike Nash. :)

Eat a wide variety of different coloured vegetables and fruit. Do not forget nuts/seeds/leaves. For protein, eat oily fish/crab rather than meat; if you like meat eat free-range/organic as grass fed meat is so much better for you. Do not think that you should cut down dramatically on carbs as you are doing so little - if you have an infection and/or healing wounds your metabolic rate will be raised, so eat low GI carbs such as porridge, brown rice, wholemeal bread. Do get out - rug up and go for a walk - sunshine is good for us as is fresh air. If inside for long periods, read a book rather than spend hours on the computer or watching TV.

Good luck - you will get there.

Thanks for the replies so far. Looks like there's no secret immunity boosters then. Oh well, guess I was being too optimistic then ;)

I am trying to eat well, although I was unable to each much of anything for the first few weeks due to to nausea. Flu has also robbed me of my appetite. Forcing myself to eat but it's not easy. Think I've lost about 8lbs so far since the op - not the healthiest way to lose weight.

When I've not been in too much pain I have been going out for daily walks with the dog. Not had the energy to leave the house since getting the flu and chest infection though - but been out in in the sunshine today :)

Onwards and upwards I guess. Only time will heal. Though received a letter from my employer telling me that my period of sick pay is about to run out. Nice. Thanks for that. Not even a 'hope you get better soon' :angry:. I'll go back when I'm better even if that means no pay. Health is more important.

Anyway, ta all.

Flopsy,

Nobody has mentioned Echinacea yet which is surprising; I know that some people swear at it and others swear by it but, without wishing to start a debate on 'does it' or 'doesn't it', it could be worth a try and you only have cash to lose!

Along with plenty of rest make sure you are getting your RDA of vitamin C. (Vitamin C is found in high concentrations in immune cells but is consumed quickly during infections.)
So that means loads of fresh fruit and veg and maybe popping a vitamin pill too.

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Originally Posted by John Walker

Flopsy,

Nobody has mentioned Echinacea yet which is surprising; I know that some people swear at it and others swear by it but, without wishing to start a debate on 'does it' or 'doesn't it', it could be worth a try and you only have cash to lose!

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I was thinking that too. I used to get laid up by colds and flu every winter until about 3 years ago someone at work suggested I give it a go. Though I'm a natural cynic about such things I gave it a go and since then, I take it throughout the winter at a low level and go up tot he max level when i feel something coming on. Whilst I still get the occasional cold, they are most definitely less frequent, less serious and are gone a lot quicker. Pre-echinacea I was losing a couple of weeks training a year to a bad cold or flu, since taking it I've lost 3 days. There's a a fair amount of empirical evidence to support this too.

If you do want to get some, try Lloyds chemists - they tend to be a bout a 3rd of the price for the tablets than Boots /Superdrug.

zinc .

Some good suggestions there, which however for me won't work, because I already take the supplements required, eat healthily... I have been spoken to firmly by a GP friend who says I am merely lacking patience and that I am under estimating the seriousness of the operation and subsequent recovery needed... It may very well be the same for your Flopsy. Pamper yourself, eat as healthily as you can, get some fresh air and exercise within the limits of your state of fitness, use some of the above mentioned supplements...

Nothing else one can do... *sighs* I am so impatient... and I hate being ill!

Hanneke - I am most definately impatient but then I've more time recovering from operations in recent years than I have had training! I seem to get the contradictory advice from the surgeon and doctors that most people bounce back in a couple of weeks but I shouldn't underestimate how long it can take to recover from major abdominal surgery, which can take months. I'm at the doctors every pretty much every week (this will be my sixth week off work) and they always start with ' so, you've been having a really rough time' - no kidding!

I'm trying to eat healthily. Am also taking supplements on the advice of the doctors. I'm also drinking honey and lemon several times a day at the moment for my chest as well as 'steaming!'. :D I had forgotten about echinacea so may give that a go. The trouble is I worry about taking so many tablets. Currently on antibiotics but also Omeprazole for a month as the two courses of antibiotics may have given me an ulcer or at least aggravated my stomach. Plus max dose paracetamol and multivtamin. I'm rattling!

Can't exercise or even walk for long at the moment due to the chest infection, which isn't shifting. Prior to that I was walking the dog for an hour each day though. I don't exepect to get back to proper exrecise for quite a while and the surgeon said I wasn't allowed to until pain free, which I'm not. Just getting back to work and walking the dog is my current goal.

Walking chaos, that's me!!! :wink:

Flopsy,

If you have done, or are doing, all the chemical and nutritional stuff now maybe the time to review the other parts of a healthy lifestyle. An Occupational Therapist once showed me the LESSON plan which they use a lot.

L = leisure
E = exercise
S = sleep
S = spirituality
O = optimism
N = nutrition

It is meant to be used to search for the positive so, for leisure it might be as simple as cutting out depressing documentaries on TV in favour of something light hearted. Exercise might be trying some Yoga, even if it is only a DVD it could be fun, optimism could be a result of taking charge of the other areas and feeling more empowered. I am not by nature an alternative therapy/hippy type this plan is more about addressing a range of things at a point when you may have a bit of time to focus on things we all often take for granted.

Hi John,

I'm not necessarily 'hippy' either but do believe in the the body as a whole and in the the power of having a positive mindset. That's why every day, no matter how bad I have felt, I have got up first thing and had a shower, washed my hair, got dressed and gone downstairs for breakfast. I did that even in hosital and even when feeling dreadful because I am a strong believer in the importance of psychologically maintining a routine and looking after myself. I may collpase in a heap on the sofa afterwards or even go back to bed for a snooze but getting up and dressed has always been important to me.

You have reminded me though that someone lent me a pilates DVD and so maybe I should have a crack at that. :)

Echinacea and the LESSON plan were all I had - I'm played out now! Hope at least some of it helps.

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Originally Posted by John Walker

Echinacea and the LESSON plan were all I had - I'm played out now! Hope at least some of it helps.

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All advice has been gratefully received!! :thumbup:

I'm an advocate for echinacea too. The tincture and not tablets. A few drops in a little bit of water doesn't taste too bad and it really has made a difference to me in the past. I've never had anything as serious or debilitating as you and Hanneke but for general feelings for being run down, onset of colds etc, I've managed to pep myself up after a few weeks of taking it and I don't get half as many colds as most people that I know. I only take it when I feel I need it though and haven't done for ages. Good luck and hope you get better soon!

Tincture?

Off to the docs again this afternoon as still coughing like a trouper after two weeks despite antibiotics, honey & lemon, steaming etc. Ridiculous.

It's the liquid form not the tablets. I've tried both but find the tincture more effective. I expect it gets digested more easily or something. You put a few drops in a small bit of water and knock it back. It doesn't taste too bad.

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Originally Posted by Flopsy

Tincture?

Off to the docs again this afternoon as still coughing like a trouper after two weeks despite antibiotics, honey & lemon, steaming etc. Ridiculous.

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I find the tincture more effective too, and it is cheaper for some reason!

Try giving up cows milk for a week and see how your chest feels. It's only a week out of your life and some people with chest problems find they really benefit from it. I have soya milk on cereals. If we run out and I think "oh it won't hurt for a couple of days" I have to reach for the inhaler.
One of those things to try :-)
Get well soon to you and Hanneke. It's pants being I'll :angry:

Thanks RTS :)

I second the use of soya milk over normal milk too... Only use a drop in my coffee, otherwise it is soya and it has made a world of difference for my breathing problems :)

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Originally Posted by Hanneke

Thanks RTS :)

I second the use of soya milk over normal milk too... Only use a drop in my coffee, otherwise it is soya and it has made a world of difference for my breathing problems :)

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I don't think some people think of milk being a factor. I was going to the doctors for months, even had chest X Ray and treated for asthma. I was at work one day and one of our Anesthetists suggested it could be milk. I love milk and drank loads of the stuff so thought it a daft idea. Gave up milk and literally my breathing was clear within 48 hrs. Like you I still have it in my coffee. Went back to the doctors and told him and he said if I'd of been a child it would of been the first thing he had thought of but never for an adult. Its worth a try for anyone that is plagued with any kind of chest problems :-)

Thanks for the advice but I don't think milk is an issue for me as I haven't liked it since an unfortunate experience with school milk when I was 4yrs old! Barely have any milk, a few drops in my tea that sort of thing.

To be fair I don't think I generally have a chest / breathing issue. This is probably my first proper chest infection since I gave up smoking 14 years ago. I think it's just that I'm so run down, which is what the docs seem to think too. Hence wanting to improve my general immunity. Doesn't seem to be working though as I've been prescribed yet another course of antibiotics. Not started them yet though as I'm a little concerned about what repeated courses of antibiotics will be doing to me.

6 weeks off work so far. My sick pay has just run out and no sign of me being fit to work yet :boohoo:

Flopsy, that sucks!

Mind, although I have been struggling on with work, coming in late because I overslept because I am always so tired etc etc, I have just been made redundant :( Not associated with the 'illness/unfitness/rundown-ness' but I feel huge apprehension having to try and find a new job while I am not 100%... :( For a start, I am incapable of lying... So if they ask about absence records, I am going to have to tell them how I have been struggling since the op :(

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Originally Posted by Flopsy

Thanks for the advice but I don't think milk is an issue for me as I haven't liked it since an unfortunate experience with school milk when I was 4yrs old! Barely have any milk, a few drops in my tea that sort of thing.

To be fair I don't think I generally have a chest / breathing issue. This is probably my first proper chest infection since I gave up smoking 14 years ago. I think it's just that I'm so run down, which is what the docs seem to think too. Hence wanting to improve my general immunity. Doesn't seem to be working though as I've been prescribed yet another course of antibiotics. Not started them yet though as I'm a little concerned about what repeated courses of antibiotics will be doing to me.

6 weeks off work so far. My sick pay has just run out and no sign of me being fit to work yet :boohoo:

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:thunbdown: Oh no. So sorry to hear that. That's a real bummer. Talk about kicking somene while they're down. Hope you find something soon. I'd be honest about being ill, with job applications. Many years ago I picked up a virus doing Tough Guy and was unable to work for six months. My contract was terminated because of it and I was worried that would stop me getting future work. As it turned out I was offered several jobs once fit enough to work again. Most decent employers understand that people get ill sometimes and if they don't understand then they're not someone you'd want to work for anyway. So fingers crossed it won't affect your chances either.

I have been really unwell for much of the 6 weeks and not able to work, especially with the type of work that I do meaning I have to visit farms. I did ask about going back on reduced hours or working at a reduced capacity but I was told 'no', either I returned to work at full capacity or I didn't return at all. Thanks employer. Probably better for me to concentrate on recovery to be honest but still feel my employer is being inflexible. They won't sack me but I always worry about whether they use these things against you long term. Still, no point worrying about that now. Just need to get well again.

As I understand it, one of the problems of taking lots of antibiotics is that it kills the good bacteria as well as the bad bacteria, which can cause stomach problems and affect the immune system and absorption of nutrients from food.
Live yogurt and probiotics are supposed to help - worth a try if you still feel ill.

Thanks Sandra, good advice! I have been using probiotics to counteract the effects of the antibiotics. I am feeling a bit better at the moment, but needing another operation so not actually going upwards yet. Well, I am, but I will be knocked down again soon :(

I have postponed the op at the moment, as I cannot cope with it and having to try and save my current job AND hunt for a replacement in case my saving actions don't work out... I simply cannot afford to be laid down (literally) after the op for several weeks and then having to struggle to get back to some form of fitness for months. The plan is: sort the job in one way or another, go on holiday (10 days in July) then have the op. I could not face having to cancel my holiday yet again either... already lost 2x holidays = 3 weeks of time off spent convalescing or in hospital and loads of money as I could not get the money spent on the trips/flights back...

Fingers crossed it is the right decision...

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Originally Posted by Sandra

As I understand it, one of the problems of taking lots of antibiotics is that it kills the good bacteria as well as the bad bacteria, which can cause stomach problems and affect the immune system and absorption of nutrients from food.
Live yogurt and probiotics are supposed to help - worth a try if you still feel ill.

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Yeah thanks. I'm now taking probiotics after finishing the last of the antibiotics. Two months off work and I am now finally back at work though not feeling 100% and currently only up to walking, which I do for about an hour every day. Get so tired. Taking it easy so I don't get poorly again. First day out with clients on Monday and I was really croaky by the end of it. Frustrating but not choice but to just go with the flow.