Getting better

[catsittingstill]

So I got the flu from Kip in late January, and just as I was getting better, he came home on Valentine's Day sick again.  And of course I caught it three days later.  And by Tuesday of this week, when it became apparent that I had caught pinkeye on top of it all, I broke down and went to the doctor.  My doctor couldn't see me that day so I saw the nurse practioner instead.  And she told me I had a sinus infection (really?  That's the first time that's ever happened to me as far as I know) and she gave me antibiotics and decongestants (or prescriptions for same) and said the antibiotics would take care of the pinkeye too.  Which I guess they should, provided it isn't viral.

I had my doubts, especially when I filled all three prescriptions with generics and they still cost me 60$ (ouch).  But the next day I was feeling better, and my coughing fits had declined to the occasional cough.  I still have the occasional cough, and my attempts at singing have been pitiful, and the pinkeye is better but not gone, but it's a definite improvement..  So, great.  On the other hand, one of my drugs is making my mouth taste like I'm sucking on a rusty spoon; I could live without that.  I hope it isn't the antibiotics because I have to take those for 14 days.

Anyway, at least I'm finally feeling up to doing something besides lurking in the house reading.

Comments

[billroper]

Are you using zinc lozenges? I find they usually give me that fine rusty spoon taste in the mouth after a day or so.

I hope you feel better soon!

[catsittingstill.livejournal.com]

I tried zinc lozenges once--made the mistake of having two in a row and a third a couple of hours later. (shudder) It tasted like I was sucking on a galvanized pail all day. Never touched them again. I'd rather have the sore throat.

This isn't *that* bad, just kind of annoying.

And drat it, I think it is the amoxicillin--I skipped the decongestant this morning just to be sure, and I have that taste again. Plus it seems to be making my tongue feel sore--like I've been sucking on jagged hard candies or something.

I guess I'll just have to put up with it for a while.

[dan-k-nj.livejournal.com]

suggestion, it works great for me.

Take a couple of paper towels. Run them in hot water. squeeze them out and apply directly to eyelid. as hot as you can take it, close into the inside corner.

I get spring allergies and always end up with conjunctivitis one way or another and it helps a lot.

[catsittingstill.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give it a try.

[jerusha.livejournal.com]

Yes, "sore or dry mouth or tongue" and "abnormal taste sensation" are listed as side effects of amoxicillin.

Sometimes sucking on something like lemon drops can help (not only are they strongly flavored, but the acidity will stimulate salivation, which may also help). You can also use Vitamin C drops (which are usually mixed-citrus flavored); no study has shown much, if any, immunomodulatory effect from high doses of Vitamin C, but since it's water-soluble the excess won't hurt you (unless you have kidney problems or are prone to kidney stones)

[catsittingstill.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the info! I didn't find them among possible side effects in the paper the pharmacy gives me with each prescription, but I vaguely recalled having the same problem once before.

The problem with sucking lemon drops is that they also tend to make my tongue sore (I like them otherwise). Right now that just doesn't sound attractive. I've been drinking tea with lemon and hot water with lemon, though.