I just knew that my body could fight off a bout of allergies. My blog about that was written last week. Then it got much worse, so instead, please read of how I survived my first antibiotic post transplant. First off, let me say that my own stubbornness comes in super handy when I’m looking for a natural way to help my body heal.…but… I’ll make a list of what worked and did not work. Please pardon my diction. I’m still a bit zoney. Read on for how I survived my first antibiotic for a sinus infection post transplant.
The Trigger
We had several wildfires a few weeks ago in Oklahoma. We actually went to spend the weekend in a neighboring county, and watched wildfires from our hotel there. Hiking 5 miles the next day and lots of pollen gave us the perfect storm. Our skies were blackish grey and our cars were green with pollen. Ugh.
Natural Remedies
I started off with colloidal silver, which is a great go-to nasal spray. It didn’t hurt, but it didn’t help either.
Children’s liquid Benadryl has served me for 40 years. Just a tsp or so and the sinuses dry right up.
Robitussin liquid is taken the same way. I actually use a tiny sip straight from the bottle. When chest congestion starts to rattle, it’s time for another dose.
Chloraseptic Spray feels SO good on my throat, where the drip is running down.
Humidifier both upstairs and down to keep the house moist.
These natural and/or OTC remedies actually got me through COVID. Well, that and a lot of water and bone broth. It if worked for COVID, it should be considered a tried and true method.
Do Natural or OTC Remedies Always Work?
I was administering the ACT Test to some 11th grade students, so my bag was packed with all the above plus lotion Puff tissue. Reading the instructions aloud became increasingly difficult. Soon, it felt like I was clearing my throat more and more. I was super raspy, and by the end of the day, hubby and I decided silence was best.
After 4 days of this, and a night spent with a hot towel on my face I was done. I have not taken acetaminophen since COVID, but that night called for it. That was the last straw. I also had my labs drawn in the middle of all this and my WBC was high, so my team had called. They knew of, and approved my plan from day one. They also said to call if it got worse. I did.
Call the Doctor
When I dropped by my daughter’s house, she put me in the car and we went to my primary care.
Now, transplant recipients use our primary care for everything NOT liver related. Still, I called my team and told him about the severity of the symptoms. They agreed, steroid shot and antibiotics were the way to go. It seems that many Oklahoman’s are having a severe allergy season, and it’s worse for those who live near the wildfires.
Soon, I had a low dose of 40 mg steroid shot in my behind. I got a 250 mg Z Pack and things got better fast.
It’s not an exciting story, but I wanted to share. Why? Because I have read every private forum for liver transplant patients regarding steroid shots and antibiotics in the last few days. Now, here is it for anyone who wants to hear a story about someone who called and got the meds.
My team at Integris Baptist, Nahzi Zudhi Transplant Center all agreed with my primary care.
How I Survived My First Antibiotic for a Sinus Infection Post Transplant
We listen to our body and our own wisdom. We trust our loved ones and our team. And we make it.
I spent April 13, my 8th transplant anniversary at the doctor’s office. With this story comes the SO super happy to be alive, Thank You Donor Family, Love my Caregivers, and tears of joy in the morning.
Post Script: I’m better already and got to spend the day with my family at the Herbal Affair of in my hometown of Sand Springs. My new granddoggy got tuckered out and fell asleep in a shop. I protected his little paws so no one would step on him. He got 15 minute nap and slept through dozens of hands patting his sweet little head. I’m just grateful to be alive to experience the joy of it all. I hope you learn something in this convoluted story.
Have you had an experience with antibiotics while on immune suppresants? My heart is with you while making this important decisions post transplant. Xo Karen
2 thoughts on “How I Survived My First Antibiotic for a Sinus Infection Post Transplant”
very heart touching story. i am sorry for what you went through. but good to know that you survived and guiding us and spreading awareness.
Thank you so much. I appreciate your kind words. We all need that kind of response and I receive your words with gladness. xo Indeed we all have a mixed bag of suffering and hope. I see that we have so much physical suffering that can cause mental distress. Yet with medicine we can have continued hope and faith that our future can be brighter.
xo Karen
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