Feeling under the Weather

W

Wienie

Member
Cathe (and the forum group),
This is my first time posting, but I've been utilizing your forum for a number of weeks.
I'm wondering what you suggest about continueing your workouts when you're feeling under the weather ie:head cold.
I'm currently doing your Express rotation (this is my 4th week), and I get up Mond-Fri at 4:30 a.m. to workout. Sunday at whenever.
This week I managed to come down with a cold that is hovering between by head and my lungs. All in all I feel pretty good, just dragged out a bit. The last two days I was unable to get up at my a.m. workout time, but did manage Lean Legs after work. Today, after work,I plan on 1 Express with 2 Body parts. I'm taking tomorrow off completely from working out to try and get over this thing.
My problem is guilt. I feel if I don't workout, even when I'm not feeling well, that I will backslide in my progress in weight lifting and weight loss. I've finally managed to drop a few pounds and then this hits.
I'm just curious what you suggest and what others do under these circumstances.
I've noticed in the past, that you advise to listen to your body, but my mind is playing tricks on me.
Would really appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks
Wienie
 
I'm like you and tend to want to continue working out when I get a cold. However, the last time I came down with a cold I opted to rest. I never got that bad and the cold only lasted 3 days. I have no way of knowing for sure what would have happened if I would've worked out but I think resting did speed up my recovery. I was able to get back to my normal intensity quicker than if I would have worked out at a lower intensity due to lack of energy. Just my two cents.
Dawn
 
Dawn, thanks for responding. You know I should have taken your advice yesterday. I did work out after work, but did not feel as though I over-worked. This morning I woke up feeling considerably worse. I think it's time to take the weekend off.
Thanks again for your response.
Wienie
 
Hi Wienie!

Welcome to our encounter group ;-) -- I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling crummy.

Just thought I'd pass along to you a couple of things that might help speed your recovery. My husband has chronic sinus infections that end up in his chest, so I'm an old hand at treating this kind of thing.

First, be careful about what decongestant you're taking -- have you been watching the news about the FDA recommending the recall of an over-the-counter ingredient? It's very commonly used and it's called phenolpropylalamine (sp?) -- Read the labels at the drug store and find a good sinus/chest congestion product that doesn't have PPA in it. (Ask the pharmacist).

Second -- this is really going to sound gross, okay, but it honestly works wonders and is our sinus doctor's miracle fix. While you're at the drug store (or your significant other is there for you), buy one of those blue baby ear bulb syringes. The pharmacist will know what you're talking about. You want the one that is solid and doesn't have a plastic tip on the end (that one is for baby noses). It's about four inches long and shaped like a long onion.

In the privacy of your bathroom ;-), fill a juice glass with warm water, add 1 tsp of salt and a pinch of baking soda, and mix well. Fill the bulb syringe with this saline solution (squeeze it under the water to let the air out, and it will refill itself with liquid). Lean over the sink, hold one nostril closed, insert the tip of the syringe into your other nostril just a little way (maybe 1/2 inch) and with moderate force (hard enough to "squirt" the water) squeeze the bulb syringe so that the salty water floods your sinuses. You may need to slightly raise your head to feel the water really get in there good. Now, some water will stream back out, and while that happens you should gently blow the nostril you just cleansed. Repeat until the glass is empty (should be about four washes). Re-fill the glass and repeat on the other nostril.

Repeat this three or four times a day. After each session, rinse the syringe well with near-hot water (again, fill a glass and squeeze-release the syringe in the water so that it rinses itself). Leave it out to air dry. Gently rinse & dry the outside of your little nose :) and put a little Vaseline on the edges of your nose so that it won't become raw from the salty water.

This is called, in doctor's terms, a "saline nasal lavage". The salt water helps shrink the swollen tissues in your sinuses, just like gargling with salt water helps a sore throat because it reduces the swelling in your throat. Our doctor also says that the salt changes the pH balance in your sinuses so that the environment is less friendly to bacteria, viruses and other critters.

Our family (kids too) faithfully does this procedure at the first sign of a cold or sinus infection. (We each have our own syringe -- yuck. Wouldn't share one for a million bucks). It won't always stop a really bad one from coming on, but we've found that it will speed healing, make you more comfortable, and often will actually stop a minor cold from taking hold. If you're already sick, as you are, it may take a few times before the junk in your nose begins to loosen and clear, but believe me it will help.

Last, you really should lay off the exercise, especially aerobic, for a few days if this has moved into your chest. Bronchial stuff is so easy to aggravate, and your body will reward you for taking the time off by healing more quickly.

Feel better and once again welcome to Dr. Cathe's Corner!

Kathy S. in chilly Atlanta
 
Kathy, thank you so much for your tips. I'm still battling this darn thing.I never really felt this so much in my head as in my lungs. Of course, it could still end up there.
I took a break from working out Fri thru Sunday. I'm intending to do a circuit this evening. Hope it goes well.
I am definately going to keep your suggestions for future use.
You've been so kind sharing this.
Thanks again.
Wienie
 
Hi Kathy,
Thanks so much for your post. I have lots of sinus problems and will definitely give this a try next time. Who cares about gross if it gives you relief, right? Thanks again for the info!

Lisa (also in chilly Atlanta) .
 
Lisa --

The "nasal lavage" is WAY gross, as my son would say ;-)

But it works wonders. Ya just wouldn't want to share the wisdom with someone you're not married to yet -- I expect it would make them cut 'n run!


Kathy S.
 
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