DH horrendous cough

[justbananas42]

DH is on day 4 of isolation and his cough is really terrible. It’s practically non stop and he’s wretching occasionally as well. He also feels very under the weather, like he has a case of flu or something. He’s 44 years old and double jabbed with Astra Zeneca. I’m worried

@sayithow I suggested Lucozade to DH and he said even the thought of it made him feel nauseous

@Bobholll thank you so much for your post - it has given me hope! Especially as DH’s cough is as bad as ever this evening I will be first in the door at the chemist tomorrow.

Our oximeter arrives tomorrow as well. Sales of those things must be going through the roof!

@justbananas42 how is he today? Hopefully beginning to improve slightly.

I hope DH is better today? I was going to say codeine is a cough suppressant but I see he's been prescribed codeine. For future use. Pholcodine is made with codeine without the analgesic effects and is available from a chemist for unproductive coughs. Covonia is excellent for phlegmy coughs because it helps you break it up and bring it up.

Really hope your DH is getting better sleep x

Hi everyone, DH managed to sleep through last night without being woken by his cough. However, he was coughing a lot again this morning. He's had two doses of the codeine liquid now (he's been prescribed 5ml, three times a day) and I think his cough seems slightly better, although he coughs like mad immediately after taking it.

He's also very weak as he's still not eating - he was sick this morning after eating some fruit. I keep trying to persuade him to eat something plain but it's hard, he says he just can't stomach much. He has had a bit of toast tonight.

We also got the oximeter - we've only done one reading but it was 96.

Thanks for the update @justbananas42

It does sound like he’s improving.

I just wonder how accurate these oximeters are - it said on Amazon that it was an NHS approved model, so hopefully it is...

Mines an Amazon one @justbananas42 - it’s about 4 years old now. It’s always matched the doctors ones! I’ve had a lot of struggles over the years with asthma & the minute my stats drop & I know I’m struggling, I’m at my GP’s or A&E in some cases. My home stats have never been wrong 👍🏻 I also wear a fancy Fitbit & that always matches my oxygen monitor for both oxygen & heart rate!

@Bobholll that’s good to know, thanks!

And that’s really helpful information about the Pholcodine, thanks @frogsbreath.

DH has had a bath and has been asleep for the last hour or so with no coughing. Does anyone know how long the codeine takes to really kick in? He forgot to ask the doctor that. I’m hoping it’s sooner rather than later.

He will be on day 8 of isolation tomorrow.

Thanks @RedHot22, I hope so. He’s lost quite a lot of weight. I just hope he’s able to eat soon and build his strength back up.

Our cheap Amazon oximeter has always matched the ones the ambulance has.

What sort of cough is it? Does it sound dry and barking? Or wet and bubbly?

@FelicityBeedle From what I can hear, I would say it sounds dry and barking, but he did say he has a bit of pain in his chest (he told the doctor this).

DH isn’t the most communicative at the best of times, so it’s quite hard to establish exactly how he’s feeling. Very frustrating!

DH awake and coughing again

I really wouldn't focus on getting him to eat if he's not hungry. Just get rehydration sachets or glucose tablets in him. The very basics will do, it doesn't have to be food if he can't take it right now.

Thanks Talk. I must admit I’m struggling a bit to cope - I’m scared.

It's really normal to be scared when the ones we love are so sick But for now remember he's spoken to a doctor. He's got medication. His oxygen levels were ok and he's vaccinated. It sounds like he's having a rough time but he seemed to be getting better yesterday so hopefully he will just build from there.

I got put on the codeine linctus for the cough and it won't stop it dead but it will help with the amount of coughing that he's doing. It works but suppressing the cough reflex.

96 is reasonable! Hopefully he will turn the corner in the next day or two, although he may be coughing for weeks to come yet.. difference is he won't be poorly at the same time.

Thanks everyone. It’s 4am and he’s coughing like mad again. He’s only had two doses of codeine so far, so hopefully it will start kicking in today?

Oh bless him he is going through it and how scary for you too. The codeine should kick in and will hopefully help x

Please keep an eye on his oxygen levels with that oximeter. It’s the best way to see how he is doing. 99/98% is normal.

Thanks all. We will do some more oximeter readings today.

DH is on day 8 of isolation now. Should I do a PCR test on our toddler (who is not showing any symptoms) at this point? I’m worried as the DC goes crazy if I so much as wipe their face, let alone stick a testing stick up their nose!

Also, should DH be less contagious by now, even though he’s still coughing and feeling rotten?

Hello Op, I've only just come across your thread. I don't know the answers to your questions but I was wondering how your DH is doing now? Is the cough any better? Is he managing to eat?
And how are YOU doing? You sounded so worried and upset. I hope things are improving for you all.
I'm not sure I'd be worrying about getting the toddler tested right now - presuming he's not seeing anyone in close contact. You honestly sound like you've got enough to be worrying about with getting your DH better.