I feel so ill [sad] is there anything I can take?

[owltrousers]

Hello All,

31+3 and I've come down with some kind of awful throat and / or chest infection. I haven't been to the GP as the waiting list is 2 weeks anyway.

I'm basically coughing 24/7 and hacking up mucus, getting no sleep and my head is throbbing. My throat is SO sore, it feels like I've swallowed razorblades. I'm kind of at my wits end with it, I'm knackered and work are being complete dicks about me taking today off.

Is there anything I can do/take? So far I've tried - Constant lemon & honey, ice cream, paracetamol, hot drinks, soothers and other throat sweets, salt water gargling and rinsing.

HALP

Nope.
I'm in a similar boat, utterly miserable and nothing I can do about it.

Aw jeez Oyster I was afraid someone might say that. What are you suffering with?

Owl it may be worth trying your dr's and telling them your pregnant. Sometimes they'll fit you in, or ask for the dr to give you a call he may be able to prescribe over the phone.

I've had a cold for days now which I think may actually be sinusitis but can't take anything it is awful. I feel your pain x

That sounds horrible. Have you tried steam at all? Either a hot shower, or over a bowl of hot water. It's not a magic cure, but might help you with the mucus-y horrible feeling. Lemon, honey and ginger (or hot milk with honey) are my go to for a sore throat, but it sounds like you're beyond that.

Is there no way of getting a same day emergency appointment at your GP? Or an out of hours service? I know they all work differently, a normal appointment is impossible at mine but an emergency appointment is a bit more accessible.

It's crap isn't it?
I have a sinus infection, which presents as a permanent banging headache, cough and cold. I can't even take decongestants as they apparently haven't been sufficiently tested to ensure they're safe in pregnancy. If men got pregnant they'd have tested the shit out of them I'm sure.

No advice but wanted offer my sympathy, I am the same as oysterbabe and I'm 39+3 so I'm dreading going into labour feeling like this!

I'm not pregnant but am just coming out the other side of a horrible protracted illness that started with tonsillitis so my throat was very sore.

Don't have hot drinks! They make the inflammation in the throat worse. I found sucking ice cubes was a big help, or nice cold drinks. Cold lemon and honey also good. Anything to reduce the swelling.

Lots of paracetamol, steam inhalations etc. too if you're blocked, salt gargling like you're doing.
Sorry, it's rotten :(

If you've got white spots on your tonsils definitely get an urgent appointment for some antibiotics. I didn't (moved house and not registered with new GP - too ill to drive to old GP) and I've ended up being really sick for over two weeks now as it moved to an inner ear infection.
Finally got some antibiotics on Saturday after my temperature went back up to 39 and am feeling so much better today.

Hope you feel better soon

Thanks everyone.

I know right @oysterbabe so true about men!

I could probably get an emergency apt but if I did is there much they could do for me? I don't want to waste their time really.

Unfortunately not much. Currently in the same situation, also coughing blood! Getting a little better now but my voice has gone. This has only ever happened to me twice and both times I’ve been pregnant. Taking paracetamol is all you can really do, and slather vicks rub on your chest

Ok, so I've just spoken to my Dr's surgery and asked for an appointment today if possible. The receptionist was really arsey with me and as she was hanging up I heard her say "That is absolutely ridiculous..."

Am I being ridiculous?

It’s probably just because there’s nothing they can actually do and if everybody went in for a bad cold they’d have no time at all. I understand how difficult it is, but there’s nothing they can do about it other than listen to you have a good moan! Doctor can give you antibiotics only if you have a chest etc infection, otherwise don’t even ask for them.. it won’t get rid of your sore symptoms

Your symptoms* I was going to say sore throat but meant just symptoms in general

I was prescribed antibiotics when pregnant due to a chest infection, I think if you can get past the receptionist your gp will want you well, they don't want any chance of pneumonia for delivery.

I have the same thing too. 34 weeks pregnant. Don't feel sick at all except for the cough which won't go away. Two weeks now.

Every time I could I get a massive pain on the same left side of my bump. Feels like a ripped muscle. Really have to hold it tight before I cough. Really sore when lying down so hardly sleeping. Lost my voice and head hurts from coughing.

I have paracetamol. Cough sweets and a honey and lemon mixture. And lots of cold water. Trying to do anything to stop the need to cough.

Doctor won't be able to do anything as most coughs are viral. I'm in tears sometimes with the tiredness and frustration.

So sorry that everyone is going through it too.

@MadeForThis That really sounds horrible. I hope it buggers off soon.

One thing I've found that helps with the mucus / stuffy or snotty nose is salt water. I mix 1tsp of salt with some warm water and then literally squirt it in my nostrils with a turkey baster, let some run down my throat and some come out the other nostril. Sounds mad and is kind of uncomfortable but honestly, it really helps clear everything out for a few hours!