Help very scared! - General Health Message Board

TEdds83 · 11-12-2008, 05:36 PM

I need some help right away please. I just got back from the doctor about an hour ago. I have EXTREMELY bad allergies!! I have had a cough for 2 to 3 weeks now. A post nasal drip one. I just can't get in under control. It is scaring me. I have never had it this bad. The doctor thinks I am really allergic to the crops being cut down and that is why this drip cough is going on. He listened to my lungs and said they sound fine. So I got a steroid shot. I know that will help once it gets into my system. But when I came home I had the worst coughing attack ever. I didn't think I could get it stopped. I took Benadryl and cough syrup. Things have subsided a bit after a major panic attack first, ugh! I called the doctors office and they phoned in a prescription cough syrup for me. I believe it has codiene in it. I just need help! I know I need counseling for my anxiety and panic disorder and will seek help for that.
But what about the cough. It has ruined my birthday (which is today) because my husband was going to take me to a nice dinner and I have so much anxiety I can't leave the house. Thanks for your replies!

Lindaru · 11-12-2008, 06:12 PM

Hi, TEdwards . . . as you probably already know, I have allergies, low grade asthma (which often turns into bronchitis in the winter) and anxiety. I know how scary those bad coughing spells get.

Did your doctor give you an Albuterol inhaler to take for it when it gets bad?

Things I have found that help when you go through those are to sit forward, sleep on your side at night (never your back), run a humidifier or vaporizer, and drink plenty of warm fluids. That helps wash the post-nasal drip out of the way. Make sure you stay hydrated above all. Also sometimes massaging your bronchial tubes lightly (center of your chest between your breasts) helps loosen phlegm, too.

I am so sorry your birthday is being postponed (you can always celebrate on a different day when you feel better). Happy birthday, though. Try not to be disheartened too much. My birthday is between Christmas and New Year and for as long as I can remember, I have always been sick for both occasions.

Try to immerse yourself in a good movie with your feet up on the couch or in bed. Get under the covers (staying warm helps a lot). Try to make yourself as comfortable as you can and know that this is only temporary.

Wishes for you to get over this soon!

Lindaru

TEdds83 · 11-12-2008, 06:57 PM

Thanks Lindaru! That is so helpful!! I am still scared. I have gotten the cough to stop for now. It feels like it is just a step away. I haven't been diagnosed with a wheeze or asthma at all. It's just the cough gets so bad I feel like I can't get it stopped. For the first time in my life I wondered if someone, being me, could die from a cough. I am letting my mind just go crazy about all this. Then I think the anxiety gets it going. You know...like a nervous cough. Thanks for being here for me. I hope I make it through tonight. We will see if the codiene cough syrup works! I have plenty of people praying with me too. I am a big believer!

karate_mom · 11-12-2008, 08:23 PM

First of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Are you 43??? Just a guess. I am. I have severe post nasal drip and severe allergies, and sinusitis, and acid reflux, and PANIC - ANXIETY disorder!!! It is horrible. Anytime something happens that I have never felt before, like the other night the acid in my throat, I have a melt down, anxiety attack that seems like I will never recover. I was up ALL night on Saturday wondering what was wrong with my throat. My husband had that cough you are talking about. It seemed like he was going to choke to death. NOT KIDDING. It scared me. He didn't even go to the doctor. Crazy. I think it was the croup. I think the codeine will help you. Don't drink any dairy!! That will make it worse. I think you and I have talked before. I will pray for you!! Try to calm down. This will pass!!! It's probably nothing serious. I wonder if it the changing season with all the ragweed and different allergans. The histamines are the worse this year than ever. I have never had allergies this bad. You are not alone. Try and feel better !! Take care......Happy B-day again!! :-)

TEdds83 · 11-12-2008, 10:04 PM

Thanks Karate mom! I am actually 44 today. Hard to believe. I am trying to calm down. I am so exhausted. But this steriod shot the gave me has me all jittery. I have the shakes, so that is giving me major anxiety. Now my stomach is so upset from the codiene cough syrup and cough drops. God help me! Somehow I wil get through this!