Have anyone been told low threshhold after surgery so can catch everything?

Crazy way to put it but didnt know how else to word it? I am 7 1/2 weeks post op. The 2nd week post-op, caught an bad upper respiratory infection and was back in bed 4 days. I got better then week 4 caught a cold. I was cleared to go back to work 12-29 but used some vacation time I had saved. I was supposed to go back to work 01-03 despite being up sick the entire night b4 but did not go to work bcz son awaken upchucking all over the place. I went back to work 1/2 day Tuesday but felt bad. My sinuses were acting up badly (have had sinus problems b4 but since surgery it's worse). I went to work Wednesday, told by everyone how pale I looked so I came home on 1/2 day bcz I was feeling as bad as I looked (sinuses giving me a bad headache and congested head and back and lower area hurting from sitting at computer answering phone). By Wednesday night, my voice was going and my head was so stopped up. Thursday I called and told them I wasn't coming in.....too sick and couldn't talk. I went to my IM dr and asked him why it seems I am catching everything that goes around (no1 else in family sick)! He said, because I have a low threshhold from surgery and whenever you have surgery you are susceptible (sp) to everything that's out there. I then said I am on and have been on the mega vitamin for women that has everything except the kitchen sink in it (LOL). He said it didn't matter. Vitamins only give you what you are missing and said I still am vulnerable to cathcing bugs up to 6 months post op. He said it can take that long for your body to heal. Of course, my one friend from work is worried that I came back too soon and that I need to stay out as long as it takes for me to feel better (despite what my benefit office says according to protocol, you should be back at 5 weeks post op). Thankfully, after benefit talked to my IM DR (not my gyn), they approve my being out from Thurday to Monday. I'm feeling much better now but now afraid to go back out to work because I might catch something else!!!!!

Have any of you had problems like this? Am I proned to cathcing colds, viruses, infections like this due to surgery? You medical experts, please explain.

Thanks again

Rumart

Well, I am not a medical expert, but I can say


Anytime you have any kind of surgery it is a sort of assault on your body. Your body is using its energy to focus on healing the injured tissue, and also on trying to balance out the emotions and everything else that happened to it. Since it can't be everywhere at once, it can't send the cells to everywhere that a bacteria can get in. I think this also happens to people that have suffered a death in the family, if they are having a life upset-like divorce, moving. I used to get sick everything we went on vacation or right when we got back-that was even a stressor.

I also think that there are lots of illnesses going around right now-I work in a school and everyone there-teachers and students- has something. All the things you mentioned.

I am really glad you were given the extra time off and can pamper yourself.

I am six months out and I haven't had any of the crud going around in school now, so it does get better-at least we can hope!

to you.

It makes sense to me. Your body is spending alot of time on healing, plus is being attacked by being exposed to stuff from your family and coworkers. It can only handle so much. In addition to the multivitamin, you may want to look into some OTC supplements that boost your immune system.

When I knew I was going to be having surgery, I immediately went and got a flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine. I take Ameriden Olive Leaf extract twice a day (but didn't take it while on antibiotics), plus a bunch of other supplements. I have always had a weak immune system when it comes to flus, colds and sinus infections. If I start coming down with something, I take Echinacea, Goldenseal and Vit C twice a day until the symptoms are gone. (Most times it works, but not always.)

Whenever I go out, I cover my hands with my sleeves when I have to open a public door or touch an elevator button. I laughed when I saw that new commercial where the mom opens the store door with her foot, and urges her child to go in. That is so me!

Hi there ! Poor you ! Hope you feel better soon . I got shingles after my op , about 8 weeks . I guess we're all very vunerable after this major surgery . I've heard a lot of people getting all sorts of illnesses after a hyst. We really need to look after ourselves and act like true Princesses . All the best to everyone for 2005 ! Cheers !