10 Days Mucus Continues

I posted about leaving hospital after PM sneezing and dripping mucus. 10 days later my nose is still running but to a much lessor degree and I have post nasal drip. All this even after seeing my GP twice. First time she prescribed ProAir and second time I got a steroid shot. Both seem to help a bit but the symptoms persist.
Anyone else having similar issues?
Tomorrow I see my cardio. I hate to say it, but I have little confidence he will address the PND and mucus problem.
The major problem for me is the mucus in my throat is at it's worst when I lay down. I may get to sleep only to awaken an hour later trying to cough up a stubborn mucus plug. If I get back to sleep after a while I can hear the gurgling from the mucus in my throat. The other worst issue is the mucus is very thick and sticky and difficult to expel. Sometimes I cough so much and hard my abdominal muscles give out and I can't muster a cough.
I expected that if I had problems it would be related to the PM or the surgery itself. Instead I have other issues without answers. Very frustrating.

4 Comments

You probably have a virus !

by IAN MC - 2015-08-04 04:08:15

and it may be a total coincidence that it came on so soon after your PM implant

Certainly there are some nasty viruses around which cause excess mucus and I doubt that your cardio, like your GP, will be able to do anything about it .

On the other hand , this can be an after-effect of general anaesthesia.You don't say if they knocked you out or not.

While you lie there in " la-la land " a reservoir of mucus can build up in your lungs. Viruses and bacteria like nothing better than warm moist mucus; it is a perfect breeding ground.

That is just one of the reasons that I would always opt for a local anaesthetic for any minor procedure ( which a PM implant is ) . This makes a rapid uneventful recovery far more likely .

I hope it clears up soon

Ian

? sinus infection

by wired retiree - 2015-08-04 07:08:09

Being someone who suffers, or did, with same symptoms, but mine due to allergies causing sinus infections, here is what works for me. And for me, this is a forever, every day regime. Have your doc, or ENT eval for sinus infection. If present, get this one treated with antibiotics since you have recent pacemaker. Buy a NeilMed sinus irrigation kit at drugstore AND USE IT DAILY, using only distilled water. Try, after irrigating and draining nose (yep, follow directions with irrigating kit) try an OTC steroid spray like Flonase, cheap at Costco for nasal swelling. It may be worth a try since you are suffering so. I hope you feel better soon.This regime will clear mucous, be a tad patient. If allergy related, add an antihistamine. This from an old grandma who is a retired ICU RN.

No Fever

by donsabi - 2015-08-04 09:08:39

Thanks for the great posts.
I did have a local and O2. My nose was also irritated after procedure and took a week to heal.
This could be a coincidental allergy reaction but I usually have no allergy problems during the summer.
I will try increasing my lemon intake. I am doing everything else that was suggested with the exception of Flonase. I do have it but I am concerned about use with my eyes. I will see my eye doctor tomorrow and ask him if it is OK to take.
I am using Similasan Allergy and Sinus spray.
Through this whole period I have not had a fever.
Once again, thanks for the advice.

and

by wired retiree - 2015-08-04 10:08:06

Good start. I can tell you from experience, the Simalasan nasal spray does nothing for me compared to nasal irrigation. It liquifies but does not go far enough to loosen so it can begin thinning and be rinsed out. You could have picked up an infection in the hospital or like Ian said, a virus. Either of those can lead to edema which can lead to an infection and your copious secretions. You need a good evaluation so you know what you are really dealing with. Our suggestions are for symptom relief but you don't want something going on that just worsens. Choking in your sleep is frightening! Your symptoms are not normal and you deserve some relief, and good rest. Take care

You know you're wired when...

Your old device becomes a paper weight for your desk.

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