Question about flu recovery

[TheMomBike2000]

Hi all--

This has been a rough summer! I have had one bout with a nasty sinus infection and a second round, two weeks later, of some sort of viral sinus/ear gunk. (I'm anemic, alas, but I'm taking Vitamin C and zinc!) Here is my question. I am still feeling rather run down, ears still hurt and I'm congested, and just started antibiotics for a likely secondary infection from the flu. I rode yesterday, but went quite slow. I felt fine after the ride but an hour later had to take a long nap--just felt totally worn out. Am I rushing it? How much recovery time should I allow, or should I just "play it by ear" and hold off till I feel better?

Thanks,
Nancy with a Y

[Geonz]

I dunno - after the nap, how did you feel?

Sometimes pushing gently and then resting deeply activates healing.

[Bluetree]

My ex-BF, who is both a cyclist and a doctor, did ride when recovering from a cold or flu. Never when the symptoms peaked, but during recovery. He just took it VERY slow and easy, usually 15-30 minutes, just to keep the muscles loose and the blood flowing, never enough to get himself tired. He also topped off with extra amounts of fluids.
He also didn't push it the moment he started feeling better. He kept it going slow for awhile and gradually built his strength back up.

Hope you are feeling better soon.

J

P.S. You also might want to check with your PCP about iron supplements.

[roshelleuop]

Nancy,

I have REALLY bad allergies, so I am the sinus infection queen! I get 3 - 4 infections a year and they are usually during weather changes. Yes, it sucks!!! I have found that as soon as the antibiotics have kicked in and the sinus headaches have slowed down (becuase these aren't fun on a bike), riding a few easy miles (usually about 5) is really good for draining the rest of the infection and the remaining sinus fluids. I've noticed that is cuts my recovery in 1/2!!!! With a husband and 2 kids, it's definitely a ritual of mine!!!

Roshelle
-sinus infection queen-

[light_sabe_r]

(I'm anemic, alas, but I'm taking Vitamin C and zinc!)

Hi Nancy! As bluetree said it might be a good idea to ask your doctor what you can be doing to increase your iron levels .

Get on the lean Red meat (beef, lamb, veal, Venisson) green leafy vegetables (spinich, green lettuce, brussell sprouts) and maybe some IRON tablets! Vitamin C and Zinc will boost your immune system... But the Ferric ions (iron) are needed too, not only to boost your immune system but to keep your oxygen levels going around! Why do you think so many crooked athletes used to use Dope and use EPO? (now they can't case it's outlawed mwahahaha) Blood doping and EPO BOTH have the same effect! They increase circulating levels of Red blood cells which contain Haemoglobin, which contains iron which carry the oxygen round.

No wonder you needed a nap. Your body's working had to rid itself of the flu and it's already under stress from being aneamic. Just don't push yourself during your recovery from your flu. RELAX. Take it easy. If you need to ride then ride. Just take it slow and don't get your heart rate up too much.

The anti-biotics will kick in soon. The pharmacist can hook you up with some nasal decongestants which won't interfere with the anti-biotics method of action and you'll be feeling and breathing better and riding in no time.

[TheMomBike2000]

--Sinus Infection Queens and Bike Gurus alike, you rock!!

The much-anticipated antibiotic kick-in has occurred. I still felt kind of drained after the nap yesterday, but today I feel much, much better. I did 8 miles this morning at a nice easy pace and yes, it did help the drainage and my general overall physical feeling. (Nice little bonus to riding in the morning: I have given up coffee because after I ride I don't need it. I'm awake and also relaxed, rather than semi-awake and jangled as with coffee.)

As to the anemia--I am on iron supplements (325 mg, 3x a day, twice a day including vitamin C) and I am definitely doing the lean meat, lots of iron-rich food thing. Unfortunately, the anemia was caused by Them Ol' Perimenopausal Effects and so my gynecologist has also been involved in the treatment--which hopefully will prevent future problems. My last blood tests looked better (hemoglobin is up to low-normal, stored iron level is still low but improving) and I go back in early August for the next follow-up.

Thank you all for your concern and encouragement. I'm still so new to riding that I don't know much about this stuff!

Best wishes,
Nancy in Central FL