James's Journal

Lilly Black  Sometimes you gotta bite the bullet and take matters in your own hands. I feel best when I have control over my own body and mind...as long as you are making wise decisions, healthy diet and exercise, taking control is the best way to go. I'm happy for you! Congratulations!

Rose Madura  Hi James, sometimes you have to say, Enough is Enough. we have all been there. Glad your echo result was positive. love Arizona, Grand Canyon.

Cathleen Weed  I would get off of it ( but find out how to taper down your dose, don't just quit cold turkey ) and see if the cough subsides. That's the easiest way to start the process of elimination. Have you had your cholesterol checked again? I really feel like you can manage yourself through diet and exercise. Lipitor isn't kind to your body at all. The other drug that causes a persistent dry cough in patients are the ACE Inhibitor blood pressure meds. It's a common side effect for those. Are you on one by chance? If not, I would tell your doctor you are going off the Lipitor. It's such an unnecessary drug that makes the pharmaceutical companies millions each year. You can absolutely manage your cholesterol through diet and exercise...which will also improve the quality of your life overall and help you live longer as your healthiest self. It's a win/win. :)

Petey Bello  I had a dry persistent cough & thought it was from the breathing tube. Then they told me I had fluid/infection in my lungs a couple weeks later (so I thought maybe it was from that). My cardiologist said some of the meds can cause a cough. I took cough drops to help, I keep them by my bed as the cough was worse at night (& still do sometimes, the cough is getting less). I would hug my chest every time I had to cough ...Good luck!

Ashley Molyneaux  I've heard that the breathing tube can cause this issue. Another thing to consider would be any medicines you are on. Did they put you on an ACE-Inhibitor after surgery (Enalapril)? That's known to cause a cough. I'm assuming any type of heart failure has been ruled out, which probably means it's either from the breathing tubes or medicine. Hope you get it figured out quickly!

Kate Watson  I have a dry cough that mainly keeps me up at night. Are you on new meds with after surgery? As Ashley said, I know that some of them can cause coughs. In my case I swear it's the amiodorone which I hope to get off of eventually.

Christine Oliva  Yes it could be from the breathing tube. I had a cough but was able to get rid of by month two, but was told it could take as long as 6 months. You checked with the doctor that it is not lung or oxygen related so that is good. Have you tried cough drops?
It helped me, especially Halls for sore throat and cough. Good luck and God Bless.