So here I am 5 weeks out from my surgery date, and three weeks out from my pre-op tests. I've never had bronchitis before, but being the internet ninja that I am, I'm pretty sure that's what it is.

What are the odds I'm over it in time? I'm going to start to stress over it. I'm presuming an anesthesiologist isn't going to clear someone who's getting over something like this.

Does anyone have any advice on how to get through this quicker? The cough is driving me insane. These nights of getting to sleep at 4am are killer. I've been sleeping in a recliner for almost a week (laying down makes it much worse). Called my doc (pcp) today and he gave me cough syrup with codeine to take before turning in. Yup, it's 1:30 am...it's not helping.

I guess it's my special gift from air travel last week.

Bronchitis feels like when you touch a burn, a deep pain when you cough. You feel it in the rounded 'cupped' bottom-most area of your lungs. You can feel the pain from the inside of your chest all the way to your back. I highly recommend you take a teaspoon every hour of liquid Pantothenic Acid (B6). It stops coughs and drainage instantly. I have been able to avoid serious infections with this very cheap and accessible Vitamin.

I've get bronchitis at least 1x a year and always need prescriptions drugs to make it go away. Usually an antibiotic and a steroid (to open up the lungs). I'm very surprised your pcp didn't want to see you. If you don't get any better in the next couple days I would highly recommend going to see the pcp. Bronchitis can linger on for weeks, especially if left untreated. Good luck.

Thanks both!

After taking a second dose of medicated syrup last night a got a few hours of rest. Coughing is better (less) today. It's also day three of the z-pack.

I tend to get sinus infections if I get a cold (stuff just doesn't drain for me) and after hauling me in enought times over the decades, my doctor will trust that if I say I blowing out or coughing up (TMI) green stuff, he'll treat it as such. Hoping that's still all it was. (I have no problem getting checked out)

Keeping my fingers crossed I bounce back and don't mees up my surgey date.