This is going to be a first for me. I'm going to post a blog while laying on my back. I just wanted to say I may not be writing or reafing other blogs right now, apparently I've got thr flu.
The irony here kills me--my last post I wrote about being good from the neck down (because of probiotics). And then on Sunday, I'd just finished a nice dinner of baked chicken, roasted broccoli & mashed potatoes and was settling in to watch the Superbowl (of course I'm a Steelers fan but my friend Margaret's Seahawks was playing) when I got an increasingly painful stabbing in my stomach. Gall bladder attack.
It's been awhile but it's not something you forget. It lasted from 8:20 to 10:30, by the time it ended I was so worn out I went to bed, Fell asleep, woke up at 1am with a bad fever and every inch of my body in awful pain.
And this is the only place I've been since Sunday night, in this bed. It takes everything in me just to get up to use the bathroom or to get some juice & water. The fever has been awful, keeps climbing up to 103.8 then dies down after a couple hours, then back up again... last night I could not get a wink of sleep, I asked AI what to do. It suggested a very cold wet washcloth on the head and that did the trick.
I haven't had any coffee since Sunday mormng, and this is from someone who drinks 4-5 cups a day. I just realized, is my brain having caffeine withdrawal? It's been aching nonstop since Monday.
Also haven't had a thing to eat--well, 2 bites of the top half of a Thomas' English Muffin. Just the thought of any food makes me queasy.
Anyway, this morning it occurred to me--what if this is covid? I had a couple test kits in my medicine cabinet, took one, it came up negative (below). But the box says "EXP DATE: 11/25". That's only a couple months, right? That shouldn't be a big deal right?
Okay I need to close this up and try to eat a bowl of cereal or something. (It jsut has to be cold. No hot foods.) Thank you for reading, hope everyone out there is well and Margaret I sure was glad to hear who won that game. 😊
I'm assuming you did not get a flu vaccination. The flu is at a high peak right now around the country. Check with your doctor and see if they would order a flu med for you. The pharmacy could deliver it.
ReplyDeleteOh, Dug. How did you get the flu? You hardly go out around people. My good friend who will be having an 80th Birthday party next week is down with the flu this week too. They can test for it... if you wanted to go to an urgent clinic to check (and I do think your test kits for Covid are still good). I also use the cold washcloth on my head or behind my neck when headachy, it does help. Sending prayers, good vibes, and hugs your way!
ReplyDeleteHi Doug. I am so sorry to hear that you are not well. If it is the flu, there is a prescription for an anti-viral that minimizes the impact and shortens the course of the flu. Do you have a flu tester at home? Pharmacies carry these; perhaps you could have one delivered to your apartment, or have someone get one for you. The sooner you start the anti-viral (if it is the flu), the more effective it will be. Does your doctor do video appointments? I would definitely check this out, and ask which fever reducer would be the best for you (acetaminophen or ibuprofen).
ReplyDeleteYes, caffeine withdrawal can cause severe headaches. I encourage you to drink lots of fluids, whatever kind you can tolerate. You definitely don't want to get dehydrated.
Ok, that's my best advice from a (retired) NP! I hope you get the care you need Doug. We'll all worry about you until we know you are recovered.
Carole
Thank you for your support, Doug! I've been thinking about you and worried about you. You liked my last post but didn't comment--which is very unlike you. It's so unfair that you have the flu! Please make sure to hydrate as much as possible. With a fever that high, dehydration is a real possibility. I hope it doesn't last long and that you'll soon be back in action! Big hugs from your favorite Seahawk fan!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you are dealing with more health issues! Don’t hesitate to go to urgent care if you need to. Joyce
ReplyDeleteWe had the flu vaccine in the fall, but this year's Influenza A is not in the vaccine. Please drink lots of fluids. And if you aren't better in a few days, please call your doctor. I am so sorry you are sick. I remember those fevers. I am worried about you.
ReplyDeleteNooooooo!!! This definitely sucks! 😱😨You need a break from health related turmoil. Please take care of yourself. Sending you healing thoughts.🌞
ReplyDeleteWorried about you.....
ReplyDeleteCeci
Jees, Doug! I have heard this flu is bad stuff. I hope you are getting over this.
ReplyDeleteDarn Doug, you are sure having a time of it! Regarding your last post I was going to post that I’m a Greek plain yogurt guy every morning. Now all I can post is that I sure hope you are feeling better as you read this. Rest and fluids is the thing I can add. Get better soon!
ReplyDeleteMike TX
Mike I almost missed this, glad to hear from you. And good to hear about the Greek yogurt I am definitely adding that to my diet when all is said and done.🙂
DeleteThanks very much for all the feedback here, everyone. It really means a lot, even the stern stuff. I did get the flu vaccine in early October when I got my BP meds represcribed. I've never gone a year without it. This is really knocked me on my butt, I'm still running a fever, but it's down to 100.8. I did get out of bed for an hour a little bit ago had my first cup of coffee for the week and a Thomas muffin with jelly. I apologize for this pity post but thanks again for your kind thoughts guys.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you are up and about (somewhat) today on Abe Lincoln's birthday. I'm thinking, like some of your other blogging friends, that you picked up a strain that was not in that early flu vaccine. That happened to us a few years ago so the doctor sent out some really powerful flu meds that got us back on our feet pretty quickly. Please check with your GP and get some guidance. This stuff is dangerous. Especially if you have a cough.
DeleteThanks dkzody 👍
DeleteDoug!!! I am so glad to read you are feeling a bit better. I was so worried when you said you hadn’t eaten anything. This year’s flu vaccine was not a good match apparently for what is out there. Like everyone else is saying, drink lots of fluids and take it easy!❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you Robin ❤️
DeleteOh man, you can't win for losing! Hope this finds you feeling a bit better. You definitely need to get something in your system. Can you get a delivery of protein drinks or something like that?
ReplyDeleteTake care and I hope you get some rest.
Thank you Maebeme, I just warmed up some mashed potatoes and broccoli from Sunday's dinner. I hope it was still good. Thanks for being there with me through all my aches and pains.
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