FLU BUG, FAMILY & FRIENDS

A tough week battling the flu provided lots of opportunities for me to learn a thing or two about myself.  In the past, I’d rarely shared with others that I was sick.  I usually suffered
through on my own, maybe sharing with one or two people but selectively if at all.  

This time I was glad that I had let quite a few people know that I was sick.  Turns out, I needed them and was grateful for their support.

Lesson #9  CHECK EXPIRATION DATES
2 Advil do nothing to relieve severe headache and fever pain..........when the meds expired in early 2009.

Lesson #8  DESPERATION CAN REVEAL CREATIVE, even if ineffective SOLUTIONS
I tried everything from frozen peas (organic from Austria no less:) on my head, to rubbing fresh pineapple on my forehead, to ice cubes rubbed on my neck to alleviate the pain.  I taped a Tefla pad over a paste made of ginger and turmeric powders mixed with warm water on my forehead overnight too. 

Each of these helped a bit and gave me short periods of lessened pain.         

Lesson #7  CHECK EXPIRATION DATES 
In my ginger/turmeric paste making, I discovered more than half of my spices were also expired.  Eeeesh.

Lesson #6  A LITTLE BETTER DOES NOT MEAN GREEN LIGHT - GO
On the third morning, after my body stopped expelling food, I felt a little better.
In my determined and 'I Can Push Through It' way, I managed to make myself worse due to the activities I started doing during the morning.  Too much and too soon

Lesson #5 REPEAT - A LITTLE BETTER DOES NOT MEAN GREEN LIGHT - GO
Nope, I didn’t learn from the prior morning, and instead I justified that I was doing different activities so it would be ok. I pushed ahead only to make myself worse again by afternoon.

Lesson #4  WATER & TEA ARE NOT ENOUGH TO REHYDRATE following flu symptoms of vomiting, fever and diarrhea…………keep a bottle of Gatorade or two on hand or use following homemade recipe that I used thanks to my son in law.  It was a lifesaver for sure.

1 liter water (5 cups)
6 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Drink 3 liters within 24 hours.  
Only one day of this solution should be necessary.

Lesson #3  LETTING OTHERS KNOW WHEN YOU ARE SICK IS REALLY OK, PROVIDES LOVING SUPPORT AND IS SAFER TOO
I’m so glad that I had texted my kids and some friends about being sick. I would have likely ended up in the hospital with dehydration if I hadn't.  Their love helped too.

Lesson #2  CHOOSING HEALTH OVER A PARTY IS NOT EASY
I had been looking forward to a friend’s birthday party on Saturday night for weeks.  I like getting dressed up and dancing and having a good time as much as anyone does.  
I chose to sit this party out, and it wasn't easy for me to do.  (watch for blog about this topic coming soon)  
 
Lesson #1  ALLOWING OTHERS TO HELP YOU IS LOVING YOURSELF AND LOVING THEM
I had offers of help, even in the sub zero temps we were having in Chicago.

A dear friend braved the frigid temperatures to go to the store.  She bought me the fruits, oatmeal and soup that I needed to build some strength once I was rehydrated. Plus she added lovely tulips to bring a bit of a smile to my weary face and warm my spirit.  

And to think I almost didn’t let her. (another blog topic I think:)


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