From Flu Wiki 2

Forum: If You Are Sick or Injured Post Here

03 November 2006

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 08:49

If You Are Sick or Injured Post Here So We Know How You Are Doing!

I know Blackbird is fighting a bug, Mom11 just opened up her skull in a fall, our moderator Melanie has been ill for quite awhile, several others may currently be under the weather and I can’t remember what thread I read what information on. So I thought, if you’ve got a nickname on fluwikie and you find yourself under the weather, if you’d let us know here on this thread, then we’d be able to keep in touch with you a little better and wish you well. I hope it’s the most UNused thread on the wiki!

Green Mom – at 08:56

What a great idea for a post! We can send healing thoughts to everyone. I thought I read that Tom DVM and TRay 75 were dealing with some chronic health problems.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 12:49

I’m sure there are a lot of folks with either their own current cold or virus, or a mom with kids in the house with same! Broken bones, sprained ankles, and if we need to bumpp the other threads dealing with emotional challenges we can…….

Bird Guano – at 15:48

How about a thread on the traumatic head injuries sustained by those of us who are beating our heads against brick walls, attempting to educate politicians and the public on the need to prepare.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 21:44

well…… I wasn’t originally refering to purposefully self-inflected…..but I hope those of us with similar head/heart/fist injuries get some relief too.

anonymous – at 23:54

Well……I’m still sick with a very stubborn cold (?) and also dealing with a ripped tendon in my shoulder, along with other chronic bone problems….BUT I’m STILL hanging in there ! LOL !

And here I thought my immune system was so strong---Humph….NOT ! My sister brought this bug to me TWO weeks ago. Just goes to show you---your OWN relatives can INFECT you with ANYTHING that’s out there ! ( food for thought---)

I did learn that all of us that live alone; REALLY must have a “flu box” ready for something just like this. In the bedroom, next to the bed, where we can get at it, in our fevered, coughing, hacking delerium !!

Mine was NOT there---it IS now ! Also has a little ‘lectric “hot pot”, several boxes of my favorite dry soup, and a jug of distilled water, along with all the OTC meds ( That I had FOOLISHLY put ALL away in bigger prep boxes ! BAD MISTAKE ! )

I have one of those “personal vaporisors” that heats up and you just stick your nose & mouth into and breath in the fumes ---that come off those itty, bitty expensive V*CK’s pads….Well, the vaporisor puts out steam that’s wayyyy too hot- so I just put the inhaler pad into a small plastic cracker tube….with a lid….and took “snorts” off that every so often…works even better ! And that pad is lasting ALOT longer !

Hope everyone else is feeling better……..this has make me really wonder what I would do if I were to get the BF----more & more the phrase keeps going thru my head…” You’re so screwed, Lady…..” :-(

madamspinner – at 23:54

sorry, cleaned out the cookies…that was me.

04 November 2006

crfullmoon – at 13:04

Keep getting well!

MO Molly – at 13:21

Healing thoughts and prayers for all who are injured or sick, especially those with self-inflicted “injuries sustained by those of us who are beating our heads against brick walls, attempting to educate politicians and the public on the need to prepare”.

Prepping Gal – at 18:35

I know this isn’t much but I did injure my thumb during my kickboxing class. It is still sore after 2 weeks and I can’t use my thumb for simple things like tieing my shoes. I did it when the instructor had me doing a combination including an upper cut without any gloves just the focus pad. I put all my weight into it and ended up with my thumb straight up and it took the full impact. I don’t think it is broken, but probably did ligament damage because I on occasion have pains up my forearm. If I had to cut wood or carry water right now I’d be in big trouble. Just a reminder, get fit and healthy now, later will be too late. Kickboxing my be helpful but I’ll ease back on the contact.

Birdie Kate – at 20:57

Well hubby and I both had a nasty visus or flu of some sort. He came down with it Tuesday about 3am. Violent throwing up and diareaha, chills, fever, and major stomach cramps. I cam down with it Thursday at 10am. He is better. I am still week and dizzy. Started my sambucol yesterday as Thursday I was too sick to evern get out of bed. Spent all day and night between the bathroom and the bed. Sleep did not come easy. It has been hell. I will never survive a pandemic!

madamspinner – at 21:54

Birdie Kate

Ginger root tea will take care of the nausea….it even works for morning sickness and for post-op nausea…

Swann – at 21:59

Thanks for asking! I’ve been under the weather for awhile, too. I hope y’all feel better soon.

blackbird – at 22:30

I’m-workin’-on-it - thank you, thank you for remembering. Mine is a very mild chest cold/flu thing (I would say cold but had flu-like aches) and I’m lucky in that I’ve been able to take it easy. Am feeling a lot better today (because it’s a weekend?), but still have symptoms and now DH thinks he’s coming down with something. I sound just awful, but that’s just an additional benefit of communicating electronically. Y’all can’t hear me, and I can’t infect you. :)

My best wishes to everyone who is ill or injured.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 22:50

Kids, y’all take care of yourselves — MadamSpinner, my goodness you’ve been fightin’ this bout — doncha wish you could send your relatives the BILL for medicines when you get sick? You know what? I haven’t set up a little flu box and I might just do that with a rolling cart type thing — set one up like you did with water, mixes, easy cooking utensils, etc. I should learn from you guys who’ve been through this already! Give us that recipe again for the ginger root again…..I know you said you’ve been canning it as well…..are you sure it keeps it’s potency after canning?

Prepping Gal, I wonder if a splint would help keep you from re-injuring your finger while it heals — it would at least make you think about it BEFORE you try to bend it or use it. Love your heart, sometimes I think papercuts are as bad as any ‘worse’ injury — even the little aches and pains wear you out by the end of the day.

Birdie Kate you sound like you’ve had a hellofa week between caring for your husband and then for yourself. PLEASE stay hydrated!! And you WILL learn from this, better ways to care for yourself, so you WILL live through a pandemic — we won’t settle for anything less. You’ve got too much fight in you to let it beat you all the way….take care, take it slow, and drink, drink, drink!

Swann and Blackbird, y’all hang in there too. My goodness, these illnesses seem to be dragging out, not the 24 hour kind. I hate that all of you are having to ‘waste’ a perfectly good weekend with concentrating on getting better.

Prayers and healing thoughts to all of you for a peaceful sleep tonight and a better day tomorrow!

05 November 2006

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 22:55

06 November 2006

jplanner – at 02:12

I’m getting a cold. it’s strange it came on all of a sudden, within an hour sore throat nose like a faucet, house out of Kleenex (thank goodness for lots of TP!)

nothing else new. I hurt my foot last year (neuroma)so can’t walk much for excersize…want to get back in shape feel thwarted. Another flu prep, get in shape.

hope you all feel better, nite nite

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 09:06

Jplanner, I hope you feel better this morning! Remember not to use Zicam in it’s liquid form…..many people start using it when they think they’re getting a cold and there are lawsuits about it killing peoples’ sense of taste and smell permanently! You want to be able to taste the full flavor of all those pinto beans and Ramen noodles you have in storage!! :-)

My sister uses the melt in your mouth Zicam sheets or lozenges or something and she says the cold symptoms go away without any damage to her senses, but I’m not sure about how safe they would be.

Take care and get some rest!

TRay75at 12:09

For the last 5 days my wife and I have been feeling bad, weak, dizzy, sore throats, and muscle aches. She, of course, counter to everything we know, soldiered-on back to work today, saying she feels better and that we need the money. Of course, after spending 8 hours outside in the cold this weekend replacing a muffler on the family mini-van, I feel worse, actually disoriented and half-asleep. I have a low fever as well.

But this morning both kids have low fevers and are pretty run down. My little girl, 6, has a barking cough, and I kept both home with me today. I also got a call last night from our PTA president’s husband (the kids had a play day scheduled after school today) to cancel, because she came down with something after I was over last Friday that has her in bed with a fever of 102.5 F. If this isn’t flu, it sure is making a close run at it.

Location is Collingswood, NJ, outside of Cherry Hill and a considered a suburb of Philly. After reading about Yancey County in NC (my home state) I have no problem keeping the kids home until this passes and we are better. I don’t want to see 300 to 400 kids carrying this home to their siblings and parents in time to travel across the country for the Thanksgiving holiday. Of course, knowing the country, I’m in a minority.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 12:16

Tray that’s a sad comment to have to say that you’re in the minority to think you should stay home….I am sooooo sorry you’re having to put up with this along with the other stresses in your life. You try to hard to keep everyone safe, it’s just sometimes beyond your control what others will do. Maybe your wife will “see” with new eyes how easily this is transmitted….maybe the good that will come of it will be that she’s a little more sensitive to the effect of a very serious illness being so easily passed from one person to another without being aware it’s happening. Live and learn.

Take care of yourself and enjoy the time with your children, keeping them safe and cuddled today, and ALL of you get to feeling better. Your wife’s lucky to have a fantastic fella like you!

Goju – at 14:05

I’ve had a headache since the dengue outbreaks started.

Now my knee hurts. Must be all those heavy preps I’ve been hauling.

TRay75at 14:26

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 12:16 - Thanks. I think it is more a matter of our society living so strongly to a “dedicated work ethic” and “JIT” finances that drives us to go to school or work when we know we are sick. At least by calling it for the kids on school today I also stopped cheer leading practice and 20 other little potential carriers to go to other schools around our district - but not in time for scouts last night, so, there go 16 others. Also, it is hard to get younger kids to let you know that they don’t feel well until they are already symptomatic, so I wonder if we really have a shot at using effective social distancing in light of this experience. As long as life goes on like “normal” by the time the illness is noticed the damage may already be done. All is a learning experience now in my observation.

07 November 2006

DC – at 18:29

last week I got the flu shot, pneumovax, and tetanus booster all on the same day- and I have hepatitis C.

Was not a good idea- just getting back in the saddle after 5 days down.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 21:35

DC, Man, did you overload yourself!!! You poor kid, the pneumonia shot alone almost did me in, and I got my tetnus at the same time. Make a note not to do that again in the future, but I’m glad you’re set for the season! Keep gettin’ rest, you probably still need it!!

Grace RN – at 21:40

Well, I’m middle-aged (55), still short, fat and have creaky bones. Got my flu shot as did my family.

Other than that, I’m healthy, although I did split my side-from laughing (and agreeing) with:

Bird Guano – at 15:48

“How about a thread on the traumatic head injuries sustained by those of us who are beating our heads against brick walls, attempting to educate politicians and the public on the need to prepare.”

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 21:42

I’m gonna buy stock in HeadOn!

Grace RN – at 21:43

TRay75 – at 12:09

I see we’re in the same county. What’s going on locally for panflu preparations? I can give you my contacts at the Camden County Dept of Health and what we’ve been doing down here in Winslow Township, if you wish.

puub at comcast dot net

LauraBat 21:44

One of my kids had a checkup today - you would have thought they were giving away cash at the ped’s office! Tons of sick kids, everyone else getting flu shots. Our ped said they are already getting hammered with lots of bronchitis and flu.

LauraBat 21:44

MELANIE: if you’re out there I hope you’re feeling better and are back with us soon!

TRay75at 23:13

Just an update - the kids are doing better and will be going back to school tomorrow (pending any overnight resurgences of fever). The wife and I are still pretty run down, but recovering enough to function. I’m sorry I can’t be of much more help on the Wiki, but I’m mentally drained, and have too many personal issues (job search, moving, health care, etc.) to deal with saving the world any longer … I’ll be lucky to just make it until next month. After that I’ll take another look. If these “doom and gloom” speculations are correct, it won’t matter. My instinct says we have a lot longer than that, but as much as I have been wrong recently, take that at your own risk. Best wishes and good luck all.

08 November 2006

jplanner – at 00:55

I’m working on it-

thanks for well wishes. As I usually can, I seem to have blown my cold away with zinc gluconate lozenges, salt water gargle and sniffing up nose (yup it works, wierd tho, feel like drowning!)…and Zicam!!

thanks for the Zicam advice, I’ll definetly be ware…I DO use the stuff in my nose. so my cold seems to be going away…good thing I take care of a four month old tomorrow, no need to give it to him..x0

11 November 2006

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 08:07

Well, my own husband came home from work earlier in the week saying he was feeling bad, tired, aching, etc. but he was OK the next day —I attribute it to stress at work — he was having to crunch to get some stuff done on time & it was stuff that was unfamiliar to him. Stress can really be a drag!

Green Mom – at 09:39

Stress IS a drag, and I’m convinced its responsable for more illnesses than we give it credit for.

Unfortunantly, I have to add myself to this list. I broke a toe last night. Its more annoying than anything, mostly because I cant get my shoe on! Yesterday was a great day warm and sunny and I could do the socks and sandles thing, but the weather has turned and we might even have sleet tonight! Brrrrr! Need some shoes! I’m going to rumage in my teen son’s shoes and see if I can find a pair to wear to work.

Petticoat Junction – at 15:29

Green Mom - ouch!

For having four kids in the house we are usually all pretty healthy. Last year we made it until the new year w/o any illnesses (though we got slammed in Jan and Feb) and the year before we made it through the whole winter. (LOL, dr’s office thought we’d moved.)

This fall, though, oh my. We’ve had three distinct rounds of assorted crud go through in October alone, and all six of us have caught varying degrees of all three rounds. (I’ve barely been online since Sept for that reason.)

Asthmatic daughter ended up with three extra contacts with her specialist in Oct. I think I may have to break down and see the dr, too; awful cough has hung on for almost a month. I thought we were finally through it all but this morning two of the girls woke up with different ailments (one head cold type thing and one stomach illness).

I told the kids the only acceptable explanation is that we’re getting the entire winter’s germs out of the way now. ;o)

Seriously, though, it concerns me somewhat. I don’t like it that we’re going into the winter with everyone having been down so much. We live in a very small house and no way to isolate anyone (not good if BF hits here), but still the kids’ immune systems are usually strong enough that the germs only hit about half of them in any given round. Bad precendent set for this year, and a bad time to have set it, is all I know.

14 November 2006

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 07:56

Green Mom!!! You poor little thing! I remember too well how my toe hurt when I stubbed it and thought I’d broken it — it was sore, swollen and bruised for weeks!! At least it wasn’t broken — I winced when I read you were trying to put shoes on! oh my. And I know your weather is somewhat like mine so the mornings are chilly & had been wet a couple of days ago. ouch. Please be careful! 50 or 55, it’s all about the same now isn’t it?? I went to the doctor yesterday(gyno) for my annual checkup and told him I didn’t know whose ankles I’d come in with but those swollen ones at the end of my legs couldn’t be my own.

Tray75 are your wife and the kids all well again—I know you said the kids were headed back to school — they didn’t relapse did they? How are you feeling? Any leads on the job front that you’re following up on? We’d love to have you down South here! I know how stressed your job of “job searching” is, and that you’re burdened about your healthcare or lack of and I hope that soemthing positive is in the works for you on all those fronts.

Madamspinner, are you all well now? Did your canned ginger root help this time ‘round?

Prepping Gal, how’s your thumb? Did it keep you out of kickboxing for awhile? Do you have it in some kind of splint or anything? Bet it makes typing a challenge! :-)

Birdie Kate, sounds like you have really been sick too — poor thing! Your description just made me groan with dread. Are you all better now?

Swann and blackbird (keeping the flock together) you both sounded like you were recovering; I hope that’s true and you’re back to normal now — is that correct? Blackbird, did your husband end up getting sick??

jplanner, did you have a cold or the flu? Either way I know that you must have felt miserable but I’m glad you got over it all quickly…….As far as the getting into shape, I’m terrified I might drop dead any minute — well, not terrified, but worried. I’m in a research group taking a blood pressure med & it’s caused some weight gain along with my depression eating after my cat died in September…that didn’t help. Yesterday I set up reminders for myself throughout the day to pop up and remind me to drink water and go walk around the parking lot island — round and round and round — starting today. I’m NOT looking forward to it, but we live in a hilly area & I just can’t make the hills anymore — actually I barely could ever. Good luck with your goal of getting in better shape. I’m not trying to get ‘in shape’ just get into ‘better’ shape than I am now.

Goju no pain is a small pain — especially if you’re getting arthritis — maybe it’s just carrying the preps! I know you probably still have that “it’s dengue that’s making them sick” headache, but I hope your knee is better!

DC — you overloaded yourself pretty badly with all the shots at once — but said you were mending — are you all better now too?

LauraB, your kids didn’t get sick from going in to get a checkup did they? They didn’t bring the bug home that had the waiting room packed?

Petticoat - are things still holding steady for you and no one’s gotten any sicker than you reported above? It says a LOT about your family’s habits if, with 4 children in the house, you’ve managed to keep the crud away this long! Hope it’s still workin’ for you!

DC – at 15:49

took about 9 days but have recovered from flu- pneumo-tetanus shots.

Will never do that again.

I’m on my usual winter SIP routine. I catch everything so easily that I rarely go out once flu season hits- when I do I clean everything (shopping cart handles, bank drawers, my hands..) frequently with alcohol towelettes.

People look at me like I’m a loon or a Howard Hughes incarnate—but since I started doing this I’ve avoided the flu completely.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 16:01

DC – at 15:49 People look at me like I’m a loon or a Howard Hughes incarnate—but since I started doing this I’ve avoided the flu completely.

I think he and you hit upon the key….to heck with those who scoff!

Seriously I’m glad you’re better!

27 November 2006

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 16:22

So those of you who were sick in the last few days or couple of weeks, please post to let us know you’re better!

Be Well – at 19:50

Echoing DC’s comments - I’ve got asthma, no longer young, plus have chemical sensitivity. When I catch the flu, it lasts for weeks and is very debilitating. So this is what I do:

Go out as infrequently as possible. Have antiseptic spray in the car and a roll of paper towels, use it every time I get back in the car and clean the car door handles, steering wheel, etc. (I make my own spray out of Neem tea, essential oils and vinegar). I try to avoid using any public bathroom, but if I have to, I don’t touch ANYTHING. Nothing. Then as soon as I go home, I strip all clothes off, take a shower and wash hair, and do Neti - a nasal rinse with salt water. Oh, I oil in inside of nostrils before going out, helps catch critters.

Also, I never, ever eat out.

It may sound extreme, but anything’s better than getting the flu. One more important thing, that would help many other people avoid illness:

I DON’T ALLOW OUTSIDE SHOES IN MY HOUSE! We only wear inside slippers. All shoes stay on porch.

Be Well – at 19:52

One more - carry your own pen with you and never use public pens. Ever.

I also take a lot of herbs regularly, and at the first hint of any illness symptoms take a formula for infectious illness - usually seems to kick it after 2 days. Am working on an immune building formula. (These are Ayurvedic herbs). I also made an Elderberry tonic with dried elderberries that we are taking daily. Doesn’t taste bad at all.

lohrewok – at 20:40

Our family is never sick. I kid you not. Once a year, maybe the youngest will get a mild cold. But heck I don’t remember the last time I was sick. We don’t do anything special. Don’t take vitamins. etc. About the only thing I do is to make sure I wash up really good after being out. Don’t think anyone in my family does though. Maybe we’re overdue…

Rural Dweller – at 20:59

Be Well – at 19:50 Echoing DC’s comments - I’ve got asthma … I DON’T ALLOW OUTSIDE SHOES IN MY HOUSE! We only wear inside slippers. All shoes stay on porch.

If I left my shoes on the porch they’d be full of scorpions. I’d rather get the flu (for now)!

HUGE Sidescroll here!?29 November 2006, 08:26

like I said!

I’m-workin’-on-it30 November 2006, 08:13

I’m heading back to the doc today about pains in both knees….I think standing up canning has ruined my knees!

Birdie Kate30 November 2006, 08:58

This year is turning out to be awful. Hubby and I are both over that nasty bug we had a few weeks ago. Now DD and DD both have colds. Oldest DD had the throat thing going on and has been sick for a week. So this morning I wake up with a huge gland in my throat! Also have some duct in my eye clogged! I can’t stand this! I am using purell like it is going out of style. Started the intense sambucol regiment this morning and homefully it will knock this out before it gets full blown. Thanks for listening!

I’m-workin’-on-it08 December 2006, 12:52

Birdie Kate, hope that you’re much much better by now!

I ended up with a migraine after taking Mobic for my knee I mentioned above……can’t win for losing sometimes!

All is well today, I’m just waaaaaaaay behind on some things!

tjclaw1?09 December 2006, 13:03

Lovely week. 2yo has ear infections and is now scheduled to get tubes on January 4. 5yo started running a fever on Thursday afternoon and it was up to 104.5 yesterday. Strep negative, influenza negative. No other symptoms, but a headache. Now 2yo has “explosive” diahrea. On top of that, I’ve got a rotator cuff tear and the 3 cortizone shots I got 6 weeks ago are wearing off. Gotta re-stock OTC meds today. Hoping for a night of sleep sometime soon.

I’m-workin’-on-it10 December 2006, 08:47

tjclaw1 — 09 December 2006, 13:03

What a horrible set of circumstances to have to deal with at one time. You must be worn out from caring for everyone and you must take care of yourself—can you get another shot to tide you over? What is the doc doing for the kids thru medicine?

tjclaw1?10 December 2006, 11:06

I’m-workin’-on-it - 2yo is on antibiotics - 3rd type since October.5yo is just on OTC meds. Daddy’s not happy that she’ll be staying home with him tomorrow - oh well. Hubby and I both now having upper-respiratory symptoms. Must be some kind of virus going around.

Nope, can’t have any more cortizone shots right now. Will probably have to schedule surgery in January to shave bone spur and another bone that has arthritis, and clean up rotator cuff tear. I’m fairly sure I’ve got the same thing going on with my other shoulder, but it’s not as bad yet. Really stinks cause I got a 10-year golf membership this summer and now I haven’t been able to golf.

Will probably have to skip 2yo’s Christmas program tonight since we’re all sick. Maybe we’ll all be healthy for Christmas.

Jane?10 December 2006, 11:26

tjclaw, have you gotten advice about what to do with your second shoulder? I discovered that trying to avoid movement to avoid pain can lead to frozen shoulder, and weeks of therapy to make it useful again. Hope you all feel better soon!

tjclaw1?10 December 2006, 12:22

Thanks Jane. Yes, I’m trying to keep the shoulders moving. Not much choice, chasing the kiddos around. What really exascerates it is lifting and carrying my 2yo.

Jane?10 December 2006, 13:42

tjclaw, I was thinking of deliberately moving your arm, for example, slowly over your head, starting from shoulder height, from the front and from the side. (Unless it pinches the nerve.) I think I lost that ability from trying to protect my shoulder. Then it tooks weeks of warming and stretching and icing to regain it. And Advil. And visits to the therapist. You sound busy already.

(This is from my experience in having each shoulder frozen, separately. Not medical training.)

P’colaprepper?10 December 2006, 18:36

My husband caught a pretty nasty head cold last week and we were told by a co-worker to try Zicam nasal swabs and it really worked for him. I also used a humidifier at night and had him take Mucinex a couple of days to prevent any build up in his lungs, and what a turn around he had. My father and 16 yr old sister are just beginning to recover from what may have been the flu. Dad has had chills and sweats, cough and bad body aches all week, and hasn’t felt like getting out of bed, he tells me today. I took him a variety of meds over as well as some pre-cooked meals I had in my freezer, soups, kleenex, lysol etc. this afternoon. Wish they would have gotten a flu shot when I told them to.

UTmom11 December 2006, 13:10

The day after I returned from a family cruise to Mexico and Belize I came down with some kind of virus. After 7 days of it, I’m still sick as a dog. The worst symptom is the cough, which nearly knocks me out, and I’m also dizzy, somewhat congested and exhausted. And my face hurts (I know, it’s killing you!!) Thanks, I feel better just whining about it.

I’m-workin’-on-it11 December 2006, 13:39

Jane, my SIL has frozen shoulder and that, along with her MS, causes her great discomfort!

P’ColaPrepper, please be careful with the Zicam in the nose swabs….there are lawsuits galore over that product because in some people it actually kills the ability to smell and taste and the senses don’t return!!! I don’t know if the melt-on-your-tongue things have the same affect, but it’s a serious problem; more so than the symptoms it’s trying to arrest.

UTmom, is it associated with the cruise ship illness (noraviruses or whatever they’re called)? You poor thing, I know what you mean about the ‘unfairness’ of things hurting sometimes. When I have a really bad sinus headache, my TEETH hurt! I really hope you can rest from your trip, get well and enjoy your photos soon, and not be sick for weeks to come!

Bump - Bronco Bill?11 December 2006, 13:55

.

Jane?12 December 2006, 12:38

tjclaw and iwoi, one thing my therapist told me was to sleep hugging a pillow if I’m on my side, so my arm doesn’t hang down at a bad angle. My SIL does this too, so I guess it’s standard advice.

Mary in Hawaii?12 December 2006, 21:56

Don’t know if this is the right place for this post (maybe rumors?) but there are a lot of really sick kids at my school right now. Roughly 20% of the 50 middle schoolers have been out with the flu over the past couple of weeks, and at least two were diagnosed with pneumonia. No one dying or anything, but the high fevers and pneumonia makes my ppf go up. I talked to the mom of one 6th grader who just returned: she said they ran lots of blood tests, checking for strep and all, but everything came back negative so it would appear to be a virus. Said her boy’s fever started at about 102.5, stayed there 2 or 3 days, then shot up to 104.5 and he got pneumonia (confirmed by xrays). No test for what kind of flu it might be. Good news is if it IS H5N1 it’s not killing anyone, so it’s less virulent. Bad news is, if it’s regular flu (like influenza B) it’s a lot nastier than in prior years.

Sailor12 December 2006, 22:13

tjclaw1? — 09 December 2006, 13:03

I have two sons both of who had problems with their ears and found out that they were allergic to milk. Might want to try cutting out the cows milk for a week and see if it helps.

Diana?13 December 2006, 09:49
  1. 1 son in Seattle has recovered from the flu and is getting his Pneumovax23 today as per moms suggestion. Also warned him about the polonium 210 in cigarettes and cigarette smoke. (A pack and a half a day and you have taken in the equivalent of 250 to 300 chest X-rays) Depends on reading Der Spiegle or the New York Times. 250 for the Spiegle, and 300 according to the Times. Obviously following the poisoning in London and Hamburg. I would assume smokers would have a worse time if it comes to H5N1. Seeing my own physician tomorrow as have a pain in my side. Don’t know if I broke a rib, but am wearing a bustier to brace my rib cage. Feels better than a normal bra that I would have to hook. Could be muscular or nerve. Don’t know if Shingles manifest without a rash. They have a Shingles vaccine now. Have to ask him about that one. Spent the evening in NYC looking at the lights. Didn’t move much as walking jolts the pain point. Ah, what a joy getting older can be.

OKbirdwatcher13 December 2006, 10:06

Diana,

Didn’t know about the polonium 210 in cigarettes and cigarette smoke. Haven’t followed the poisoning story closely enough to learn that. DH is a smoker - I’ll pass the info. on to him. Thanks.

Diana?13 December 2006, 10:20

OKbirdwatcher. Scary. Evidently tobacco leaves pick it up. Cigarette companies have known this since 1968. The fertilizer they use increases the Polonium 210. They had a good article on it in the New York Times, and another in Der Spiegle.I’m telling as many smokers as I can. So many young people are hooked.

I’m-workin’-on-it13 December 2006, 10:36

Oh I hope everyone is much better today! I know I am!

Mary, we had a report of a lot of school kids being ill just north of Bham,AL too, on the news last night I think it was (could have been the night before that if we were watching something we’d DVR’d).

Diana, sorry about your side — I’ll bet seeing the lights of NY helped somewhat! Hope you get some relief…when it hurts to breath, EVERYthing hurts!

Delawhere?13 December 2006, 15:24

DH is very sick with the flu — fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, severe stomach cramps. He had his flu shot in early November. Hopefully the rest of the family doesn’t catch it.

I’m-workin’-on-it13 December 2006, 18:26

Use your mask when you’re around him Delawhere! (Cute name by the way). Are there people where he works that are sick also??

Delawhere?14 December 2006, 10:12

He is in sales and travels the better part of DE, SE PA and NJ every day. Yes, masks and lots of hand sanitizer. He is much better today, very tired and achy.

tjclaw1?16 December 2006, 11:08

Thanks everyone for your comments and support. Kids seemed to improve this week.

My sister told me yesterday that she heard lots of kids in neighboring town, 12 miles away, were sick with stomach virus. At midnight, my 2yo woke up and puked all over me. She puked all night and is running a slight temp. Seems to be doing much better now and hasn’t been sick since 7. Now I hope my 5yo doesn’t get it. Lovely, just in time for Christmas. Seems every year we miss Christmas due to sick kids, or some kid pukes while we’re opening gifts.

Fortunately, I had baby bananas in my preps, and 2yo was able to keep it down this morning. It pays to be prepared!

diana?16 December 2006, 11:36

Found this interesting tidbit over at Monotremes site. http://www.clorox.com/healthy_families.php When you scroll down it allows you to put in your zip code and then informs you of the amount (percentage) of flu-like illness in your area. A good resource.

Hurricane Allet RN?16 December 2006, 23:20

I would have rather been here! Was in hospital from 10/29 to 12/08. Short version - Heartatack, 5 bypasses, learning to walk again, Gallbladder removed. Next - Laser surgery on both eyes. This is the nice version. gina

cactus17 December 2006, 07:45

Goodness, HA, what a time you have had. Glad you are on the mend. I guess if an AMI+bypasses was on your schedule,better now rather in the middle os a pandemic. And, you won`t have to worry about having a GB attack in the middle of it as well.Hope the laser works well. Healing vibes,etc sent your way.

tjclaw1?17 December 2006, 08:34

HA, hope you have a fast recooperation. Something like that can really be frightening. Glad you’re back with us!

I’m-workin’-on-it17 December 2006, 08:55

tjclaw1, you poor thing! Sick kids can be sooo taxing on your energy, and I hope eveyone is either still well, or better today! HA, oh my gracious! You’ve been through the wringer haven’t you! Thank God you’re alive! Did you feel well enough to find out anything during your hospital stay about how they’re dealing with flu issues or anything that was reassuring?

I hope the lazer surgery goes well for you…..get plenty of rest…have you visited the new forum yet? Are you having any problems finding your way around there? If you are, there are some threads here that discuss how to find your way around better there, so you’ll find help here!

Wolf?17 December 2006, 09:52

Reading this thread really conjures memories - best wishes to all who are trying to care for the young’uns - and trying not to get sick themselves. FWIW, while I haven’t used Zicam, I do use Nature’s Way zinc + C lozenge at the first indication of any ‘crud’. I seldom catch colds or flu in any event, but if I feel even the merest tingle, I grab a lozenge. I’m also a cigaret smoker and strangely enough haven’t had any respiratory problems, well, ever. Maybe it’s the polonium! Again, FWIW, it’s my understanding that smokers actually fared better during the 1918 pandemic - could be the nicotine which is an immunosuppressant and may have helped with cytokine response. I have nicotine patches on my (ever growing) list of supplies. Hurricane Alley RN- What a lot to deal with! With everyone else, just glad it happened pre-pandemic. Your nursing experience must stand you in good stead now. Best to all, and thanks I’m-working-on-it for the thread. I do view the new forum, but still haven’t become comfortable there. It’s still a resource - just further down the list.

Anon_451?21 December 2006, 00:38

To All: My Granddaughter in Florida has been sick for a week now, flu like symptoms with sever headache and diarrhea. The first hospital they took her too said it is just a stomach virus and it will pass drink lots of gator aide. That was 4 days ago. Today she almost passed out and they took her to a different hospital and the doctor there gave her a shot (unknown type) and Phenergan and Flagyl. (she is 18). With all the stuff going on in GA, NC, SC IA, WI and CA, I am concerned does the above treatment sound right for a stomach virus?

KellyP?22 December 2006, 23:43

I work in a bank, and normally, I wouldn’t even post about this since it’s flu season, and everyone at the bank gets sick from cash-handling. But we’ve been hit extra hard this season, and I thought I’d post this just in case anyone else worked at a bank and saw an upward trend of the same kind hitting their bank.

Dragonlady23 December 2006, 09:01

I work in a grocery store and nearly all the cashiers have been down with a “cold” in the last two weeks. It’s not the flu or a stomach thing, but it’s been tough as we are so busy during the holidays.

crfullmoon?23 December 2006, 09:55

Health and healing to all that need it.

(and good luck in the new year!)

History Lover?23 December 2006, 11:26

Petticoat Junction - I hadn’t read this thread until today so I didn’t know your family has been so sick, so I’m sending Get Well Wishes along with Merry Christmas your way.

DC - Your comment about alcohol swabs on shopping carts reminded me of that television show “Monk”, the obsessive-compulsive detective. Personally I think he would make a great role model for preppers.

Bird Guano @ 15:48 -“How about a thread on the traumatic head injuries sustained by those of us who are beating our heads against brick walls, attempting to educate politicians and the public on the need to prepare.”

Bird Guano - LOL! Thanks for the laugh.

To all those who have experienced broken or bruised toes, thumbs, shoulders, etc. - I just dropped a stool on my left toe last night (no shoes, of course)and it hurts like, well, that very, very hot place. But I keep telling myself it could be worse. I just hope I can go to Mass on Christmas Eve.

To everyone else who has been ill - I hope everyone gets well and stays well. We will all need each other when TSHTF!

diana?23 December 2006, 11:47

Hope all here improve at the very worst by New Years, so they can begin the New Year, healthy, whole and in good spirits. People seem to be ultra chivalrous today. Pats on the back and best wishes for a happy holiday from other shoppers,complete strangers, as I went about my morning errands..The weather is wet but mild and everyone is in good spirits. Seems like old fashioned good manners, at least for the next few days.. The world seems to have become crasser, ruder, but here on the wiki, all is calm. ( I hope.) Again, the happiest of holidays. A toast to all at the wiki.

Brooks?24 December 2006, 18:50

I read threads like this and I just can’t imagine life without my homeopathic first aid kit. No need for steroids or antibiotics or lingering illnesses. Roommate and I just sailed through what promised to be really nasty colds, except no head or chest congestion developed at all. His bout was 24 hours, mine was closer to 48. Minor body aches, sore throat, fever. Then gone.

I’m-workin’-on-it25 December 2006, 08:52

Brooks that’s wonderful! Glad you made a quick recovery!

I hope everyone has a chance to recover from whatever ails them enough to enjoy the day today and enjoy friends or family or both! Wonder how many prep-presents are being exchanged today??

NS126 December 2006, 07:25

Brooks,

Please tell everyone what you used and what dosages.

diana?26 December 2006, 10:36

As it seems to be a nasty flu this year, not covered by the flu shot, it might be sensible to keep all your herbal remedies next to your bed, along with plenty of water. Once you get hit you won’t be up to getting things from where you have stored them. I know I had my Pneumovax 23, and so have many of you on the wiki. Sounds like a good idea to go to a doc in the box and not the emergency room if you don’t have a personal physician and have a problem. Less wait, less possibility of contageon. I know I have a list of tests(bone scans etc.) that I am putting off until the flu season has passed. Not interested in wandering around any hospital. Personaly, I have been taking Vit D. and Goldenseal, plus extras in other things as I do get around, though I avoid crowds. I had a chinese dish with lots of raw onions and found them not at all bad, so am adding raw onions and plenty of garlic to my meals.Invisable as it is, we can only take sensible precautions to protect yourself. As far as homeopathic remedies to fight colds, there are numerous specifics, and each is only useful for certain symptoms. Does anyone have it on the internet? I thought I saw it somewhere, though not necessarily on the flu wiki.

Brooks?26 December 2006, 10:59

NS1, I gave roommate Sambucol, Airborne and homeopathic Ferrum Phosphate 30C. (“30C is a moderate potency. You want to put in a water bottle and shake before each dose.) I’m allergic to Sambucol, so I took Airborne and Ferrum Phos along with the herbal anti-virals olive leaf extract and grapefruit seed extract. Ferrum Phos can be good at the very beginning of a respiratory condition (which is much easier than figuring out later in the cycle what might work).

Here are a few links to homeopathic treatments for cold or flu:

Cold remedies

Flu remedies

More flu remedies

malachi27 December 2006, 11:12

I got sick.I have a scratchy throat,stuffy nose/head,goopy eyes,body aches.I am taking 5000 mg of C,and sambucol several pills a day.Last night I went to sleep at 6 pm and I find noone has kept the woodstove going.I recently took part in volunteering at 2 different huge gatherings and I had said before I did it that these would be my last big volunteering jobs.I just put my 13 year old on the job of restarting the fire.This worries me that my kids may not be able to take care of themselves in the event that I am unable to do the job.I have so much to do and no energy to do it.

diana?27 December 2006, 11:37

Malachi. Sorry that you are ill, but it might be a blessing in disguise. 13 year olds can be very capable. Perhaps this is the time to have the kids show their grit, and I’m sure they have it in them. Get well soon.

Bump - Bronco Bill?27 December 2006, 14:09

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I’m-workin’-on-it27 December 2006, 17:34

Malachi, I hope you’re better this afternoon — this lingering illness is wearing people down. Get plenty of rest!!!

I’ve got what I call a ‘tight’ throat, where it’s just a little irritated so that it feels tight, not scratchy yet, so I’m hitting it with vitamins, etc. in hopes it won’t get any worse — I’m 99% sure it’s sinus though, not anything worse.

I hope everyone is being careful when in public, no matter what the environment!

KellyP from CA?28 December 2006, 14:11

Two weeks ago, I had a scratchy throat. I bought zinc logenzes and sucked on them constantly throughout the day as I worked. By the very next day, I was completely well again.

An EXCELLENT birdflu pantry item. Zinc lozenges. I now have several bags of zinc lozenges, and if it wasn’t so expensive (8 to 10 dollars a bag with only a dozen lozenges in them) I’d stock up on more of this stuff.

KellyP from CA?28 December 2006, 14:12

…argggg! Don’t know why I am having so much trouble spelling lozenges.

I’m-workin’-on-it28 December 2006, 19:22

Kelly I’ll try some for my pantry….thanks. My throat has been fine today, but I was sleepy & run-down, so I slept for 2 hrs & felt like I’d gotten my strength back.

malachi29 December 2006, 10:39

I am feeling better today…less stuffy nose and feel like I have gotten some of my energy back.I won’t push myself,the laundry can wait.

diana?29 December 2006, 11:54

On the way home last nite heard that New Jersey has its very first official Type A Flu. A toddler or infant in Hackensack hospital. Am sure its not the first case, just the official first case. So will wander off to CVS, Walmart and Eckerts to see what they have to offer. So far have no signs of any virus, but might as well stock up before anything does go amiss.I am very concious of keeping my hands off my eyes and nose. It really is amazing how often I want to rub my eyes as I do have dry eyes. Should stock up on Zinc.

I’m-workin’-on-it29 December 2006, 18:30

Malachi, glad to hear of the improvement! I forgot to search for Zinc today, I was running around trying to find the pressure cooker from Target we were discussing on another thread….didn’t find it either & looked at Big Lots, WalMart (had an 8qt) and did Christmas returns. Going to the book store tonight & will swing by Brunos to check for Zinc lozenges.

I’m-workin’-on-it29 December 2006, 21:24

Kelly, was Cold-Eze the brand you bought? That’s all I found at our Bruno’s & I haven’t had time to check CVS yet.

I’m-workin’-on-it30 December 2006, 23:54

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I’m-workin’-on-it03 January 2007, 09:57

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I’m-workin’-on-it04 January 2007, 14:54

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