By the time I arrived back at home-away-from-home, it was crowding midnight, and by the time I finally got to bed, it was nearest thing to one AM. And the morning started at 5:00, taking care of the dogs and the
Compound this with the fact that I am trying to fight off some wretched bug that has the whole right side of my head stopped up like a Reagan Supreme Court nomination and my nose running like the Italian army, and I's miserable, right?
The generic Dayquil knockoff has my mind all... well, whatever would be the word for "awhirl, but in a sluggish and unfocused fashion." Physically, I'm exhausted, but my choices are either lying down and staring at the ceiling, or sitting up and staring at a book, so I chose the latter.
And thus I have done all day. That, and some half-hearted WoW-ing. Other than that? Nada.
I'll tell you this, though: I will sleep the sleep of the just tonight.
After seeing pics of the swingset you built, I'm not surprised...
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid we're just going to have to get another favorite blogger. This one's broken.
ReplyDeleteWait. She builds swingsets? How is she at utility sheds?
Hope you feel better soon. Might be that switching from cat dander to dog dander has your histamines confused, adding to the discomfort.
ReplyDeleteSleep well.
ReplyDeleteYou sure its not the World of Warcrack?
ReplyDeleteIt is Warcrack, but who can resist its pull?
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon. The only thing that helps my allergies it Claritin D
It is Warcrack, but who can resist its pull?
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon. The only thing that helps my allergies it Claritin D
"I feel like a zom... wait, don't shoot! Tired! I mean I feel tired!"
ReplyDeleteMmmph. False alarm.
Step away from the WoW, Tam. As a reformed addict, I'm telling you it's not worth it.
ReplyDeleteAt a bare minimum, get really familiar with the concept of Operant Conditioning (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operant_conditioning_chamber). That might improve your odds of not getting sucked in completely.
Canadian Club cure.
ReplyDeleteKill a pint of Canadian Club.
When you awaken, you WILL feel better!
Tam,
ReplyDeleteYou might try some sinus remedies.
Chicken soup. The real kind. The chicken fat irritates the sinuses, causing them to flush, which dislodges the germs and stuff that keep the cold/sinus infection going.
Mongolian Chinese. The story I heard goes that the high desert regions of old China leaned toward the heavily spiced (one colleague of mine claimed that if he didn't break a sweat, in Minnesota in the winter, his food wasn't seasoned) foods in to cause the sinuses to flush, to avoid sinus infections.
Neti wash. This is a Yoga practice that, like intro yoga, keeps impressing the medical community with being effective. You can pick up a neti pot, with instructions, at most pharmacies and the OTC shelves at many grocery stores. Basically, you pour a measured amount of salt water (1/8 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp baking soda in 1 c. warm water) into your nose. Twice on each side, tilting your head up and down so the water runs out your mouth one time, and out the down-side nostril the other. I usually do this in the bathroom, with no spectators.
Saline nasal mist. Non-medicated, you can use this in addition to any other remedy or drugs, they won't interact. This works like the neti pot to flush the sinuses, relieving congestion, flushing away contaminants. As my family doctor told me, "twice in each side, once and hour, and blow." The doctor claimed it would cure up to a sinus infection without antibiotics, and relieve allergy symptoms. Remember to lightly pinch closed the off-side nostril, inhale deeply with each spritz. And, yes, this helps even with full-clogged congestion. It isn't instantaneous, you will notice clearing and guck breaking up for 20-60 minutes after use.
The advantage of the saline nasal mist is that it is cheap, you can use it easily all day long without needing a bathroom sink, warm water, salt mixins. Done correctly, the neti wash is more complete and effective. Both are as medically active as washing your hands, only for your sinuses.
Decaf green tea, with honey. Add lemon, too. Hot tea. Well, even hot water counts as a comfort food.
With lots of drainage (the raspy throat) consider the consequences. Focus on lots of fiber - such as metamucil (psyllium husk), oat meal for breakfust, graham crackers, apples including skins, most fruit juices. You need both soluble (pass into the blood stream) and insoluble (stays in the gut) fiber. And water and other non-alcoholic fluids, lost of them -- and the warmer the better.
Paul Harvey claimed that humming would help relieve congestion. I prefer combining humming with saline nasal mist.
Alcohol distracts a body from healing. But the aromatics of whiskey and brandy do penetrate the sinuses and agitate things, often doing some good for the sinuses, in moderation. Again, warming the beverage increases the aromatic effect.
Take care, and I imagine a good, hot bath with epsom salts works as well today as it did in earlier times.
Use the non-iodized salt for the nasal flushing activities. The iodine irritates the linings.
ReplyDeleteBTW, if you have a Water Pik, that can be used to flush your sinuses, like the neti pot, but with POWER!
ReplyDeleteReally, if you have a pressure buildup, the Pik will break up the blockage. (I did a long comment on one of Farmer Frank's posts about it, maybe a month ago?)
One thing about the neti pot. Make sure the water is clean and pure.
ReplyDeleteThere is a slight danger from amoebas causing a brain infection. Boil the water for 10-20 minutes first. The steam will help with the sinus blockage too.
Second Neti-Pot Death From Amoeba Prompts Tap-Water Warning
ReplyDeletelink:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/12/19/143960631/second-neti-pot-death-from-amoeba-prompts-tap-water-warning
Lol Tam, I know how you feel. Aepilotjim has been checking over the last couple of days whether i'm developing a craving for brains. I think he's secretly wishing I was so he can dispatch me. We do have helpful, if not nice, friends.
ReplyDeleteGet yourself well!
One thing I have found particularly helpful for sore throats is black tea with lemon, honey, and just a little bit, half an ounce or so, of brandy.
ReplyDeleteSo much medical advice . . . I just want to thank you for this great quote: "I am trying to fight off some wretched bug that has the whole right side of my head stopped up like a Reagan Supreme Court nomination and my nose running like the Italian army . . "
ReplyDelete