I have been fortunate to not get sick the last 2 cold and flu seasons. Last year was crucial because Mom was having chemotherapy. I even had a flu shot. This year I chose not to have one. I don't work in the public. My kids are older. I decided to take my chances. No flu yet.
Yesterday while I was taking care of my son who had his wisdom teeth out I began to feel run down. My nose was runny. Today I'm about the same - tired and I don't feel I have all my breathing capacity. I'm not congested but the drippy nose continues. It could be worse. Now what?
I am not against prescribed and OTC medicine but I'm not quick to pop a pill either. (Part of that is from my childhood. Mom was quick to pop a pill or give us one instead of taking proactive measures. Growing up we had several colds a season. She was a smoker but denied a connection.) I don't do well with the typical cold meds. They keep me awake (yes even Nyquil). The relief never lasts as long as it's time to take another dose. I feel worse once they wear off and they seem to prolong the whole ordeal . Zinc lozenges have been recommended. I've taken them in the past with good results but then got a little scared. A nurse said she had just seen someone who had lost their sense of smell and taste after using them. I read up and it can be a side effect. So far today I've drank a lot of water. I will move on to peppermint tea. I don't know of any medicinal benefits but mint always makes me at least feel as though I'm breathing better. I did Yoga for Common Cold. I don't necesarily believe those particular moves help with colds but doing some light exercise and stretching can't hurt. It's a beautiful weekend. I'm not happy to have a cold but basically I'm going to take it easy. I will test my patience and not fight the cold. I will let my body heal. In the past I'd continue to be Super Mom. Now I will ask for help.
Is there anything you do when you are sick?
4 comments:
sometimes asking for help is so hard, but it is definitely the right thing to do. allow yourself the time to get better.
I like your attitude! If you're looking for alternative help, you might consider a neti pot. They can be kind of gross but once you get used to them they are quite helpful. As an alternative, try a saline nasal spray, even when you're dripping. It'll force stuff out.
I hope you feel better soon! If it gets worse, I would rest, rest and rest some more. Plus, drink lots of liquids. The flu is hitting very hard up our way, and taking people who are not normally sick down.
I hope your feeling back to your healthy self, very soon.
XXXXX
I'm an admitted pill popper. Give me an Advil or sudafed anytime I feel icky. :) I think it's more a mental thing, though, because there's NO way 1 pill cures me.
I agree with CountryDew - the neti pots are great. So are fluids and rest! Unfortunately, medicines only treat the symptoms... you'll have to let the virus run it's course.
Hope you feel better soon and that the help is plentiful until then! :)
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