Coping, day 17

 I walked without assistance this morning.  Ten feet, but that's ten more than four days ago.  Yes I sounded like a race horse that lost but we can't all be winners.

UPMC calls for updates and commented that many patients have my symptoms, others entirely different, and there is no particular product or remedy that works/treats a virus.  Four bottles and over $100 later from a health store verified this.  So does this mean that what may help me won't help others?  Yes.  But not always.  It's possible.  Not probable. A shot in the dark.  But if you're already in darkness does it matter?

Just in case, I thought I would list some items that I feel helped me cope with the head, dizziness, nausea, fatique, insomnia, shakiness.

A tray table was filled and moved from room to bedside making access easier and keeping aids together.  The stomach issue was helped with small portions of banana in morning and throughout the day, and applesauce.  Mylanta helped calm the stomach jitters and strawberry Pedialyte was also taken in small portions.  Less drowsy Dramamine was quartered, enough to help without causing sleep.  Vernor's ginger ale a few sips at a time between all else was another small comfort.

An hour before bed, one Tagamet, right before bed, 10ml of Mylanta, and the wedge pillow made a huge difference in my morning upset.  The breath tester is used every hour as recommended.   I was using the Tussin at first but it worsens the Sjogrens dryness so I stopped.  Tylenol or Advil along with 12 hour Delsym is preferred.

Mark asked if I wanted my bright green bag on a neck chain but after changing to this routine, I did not need it again in mornings.  But it has become an accessory for doc visits and car rides.

I am anxious to shower but certainly cannot chance a problem between the heat and steam when this weak.  So I am using the bathing cloths and No Rinse while seated, and Mark purchased a few Shampoo Caps (new to me and a Godsend).  I had a fever for over five days but was too sick to care about being stinky.

I have not seen Carole and the long ride would certainly require the green bag and then the long wheelchair ride to her room would contribute to the motion illness.  She is in tremendous pain and they doubled the Oxy, but she is doing therapy. 

My head is spinning, I have not been online and it feels as if I've missed years, but reading or browsing does not keep the stomach calm.  Need to grab my banana and a sip of Vernors.

So just in case someone is going through similar symptoms, and not yet found some tiny bit of relief, I'm hoping what helps me may do the same for someone else.

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