sick

I've done a pretty good job avoiding the whole flu thing this year. I've had a minor thing here or there, but nothing major. Until...two days ago when I woke up with a sore throat. I went to work as if everything was normal, purposely being in denial. You know, "mind over matter". Well, unfortunately that just didn't work this time. I knew something wasn't right and by the time I got home I felt worse. I managed to cook lunch but took a much needed nap afterwards. Instead of waking up feeling better, I felt like a zombie. I took some Tylenol and thought I could get through it. But by 11pm that night, I could barely swallow, my glands were in extreme pain and swollen, I had body aches all over, a low grade fever, and the chills. I had to give in and admit...I was sick!

So shortly after 11pm my hubby drove me to the hospital. The Dr informed me that I have a severe throat infection and must take antibiotics. I hate medicine, like really, really hate it. I don't like the thought of putting things into my body's system and there are way too many side effects. But I was so darn sick that I welcomed the thought of an antibiotic. So here I am, day 2 off of work, day 3 of being sick. I hate it. It hasn't taken me this long to recover from illness in awhile. So rather than sitting here feeling sorry for myself, I decided to share a few things that make me feel a little better when I'm not well...

Heating Pad...everybody should own one of these. I use it for menstrual cramps, body aches, and when I get the chills.

Strepsils...I never heard of this brand until moving to Saudi. I always used Halls in America. But Strepsils are quite effective for sore throats.

Tylenol...this is one thing that I will take if I have a bad headache, severe menstrual cramps, toothaches, etc. And not to sound like a commercial but I really trust Tylenol. I used it since I was a kid. And I now give the children's formula to little guy when he's not well. I always carry a small bottle in my purse.

Vicks...I am in LOVE with Vicks VapoRub...okay, maybe I need to get a life, but seriously this stuff WORKS! Anytime I feel the slightest cold coming on, I rub this on my chest and throat before sleeping. It always helps. And this time it helped to soothe my throat and neck pain. It's a rule in our house to always have this on hand. I also like the Baby Rub version for little guy which has calming lavender in it. Side note: Always wear an old shirt or use a towel to protect your clothing.

Salt...add some of this to water and gargle. Great for the throat, and safe too.

Honey...eat a spoon of this and WOW, it'll help you feel better. It's known for it's healing properties, and I can see why. If you can't eat it straight from the spoon, add some to a warm cup of tea (and tea btw, is another great thing to drink while sick).

And one last thing...REST! I am so truly grateful that I have a housekeeper/nanny. She was so helpful yesterday by taking care of little guy while I got some much needed rest. I truly believe rest is the only way that you can truly recover. So don't be shy in asking for help. I started having that guilty feeling but then I stopped myself. In order to be a good Mommy, I have to take care of myself and recover. Little guy was just fine yesterday, in fact he had a lot of fun playing. So ask for help and get your rest.

These are a few things that work for me. Hopefully my next post will be less depressing...;)

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