Wednesday, December 14, 2011

NOW, THAT WAS INTERESTING

I am guessing that I am one of those who gets a years worth of uglies dumped on them at one time so the rest of the year can be clean, green and fancy free. I can live with that, I think.

It's been a rough couple of months with just enough laughs to keep my sanity. First the Shingles came to call and stayed a month-- then (this I didn't share with you) I had a week of icepick headaches, another product of the shingles virus—such fun and real attention getters-- then the cold from Hell struck.

Right now after surviving these, I am too weak to lick a stamp. Any disease lurking out there could have its way with me but hopefully I am too repulsive to attack. Even diseases have standards.

I think it is finally all over (the forever optimist), The cold from Hell has been reduced to a doable cough, no headaches and no new pains. Hopefully there are no new surprises in store  for me.

I didn't mean to be gone so long, I just have not had a single creative juice anywhere in my body. I have been content to stare vacantly at nothing as I awaited my next pill or treatment. I did not want to write, nor did I want to read. Staring glassy and burny eyed became my choice.

So sorry I did not come around to visit. I hope I didn't miss some masterpiece posts from you all. I wouldn't have had the brain power to appreciate them if you had. Simple math was beyond me so comprehension wasn't even on the table.

I am my only caregiver by choice. I had three offers for chicken soup and errand running but I could not live with myself if I infected a well meaning human by letting them step inside this petri dish of germs I call home. Also as a patient I am Garboesque. “I vant to be alone.”  I really have mastered cranky.

My pets desperately wanted to give comfort and I just wanted to be left to my miseries. Soft little paws touching my cheek or a constant piling on of bodies was not welcome. A snarled “Leave-me-alone.” was only rarely followed by “Please,” as I banished my pets to the far corners. My gravely, throaty new voice had them confused.

Mighty shared my bed but was smart to take up a small footprint. I hardly knew he was there. That is until the night the grass he had eaten during the day needed room to expand in the wee hours. Rooolf, heave, Gurgle, heave, Urrrgh, heave, heave.

These unmistakable movements and sounds uttered by either a child or pet, can usually bring you instantly wide awake and mobile. If they are in bed with you there is added terror and need for speed. These are the fore warnings that barf is imminent. The pending sick creature desperately needs moved to an easily cleaned surface. Seconds count.

Some how I was not moved or impressed by Mighty's distress. I was sick enough that I just told Mighty in little more than a growl, to aim for his blanket and to try to miss the bed spread. I went right back to sleep. Tomorrow was another day Scarlett. That is when you know you are sick. Barf doesn't move you, scare you nor alarm you. Let er rip.

Well God bless the little fellow, he tried and was able to lean far enough over the edge of the bed to miss all cloth and just decorate the carpet-less floor. What a guy!! He got lots of praise the next day.

The good news is that I am a ton better.

The Pheonix has risen.

I still have a slight lingering cough but nothing I can't work around. I just came back from grocery shopping and was amazed at how many poor souls were in my old boat. I saw lots of vacant eyes, open mouths sucking air, slack facial muscles, raw red noses and flushed cheeks.

Periodically, aisles throughout the store would explode with the sound of wracking coughs. Sounded like I'm sure a medieval peasant hospital would have. God bless the healthy in that store.  There chances of staying that way are slim.  

Some of you have been going down this same path and those of you that have continued to post have my complete admiration and wonder. You are much stouter and tougher than I will ever be.

FYI.  Those of you who haven't been struck down, please stay away from anyone sniffling, sneezing, wheezing and coughing.  If your only option is a sick store clerk, you don't need what ever it was that you were thinking of buying. It just isn't worth it. Stay well.  

Thank you for all your kind comments and thoughts while I was feeling sorry for myself. Your positive expressions really did help and brought comfort. Believe me, written chicken soup is just as nourishing as the edible kind.  Thank you for the thoughts then and thank you for listening today.

37 comments :

  1. I figured you were better when I saw your comment on my last post. Various family members across the country have had/are getting that same creeping crud. Visits to the outside world mean hand scrubbing as soon as we step inside The Beast, especially if I had to touch someone's pen, or use a card reader. 'Tis the season.

    Poor Mighty; it's true that we awaken to the sound of that gagging in our children or pets. That you were so sick that you just told him to miss the fabric? Priceless.

    Glad you're back.

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  2. I've had my shingles shot but if I hadn't, your bout with it would have forced me to pay up and get it. And I'm so glad you are on the mend! It's the same with me: when I'm sick I don't want anybody near me and my sense of humor is completely gone!

    Your description is so vivid, both of being so sick and the grocery store filled with hackers of the worst sort! :-)

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  3. glad to have you back!!
    Maybe you've met your sickness quota for a lifetime and 2012 will be illness free....did that make sense??...the sinuses are full and the throat is on fire....think i'll sent CityBoy to WalMart for every cold/flu med in the store...!!
    Flu Shot...Bah Humbug...!!

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  4. Glad you are feeling better. I understand the need to be left alone when sick.

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  5. I wondered how you were doing. I stay out of stores as much as possible, but some shopping is necessary.

    I practice handwashing a lot. If somebody at church is hacking, I move before the service starts.

    Have missed you but my posts are still vacationing, with one or two about Christmas--Nothing special...

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  6. So glad you are feeling better, my dear Patti....I had such a horrendous bought with that Creeping Crud, (Or another one quite similar) and it took me forever to get over it what with my poor lungs....So, I know of what you speak....! It wasn't any fun, at all....I'm so glad you have your 'mojo' back, dear Patti....And Poor Dear Mighty...What a true Pal---Our animals understand so much more than one can excpect....!!

    I'm so glad you are back, my dear...I have missed your special way with words, more than I can say.....! Keep getting stronger and stay "well"....!

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  7. I seldom get sick any more (knock on wood). Actually, what I mean is I keep the house at 64 degrees most of the time, and the germs hovering aound the place can't get mobile enough to attack me.

    Glad you are back and feeling a bit better. I missed you. And, yes I wrote many masterpieces while you were away, one of them being the 42-page paper I am turning into my prof today. Dianne

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  8. Wow, Patti, that sounds simply horrible. I'm sorry that you were so sick. Glad that you are feeling better now. God bless,

    Kathy M.

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  9. I'm so glad you are better, Patti. It sounds like you were really under siege. I've been wondering about you and missing your posts.
    I'm the same as you in that I'd rather be alone when I'm sick. It took me until just very recently to get over a horrible lingering cough from my cold/virus and lately I've been battling the dizzies (as I call them - Meneires). But I can still get around, I'm just a bit wobbly. :D
    Take care and stay well!!

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  10. What a rough patch. So glad to hear that you are fighting off the germs and returning to your self.

    I completely understand about the wanting to be left alone when sick.

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  11. So glad you are feeling better, patti. I love what you say about written chicken soup, it is so true. Heartfelt good wishes from friends are amazing elixirs.

    Several years ago when we were still living up on the Olympic Peninsula, Roger and I went to the store to pick up so groceries. We noticed that the checkout person was quite ill, and she touched every item we bought. After we paid and left the store, we both had second thoughts about bringing that food into our house. So we went back into the store, talked to the manager, and he let us replace everything in our bag with fresh stuff that no one had touched but us.

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  12. Glad you are on the mend. Being sick stinks.

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  13. I'm just one more of the many, many people that are SO GLAD you're feeling BETTER!!

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  14. Glad to hear from you... I'm heading back to Arkansas early next week... hope all the germs have been taken!

    I'm with you on the wanting to be alone when I'm miserable... I want to misery on out as loud and cranky as I want...

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  15. I'm so glad you are better and I enjoy having you visit my blog. I have to deal with a few things of the stressful kind that popped up right before the holidays, but at least I feel OK now. Health is so important so let's hope for a great 2012.

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  16. Welcome back to the world of the living! We have escaped illness so far this season. But tomorrow we leave the Big Island and get on an airplane full of germs. So I may be speaking too soon.

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  17. I am so happy to hear that you are feeling better sweet Patti. Hope to hear soon you have shaken off that cough and you are back up and running 100%. What a sweetie little Mighty is to try to miss the bed and give you an easy place to clean. Stay well and gain your strength back. You have been missed and it is great to have you back. I have missed your wonderful blogs. Hugs and give Mighty some nose kisses for us.

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  18. Hi Patti, I'm so sorry that you have been so horribly sick. The only time in my life I had the flu --was one year (years ago) when I was raising kids and still working fulltime. I made it through Christmas that year and then got the REAL FLU.... Yipes---was I a sick gal... I think I was sick for 3 months --and that cough stayed even longer... NO FUN....

    Bless your heart... I am so glad that you are better --since I have missed you.

    Hope you and Mighty will have a wonderful Christmas NOW that you do feel better.

    I am doing much better --and finally back to ME I think.. It seemed to take my energy forever to come back...

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  19. Well, Hallelujia! and welcome back to the real world. I sure hope you continue to get better and can enjoy a healthy and hale Christmas !

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  20. Well hey, glad to hear you are finally on the mend. Darn, I hate it when I hear that folks are ill. Ry and GK have brought home the "lurgy" and we are all battling it valiantly. Actually GK brought it home and spread it to her Mom who passed it to Ry who had to share with Papa and darn that man....unlike Mighty he doesn't take up a small amount of the bed and with his snoring he gave it to me. Glad you're well and back sharing your wonderful attitude and insights. Oma Linda

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  21. Your better and that's all that matters. Merry Christmas!

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  22. RV Vagabonds,
    Thanks so much. This nasty one is really making the rounds. I hope you can keep at least 10 miles ahead of it.

    Djan,
    Thank you, me too. I know, where does the humor go? Stay safe from this rascle.

    Blue Ridge Boomer,
    Thanks, that is what I am hoping also. Tell him to get Alka-seltzer
    plus. I went thru a bunch of stuff before I found it. The night version is the only thing that let me sleep. Hope you get a mild version. Be well.

    Linda Crim,
    Thank you, nice to know I am not the only grumpy patient.

    Nitwit,
    Hope you dodge the bullet. I will be by to catch up.

    OOLOH,
    Oh Naomi, how awful for you. A friend of mine with COPD had this devil and it about did her in also. Hope you are completely well now.

    schmidleysscribblins,
    Giving the germs the cold shoulder sounds like a plan. Hope you got a smashing grade. 42 pages?? Wow.

    Oregon Gifts,
    Thanks Kathy, I am much better. It is something really going around. Be sure to duck.

    Cheryl,
    Could you have gotten an ear infection? Sure hope that clears up soon. Must be hard to deal with. I've heard the cough is hard to get rid of.

    Olga,
    I'm beginning to think the wish to be alone is not unusual. It is just too hard to be polite when you feel awful.

    robin,
    Thanks, good wishes really do have an effect on our well being.
    Bless you, you were smart to do that. I was stupid enough to buy a lotto ticket from a really sick man. No--I didn't win.

    islandwonder,
    Thank you and yes it does.

    fishducky,
    Aww, thank you so much. That does make me feel better.

    Carolyn,
    Wear a mask crossing the border. Not sure it is safe yet.

    Inger,
    Thank you and yes-- for both of us.

    Linda Myers,
    Cottage industry idea. Designer masks for airline passengers?? Think it could work. Have a good and healthy flight back.

    mumsy,
    Thank you and hope it will be soon. Not many pets will barf where told. He deserves the praise.

    Betsy,
    So glad the real Betsy is back. You have had quite a few bumps in the road.
    Thanks, I am doing much better and hope to only improve.

    Ginnie,
    Thank you big time. Me too and hope the same for you.

    Linda in NM
    Your family is just too giving. Who on earth took care of everyone. That's right Oma. Hope the whole tribe is well soon.

    Brighid,
    Amen sister. Back at ya.

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  23. Oh, Patti, I had no idea you were going through such an ordeal! When you're so sick that a barfing animal on your bed is no biggie, it's truly serious. I'm so glad you're feeling better. I was so alarmed at a neighbor's ordeal with shingles a year ago that I went out and got a vaccination on the spot. If he hadn't inspired me, your account would have!

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  24. I was thinking about you yesterday and wondering if you were surviving. So glad you are beginning to feel better. Take care!

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  25. Good gracious! You poor thing! I'm so sorry for all you're going through. What a great dog Mighty is. I've not been visiting much lately either because of all the holiday hullabaloo. I've been up to my ears. It does make me leery when I'm near someone coughing and hacking away. Please take good care of yourself.

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  26. I'm so sorry you've been suffering so much.

    Unfortunately when you get run down with one illness it seems to open the door to another one. I'm so pleased you are feeling much better now.

    I don't think you've missed much, the blogging world has been extremely quiet recently.

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  27. Happy to hear that you have survived your varied ills. Welcome back to the world!

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  28. Bless his heart! Mighty dog is an extra special pooch! Your post makes me glad I have an allergy mask to wear for protection from the germs of others. I am glad you are recovering – slowly but surely.

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  29. I have been thinking of you. I wondered how you were doing. I even said a prayer or two.

    This flu bug/cold from hell must be awful. So far I've dodged the bullet. My daughter is currently trying to fight this bug off. I am at her house helping her move. Perhaps I'll put on a mask.

    Thanks to you, I resolve to have a shingles shot by the end of the week. Take care, Patti.

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  30. I am so sorry to hear how ill you have been ....and on your own...you are one hell of a strong woman ...so glad you are feeling better....lets hope thats everything for a long while.
    My cough will not go and neither will the neon mucus lol. About 3 months ago I had a balance problem that lasted 24 hrs I went to the doc and was told it was nothing to worry about but my BP was high ..about a week ago it started up again but was getting worse so I faced the doc again ...thinking it was something to do with an inflamation of the semi circular canals in the ear. It was a different one, who smiled a lot as I talked and she took BP etc ...BP brilliant ....pulse normal ....BUT heart irregular ...now I'm off to have a test and maybe a consultant appointment ...I still think its something to do with balance rather than oxegen supply ...wish me luck xx

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  31. Dr. Kathy McCoy,
    Ha, that may be my new bar to measure just how sick I am.
    I am so glad you got the shot. You will not regret it.

    Sweet Virginia Breeze,
    Thank you for thinking of me.

    Musings,
    I think everyone is in that boat this time of year. There is just too much to do to blog.

    LLCool Joe,
    Think you are right. Resistance is not my strong suit right now.
    It is a bit quiet out there isn't it? Guess everyone is busy with the holidays. Glad you still find time.

    smartcat,
    Sure is nice to be among the living again. Thanks.

    Jewels,
    I think masks may become fashion statements soon. Smart move.

    Retired English Teacher,
    I highly recommend a mask. They could be made attractive so people wouldn't feel awkward wearing them. Thanks so much for the prayers.

    Angie,
    Aw, I am so sorry you are struggling health wise now. I hate it during the "not sure what it is" period. Hope you get results soon and can start healing.
    That cough sounds like it needs some serious meds. Do take care and be well soon.

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  32. I am sorry to hear it has been so rough for you, but it is nice that you are on the mend. Glad to see you back. Now take care and don't have a set back. Wishing you a wonderful holiday.

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  33. Patti, you poor thing. Glad you are back. Nothing to laugh about really, but one of the comments to you amused my daft sense of humour, because I think in Centigrade rather than in Fahrenheit and took it the wrong way...
    "Actually, what I mean is I keep the house at 64 degrees most of the time, and the germs hovering aound the place can't get mobile enough to attack me."
    Whew... I thought, heat like that would really fix those germs once and for all, 60 degrees C (140 F) is all that's needed in the middle of a roast chicken when it is cooked to kill the bugs!
    Hope you are all recovered soon. Gees, your town in Arkansas sounds like it is in for a Christmas that you'd rather not share!
    Love to you, Peter, Laura, Nigella Stopit, and Ginger xx (kisses carefully administered!)

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  34. Oh Patti, you have really been through the ringer with all these illnesses! I am so glad to hear that you are better, and up and moving around.

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  35. I am glad to know that you are on the mend. As to missing masterpiece posts - the only ones I've had have been the Christmas Decorating I've done. feel free to come over and catch up....lol

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  36. Ah yes I am trying to stay away from all those sick uns this season, so sorry to hear how sick you were, thanks goodness for small favors of the barf going where it was easily cleaned. I now all too well how that is, having three cats who have an occasional hair ball. eck and welcome back.

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  37. Rae,
    Thank you and I sure will try not to do that.
    Wishing you a wonderful holiday also.

    Peter,
    How funny and confusing. Pretty sure 140 would kill the germs all right.
    I too have startling moments when I read blogs from across the pond.
    Hope you, Laura, Nigella Stopit, and Ginger have a wonderful holidays.

    Southwest Arkie,
    Thank you so much. That moving about is the best part. Sure hope the Arkie Crud doesn't make it to your territory.

    Judy,
    Thanks so much. I will try to visit your masterpieces.

    Linda Starr,
    Thanks so much. Cats can get your attention in a hurry also.
    Stay well you two.

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