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[egilson]

I'm really tired of this.

Since the first of the month - including a trip to a conference and delivering a paper - I have had the flu. It has been upper respiratory (severe sore throat, head congestion) until yesterday, and I treated it with both OTC stuff and a course of antibiotics (since I'm diabetic and my doctor likes to be safe). Since yesterday, though, the virus has decided to add first diarrhea, and, now that that's stopped, constant nausea to the mix.

In two more weeks, I'm going on the major archive trip that's supposed to form the basis of my dissertation, but right now, when I should be writing and preparing, all I want to do is die. The "dial a nurse" is sympathetic but says that all I can do is treat it and wait.

Any suggestions to go along with ice chips, Gatoraide, and soda crackers would be appreciated.

[kedves]

I'm so sorry you're going through this.  When I had pneumonia a couple of years ago, the only things that helped me feel a tiny bit better were sitting in the sun and a bath or shower followed by bed.  I was so weak I couldn't manage anything more.

Can you have tea?  Fruit smashed up or fruit baby food, fruit leather, Jello, Seven-Up, graham crackers?  I would like Philip Glass solo piano in this condition, but anything soothing to listen to or read--favorite children's books--are good.  You poor thing.  I hope you feel better very soon.

[macaroon]

Oh, hope you feel better soon!

Yogurt and ginger.  The diarrhea and nausea could be a result of the antibiotics disrupting your natural intestinal flora.  Yogurt may help restore the good bugs to your guts.

[dellaroux]

Chime on the youghurt. A friend who's a nutritionist says that all MDs should be told about this...it's a natural, simple, solution that prevents lots of problems and is almost universally (exceptions: those who are lactose intolerant or those with IBS/Crohns') useful.

Sometimes a tiny bit of movement work on the floor to keep yourself energized and in tone can help with the flaccid, dead feeling as well.

You don't want to push too hard but a minute for the first few days, two minutes the next, and so on, can help get the circulation and neural systems remembering about what it's like to stand upright and move forward without dizziness.

Can you call the library and see if you can delay a bit? Are there lots of arrangements to unpick, or would it be fairly simple to re-do them so you could give yourself a bit more time? I'd try for that as well if at all possible.

[bookishone]

I had similar problems for a week after using antibiotics for a different issue this winter, and probiotics (essentially, vitamin pills full of "good" bacteria) got me back on my feet in one day. Apparently they repopulate the gut in ways that get it back into the groove. Ask your pharmacist. I used Culturelle (expensive!) and Acidophilus (not expensive!).

[egilson]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'm afraid that what became necessary last night was a trip to the emergency room and some Phenergan, but after that I slept and am only slightly queasy now. I'm going to celebrate by having some plain oatmeal (yogurt will be on tomorrow's menu), and I am going to call tomorrow and see if they can delay my trip.

[macaroon]

Chime on the youghurt. A friend who's a nutritionist says that all MDs should be told about this...it's a natural, simple, solution that prevents lots of problems and is almost universally (exceptions: those who are lactose intolerant or those with IBS/Crohns') useful.

Most people with lactose intolerance can still eat yogurt.  The bacteria in yogurt break the lactose down into lactate, which is a different chemical and does not bother lactose intolerant people.

[voxprincipalis]

I think you probably did the right thing. I've been to a doctor before who misdiagnosed me. I ended up having several things, which were way more than just an ordinary illness. I had a sinus infection and a few other things. Sometimes it pays to have a second opinion if you think the doctor messed it up.

Well, considering it was a year ago, I certainly hope so. If not, I think we would have had an update by now.

VP

[melba_frilkins]

Sleep. Are you getting enough sleep? You need more sleep!

<steps off soapbox>

[dellaroux]

<In best 20th c. tour-guide voice>

"Welcome to Sleepy Hollow, folks.

Here, you see the cave of Rip Van Winkle...

On the left, going down that riverway, is the path Ichabod Crane is said to have followed...

<Looks up>

Oh, that was LAST YEAR'S visitors?

You mean...they've gone already...?

<Shakes head, looks around sleeplily>

OK, guess I'll just catch a little shut-eye here....

<Wanders back into cave...>