The Flu

I've statistics that this year has been one of the worst years of the flu in over a decade. I can tell you its true. Being exposed to about every bug possible in the ER, the most I haven't gotten sick in the last few years has been a headache or runny nose for 48hrs. How I wish this was just the same. The dreaded flu started out with a sore throat and simple headache. No big deal-done it before. At work the next day the body aches, chills, and hot flashes began. Yes, it was a bad shift. I'm not the bad patient and it seems I tend to wear my emotions on my face. Its even better when you are sicker than the people you are taking care of. If only I had had a clue to just how bad it would be.

I went home to bed and haven't left. The headache grew into extreme nausea, dyspnea, congestion, lack of appetite, headache, and exhaustion. Walking up and down the stairs wore me out. I had my humidifier running 24/7, oils on my feet, decongestants and anti-inflammatories in my system, and a water bottle close by. Didn't seem to dent it. For 3 days I laid in bed--then the vomiting started. I couldn't keep anything down. The good news is I finally lost the last 2 pounds I was hoping to. Bad news I needed 2 liters of IV before voiding again. 

Sunday was by far the worst. In an attempt to sleep I tried phenergan with codeine. Turns out my body doesn't really like that medication. The vomiting increased and a POUNDING migrane began. My parents came to the rescue at this point and cleaned my rooms, started my laundry, and brought me food  that I could tolerate. It was until this morning however, that the nausea was gone and I could actually eat something real. Applesauce, an orange, chocolate chips, and juice. A fantastic meal for sure. I'm still not able to do much but I do have some energy back. I'm still napping like a kid several times a day though. 

What does one do when one has the flu and confined to bed for a week? Lets see:

1. I watched the entire series of Vampire Diaries
2. I watched the entire series of Everybody Loves Raymond
3. I read 2 books
4. I slept
5. I worked on random computer programs
6. I explored pintrest.

As you can see its been an extremely productive week. But I've learned a few things:

1. I should probably take better care of myself to avoid such a nasty disease in the future.
2. I am not superwoman and my body has a cruel way of letting me know that.
3. Being nauseous is probably the worst feeling ever.
4. Vampires Diaries is a weird show but has hot men in it.
5. I'm 27 but still want to be taken care of when I'm sick.
6. Chicken noodle soup is the best food in the world.
7. My bed I'm sure has a permanent butt print in it now. But still is one of the most comfortable places in the world.
8. Sleep is amazing.
9. I hate winter.

Not exactly the best vacation in the world. But apparently I needed a break. Thanks body but next time I will schedule a trip to Hawaii.