Friday, February 25, 2011

Battling the Bronchial Blues

I used to get at least one bronchial infection every winter, often more, but those infections have been severely curtailed since I started getting weekly allergy shots three years ago.  Last month, I was bragging to a friend that it had been two years since I'd had bronchitis.  I know.  I know!  What was I thinking?!?  Less than two weeks later, I was in my doctor's office getting a chest ex-ray and being diagnosed with acute bronchitis and sinusitis. At my age, I really should know better than to tempt fate.

Armed with good drugs and instructions to get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids, I headed home determined to battle the dreaded demon into submission.  Easier said than done.  It's now been three weeks and though I've won a few skirmishes, I have yet to win the war.  I'm on  my second round of antibiotics (much stronger this time), a steroid pack, inhaler and prescription cough meds and while they appear to be working , they're taking their own sweet time about it.  I went back to work yesterday feeling pretty good and dragged myself home six hours later about ready to collapse.  In fact, after taking the dogs out, that's exactly what I did.  I crawled into bed, covered myself with three blankets and slept for ten hours.  ::sigh::

Usually, I'm a pretty good patient.  I'm not demanding.  Not whiny.  My motto tends to lean more toward "suck it up and get over it."  Today, not so much.  I'm tired of being sick.  My tummy is queasy, my head is swoony (no, I don't think that's a real word but I like it), definitely whiny and in need of comfort.  I need a little help from my friends.

So tell me, dear friends.  What methods do you employ when you need a pick-me-up?  Do you have a favorite comfort read that always makes you smile?  A comfort food that turns your personal gloomy days into ones filled with sunshine and smiles?  A tried and true home remedy that soothes a sore throat, clears a stuffy head or just makes you feel less like the living dead?  A joke or silly story that will make me laugh?  ('cause I could really use a good laugh about now!)

One random person leaving a comment today will get a book from my stash and another book will go to the first person who pulls me from the grumpy gloomies back to my normal sunny self with a good, deep belly laugh!

~PJ

63 comments:

  1. Joke I just received, with a word changed:

    The Wedding Ring
    A man went to the hospital in Sarnia to have his wedding ring cut off from his you-know-where. According to the nurse attending the operation, the patient's girlfriend found the ring in his pants pocket. She didn't know he was married and she was so mad she used petroleum jelly to slip the ring on his you-know-what while he was asleep. I don't know which is worse:
    1) Having your girlfriend find out you're married.
    2) Explaining to your wife how your wedding ring got on your you-know-what.
    OR...
    3) Finding out your you-know-what fits through your wedding ring.
    Tough call. You decide.
    Have a great day!

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  2. Laney that story is hilarious! Everybody always looks at me strangely when I suggest this remedy, but try gargling with salt water or with colloidal silver. Colloidal silver is an all natural product that you can get at some health food stores or naturopath practitioners who make their own. It works for me and the kids.

    When I'm sick my kids usually try to be extra good for me, and we all cuddle up on the couch together. My favorite "pick me up" movies are any of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Prince of Persia, or anything light that makes me smile. If I don't have a headache I'll re-read passages from my fave books!

    Feel better soon :)

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  3. No, no, no - you don't want a pick me up, you want to embrace your cold - just go with it...Get your jammies on, put on some silly fuzzy socks, grab your blankie and a couple of pillows (to keep your head elevated) and take over the living room (yes, that means you get control of the remote) as your sick room. Now everyone who lives with you can see you are sick (sympathy does wonders for improving one's outlook) whereas if you are hiding in the bedroom no one sees you. I personally prefer something extremely sappy - one of those that will make your cry type of books - these are two fold, they help get the congestion moving AND they really increase the sympathy factor by at least 100%. If done correctly, you don't have to worry about 'comfort' food, just know ahead of time which restraunt you want takeout from so when asked if they can get you anything "I don't know what I want...but maybe I could manage {{insert menu item}} from {{restaurant}} - oh, and always include a desert item, like a sundae, a really big sundae - it will help brighten your mood plus the cooling effect of the ice cream will help your throat. Oh, or maybe one of those lava cakes - cause cake makes every day a special day (unless its your birthday and they put all those candles on it to mark your age, then cake is no longer special).

    As for home remedies...I gargle with apple cider vinegar when I have sore throats - I know, sounds gross, tastes gross, but it does work. And yes, get those emotions going, nothing starts helping a cold move along faster than a good cry to clear out those sinuses - so if you can't sit and read, put on one of those 'childrens' movies - you know, the ones like Bambi or Old Yeller - the ones that make you cry.

    Hope you feel better!

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  4. I hope you feel better soon.

    Someone sent me an email months ago that if you can't sleep well at night because of persistent coughing, you should apply lots of Vicks to your soles, put on socks, and turn off your light. Your coughing should stop within 5-10 minutes and not recur until you wake up (4-8 hours later, depending on your nocturnal routines). I tried this and it worked for me (as well as my daughter and son). Mind you, I started coughing as soon as I woke up, but my oh my, was it ever nice to get a full night's sleep! (And I used no-name stuff!)

    I can also relate to feeling great, returning to work, and then relapsing. Apparently I am not Wonder Woman. (Who knew? Not me!) The same thing just happened to me, and all I can think is, "This wouldn't have happened to me 10 years ago!" I hate this aging process (but it beats the alternative)!

    Comfort foods? Brownies, Kraft Dinner, Campbell's (old fashioned) chicken noodle soup, and white milk (if it doesn't gag me - I'd prefer Pepsi, but I haven't had one since Oct 29/10 and could easily fall off the wagon, given this excuse).

    BTW, I hope my previous joke wasn't too risque. I tried to clean it up....

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  5. Here's another joke where I substituted a word:

    BOB THE CHICKEN

    Bob came home drunk one night, slid into bed beside his sleeping wife, and fell into a deep slumber.

    He awoke before the Pearly Gates, where St. Peter said, 'You died in your sleep, Bob.'

    Bob was stunned. 'I'm dead? No, I can't be! I've got way too much to live for. Please send me back!'

    St.. Peter said, 'I'm sorry, but there's only one way you can go back, and that is as a ... chicken.'

    Bob was devastated, but St. Peter explained that this was the only way he could return to the earth he knew.. Faced with that reality, he begged St. Peter to send him to a farm near his home...

    The next thing he knew, Bob was covered with feathers, clucking and pecking the ground.

    A rooster strolled past. 'So, you're the new hen, huh? How's your first day here?'

    'Not bad,' replied Bob the hen, 'but I have this strange feeling inside. Like I'm gonna explode!'

    'You're ovulating,' explained the rooster. 'Don't tell me you've never laid an egg before?'

    'Never,' said Bob.

    'Well, just relax and let it happen,' says the rooster. 'It's no big deal.'

    He did, and a few uncomfortable seconds later, out popped an egg!

    Bob was overcome with emotion as he experienced motherhood. He soon laid another egg -- his joy was overwhelming.. As he was about to lay his third egg, he felt a smack on the back of his head, and heard his wife's voice.... "BOB, wake up! You just 'pooped' the bed!"

    Getting OLD just isn't what they said it would be!

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  6. Hi Laney! OMG! I love the joke! Nope, not too risque. Just hilariously funny!

    I'd adore a batch of warm from the oven brownies but I know from past experience that chocolate does not mix well with my queasy tummy. I'm thinking a hot, moist coffee cake with one of those brown sugar crumble toppings might fit the bill. Of course, first I have to summon up the energy to make it. ;-)

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  7. Hi Kellie!

    I've gargled with salt water and it does help.

    Good choice with the Pirates movies. Always a guaranteed pick-me-up.

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  8. Hi Dtchycat! Thanks for stopping by with lots of terrific advice. You had me smiling through your entire post. I watched last night's episode of American Idol on the dvr this morning and had a good four-tissue cry. You're right. It does help!

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  9. Laney, my mom was an avid user of Vick's when we were kids but it always went on our chests. I'd never heard of putting it on your feet. I may give that a try tonight. Thanks!

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  10. Oh, PJ. I know just how you feel. Used to have the same trouble every winter...but I'm not saying more or else the universe will curse me too, LOL!I do hope everything kicks in and you feel better soon.

    I've been so damn tired lately, and it's snowing AGAIN, so I'm in need of a pick-me-up too. For me it's usually as simple as a cup of hot sweet tea with lemon and a good book in front of the fire, although watching something frivolous stream live on Netflix is always fun. If you feel well enough, go out and get a pedicure or a mainicure or both. A really hot bath followed by lots of body lotion is good too. Pamper yourself!

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  11. WHEN A WOMAN LIES

    One day, when a seamstress was sewing while sitting close to a river, her thimble fell into the river.
    When she cried out, the Lord appeared and asked, "My dear child, why are you crying?"
    The seamstress replied that her thimble had fallen into the water and that she needed it to help her husband in making a living for their family....
    The Lord dipped His hand into the water and pulled up a golden thimble set with sapphires.
    "Is this your thimble?" the Lord asked.
    The seamstress replied, "No."
    The Lord again dipped into the river. He held out a golden thimble studded with rubies.
    "Is this your thimble?" the Lord asked.
    Again, the seamstress replied, "No."
    The Lord reached down again and came up with a leather thimble.
    "Is this your thimble?" the Lord asked.
    The seamstress replied, "Yes."
    The Lord was pleased with the woman's honesty and gave her all three thimbles to keep, and the seamstress went home happy.

    Some years later, the seamstress was walking with her husband along the riverbank, and her husband fell into the river and disappeared under the water.
    When she cried out, the Lord again appeared and asked her, "Why are you crying?"
    "Oh Lord, my husband has fallen into the river!"
    The Lord went down into the water and came up with George Clooney.
    "Is this your husband? The Lord asked.
    "Yes," cried the seamstress....
    The Lord was furious. "You lied! That is an untruth!"
    The seamstress replied, "Oh, forgive me, my Lord. It is a misunderstanding. You see, if I had said 'no' to George Clooney, you would have come up with Brad Pitt. Then if I said 'no' to him, you would have come up with my husband. Had I then said 'yes,' you would have given me all three. Lord, I'm not in the best of health and would not be able to take care of all three husbands, so THAT'S why I said 'yes' to George Clooney. And so the Lord let her keep him.

    The moral of this story is: Whenever a woman lies, it's for a good and honorable reason and in the best interest of others. That's our story, and we're sticking to it.

    Signed,
    All Us Women

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  12. I'm sorry you feel terrible. I'm not good with jokes or funny stories so I will just send you "Get Well Soon" wishes. :)

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  13. PJ,
    I too grew up with Vicks on my neck, chest, and nose. Not the prettiest picture, I might add.
    But when I was emailed about the feet, it said something about how the soles of the feet are able to absorb better (or something like that).
    I tried to look it up on Snopes.com. It DID have a similar email but it was "undetermined" if it was a myth or not. Snopes doesn't allow you to cut and paste. Sorry.
    http://www.snopes.com/medical/homecure/vaporub.asp

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  14. Three guys die and get to the Pearly Gates. But St Peter says "OK we're not really sure if you guys belong in here or down below. So I'm going to ask each of you a question and based on your answers we'll decide where to send you."

    So he asks the first guy. "Can you tell me the meaning of Easter?" So the 1st guy answers him. "That's when all the kids get dressed up in costumes and go door to door saying "Trick or Treat" and the neighbors give them candy."
    St Peter says "Stop right there. It's obvious you are at the wrong door. Take the next elevator down."

    Then he turns to the second guy and he says can you tell me the meaning of
    Easter? And the second guy says "That's when the whole family and friends gather and the women cook all day and the men watch football. And we have a big turkey dinner."
    St Peter slaps his forehead. He can't believe these guys and he sends this guy to the same place he sent the first guy.

    Finally he asks the 3rd guy. Can you please tell me the meaning of Easter. The third guy says "That's when they crucified our lord Jesus Christ on the cross. And they buried him in a tomb and Easter celebrates that on the 3rd day he arose from the dead and rolled the rock away and... uh.... if he sees his shadow we have 6 more weeks of winter."

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  15. Oh..I hate bronchitis! What I always have when sick is chicken soup. Don't know if it actually helps, but the heat does tend to help break up congestion. Being in steam helps too. Either take really hot shower (as hot as you can stand it) or just sit in the bathroom with the shower running with hot water. Using a humidifier can help with the coughing too.

    Another thing to help break up congestion...CHOCOLATE! I actully had a PA that would tell me whenever I got sick with alot of congestion to buy some chocolate while getting my prescriptions filled...Loved that he "prescribed" chocolate!

    Hope you get to feeling better soon.

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  16. PJ, I hate that this bug just won't leave you alone. :-( Like you, I'm a pretty good patient, but sometimes you just want to be whiny. LOL And BTW, I love the word "swoony." ;-)

    Chicken noodle soup, hot tea with honey and a warm blanket can do the trick. I know your furbabies are helping, too. :-) If I'm not too headachy, I'll pull out a comfort read. Otherwise, a good movie that will make me laugh and cry always does the trick.

    Here's something to make you laugh. It's from a plaque I saw in a catalog:

    Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says, "Oh hell...She's awake!"

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  17. PJ, I know what you are saying....I had bronchitis a few weeks ago, but I caught it in time and it wasn't too bad. But last year and the year before (yes, I get it every winter; last winter 2x), I felt like I'd been hit by a truck. I missed 4 days of school. I felt like I was coughing up a lung and the cough lingered for 6 weeks.

    I love Vicks; maybe it's a childhood smell that comforts me. I also heat up my cornbag for comfort. My husband believes Nyquil works because it knocks you out to sleep. Sleep can be a good healer, if you can get it while coughing up a lung. :/

    Today, believe it or not, my neck is sore--as if I'm getting gland infection. Cross my fingers to a big HOPE NOT.

    Hugs to you and to feeling better.

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  18. Oh, you poor dear. I'm so sorry your saga continues on and on. Are the antibiotics now making you sick?

    For a throat soother, hot tea with lemon and honey is my go-to. I also believe in salt and turmeric water gargling. I read somewhere that turmeric is supposed to be a natural anaesthetic. I also use throat sprays.

    For comfort food, nothing beats matzo ball soup. If too tired, then from a can. If not too tired, then freshly made chicken broth and homemade matzo balls. Yum. Yum. Yum.

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  19. old fashioned chix soup often helps me feel better when sick, my mom's old italian friends always swear by warmed red wine (I prefer good brandy ;) to drink), chocolate never disappoints (candy, baked goods or hot beverage form all good). Use to find kisses & cuddles from the puppy gurl when they were available always made things better for a little bit at least.

    When feeling crappy & tired, curling up on the cough under a cozy blanket w/ the remote & old movies (particularly some of the funny romantic romps & mysteries) or an old fave romance that leans to the humorous side help to pick up the spirits as well.

    Hope you find something that works for you.

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  20. I like a hot shower and comfy pj's for sleeping and snuggling under a blanket with and then maybe a good book that I've read before so i don't have to think to hard and follow a new plot. lol I usually revert to any Julie Garwood book i have handy. My comfort food when i don't feel good is mashed potatoes. Love em. Maybe dig out my microwavable heat pad too so i can keep warm if i have the chills.


    Hope you feel better soon.

    Lisa B

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  21. Gads, PJ, sorry to hear you are feeling so poorly!

    I like hot tea when I'm feeling poorly, especially something aromatic like Earl Gray or Green with Jasmine. My comfort read is Catherine Coulter's Wyndham Legacy. It's funny, has lots of likeable, unpredictable secondary characters, and a melodrama for a plot.

    Hope you feel better.

    Susan in AZ

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  22. I hope you feel better soon, PJ!!! (((hugs)))

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  23. Maggie, I'm glad you didn't say more because I sure don't want you cursed with this crud. No fun!

    Sorry about all the snow. Y'all sure have had more than your fair share this year, haven't you?

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  24. Thanks for the get well wishes, Stacie!

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  25. Meljprincess, thanks for stopping by!

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  26. June, I want a doctor that prescribes chocolate! Sadly, I've emptied the house of chocolate since I'm trying to lose weight(and have absolutely no will power) though I do have hot chocolate mix in the pantry. I may have to resort to that. :)

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  27. Gannon, I don't have any chicken but there's some ground beef in the freezer. I'm thinking of starting a pot of Veggie-Beef soup. Good steam for the sinuses and good food for the tummy.

    You said, Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says, "Oh hell...She's awake!"

    I love this! I think I'm going to print it out and put it where I'll see it every morning.

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  28. Karyn, a big bowl of buttered popcorn never fails to lift my spirits. Neither does a flying Scotsman! *VBG*

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  29. Deb, I'm sorry you had bronchitis too but so glad that it wasn't a bad case. I hear you about the cough. They seem to linger forever, don't they?

    I had to google cornbags. I didn't realize they made heating bags with corn but, from what I read, it sounds like they work better than any other kind.

    I sure hope your sore neck doesn't mean you're getting something else. Good thoughts coming your way!

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  30. Hi Keira! No, the antibiotics aren't making me sick. It's just a very bad case of bronchitis that doesn't want to go away.

    You know, I'm not sure I've ever had matzo ball soup. I'm going to have to find a recipe and make some. Thanks for the suggestion!

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  31. Thanks, gamistress66! My furry girls give me lots of love and affection, especially when they know I'm not feeling well.

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  32. Modekker, Julie Garwood's Saving Grace is my all-time favorite comfort read. No matter what's causing me distress, Gabriel and Johanna always know how to make me smile.

    I enthusiastically second your comfort food of mashed potatoes. In fact, I had mashed potatoes and gravy for breakfast this morning. It helped. :)

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  33. Susan in AZ said, My comfort read is Catherine Coulter's Wyndham Legacy. It's funny, has lots of likeable, unpredictable secondary characters, and a melodrama for a plot.

    Oh Susan, I haven't thought of those books in years! I think I still have them tucked away in my bookcase though. It may be time to go searching. Thank you for the suggestion!

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  34. Oh PJ, I'm so sorry to hear you are still battling this thing. It must really like you and not want to leave - LOL! Hope you feel better soon!!

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  35. P.S., PJ---When your dad is a farmer and your mother can sew, well, that's a perfect combo for homemade cornbags! Mother bleaches the corn, rinses it, then sews the kernels into all sizes of bags. I even have a little one about the size of a wallet for earaches. :)

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  36. PJ,
    I am so sorry to hear you are feeling bad.
    I enjoy a nice steaming bubble bath or Calgon when I feel bad. The hot water and steam seems to help open every thing up and move some of the mucous and phlegm. I know the hot water is bad for the skin but it feels really good. Saline spray is also helpful.
    I love laying a heating pad on mt chest or laying on top of it.
    When I start feeling better I guess chicken noodle soup and saltines are great to eat.

    Wishing you a speedy recovery :)

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  37. I am so sorry you are feeling awful..I know how you feel...I also tried that thing with the vicks on your feet and it works I like a toddy with tea with honey and a shot of rock and rye that will help you sweat it out...
    I have to have chocolate pudding when I am sick I dont' know why but when I really crave it I know I am getting sick...nuts,huh? Get better soon!!!

    Donna

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  38. When your dad is a farmer and your mother can sew, well, that's a perfect combo for homemade cornbags!

    Deb,I had a feeling that might be the case! :)

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  39. Thanks for the good wishes, Gigi. That hot, steaming bath sounds heavenly!

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  40. Donna said, I have to have chocolate pudding when I am sick I dont' know why but when I really crave it I know I am getting sick...nuts,huh?

    No more nuts than the garlic I crave, Donna! This afternoon, it was homemade pita crisps made with olive oil, garlic powder and parmesan. If it brings comfort, that's all that matters, right?

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  41. Get well soon!!


    A man asked his wife what she'd like for her 40th birthday. "I'd love to be six again," she replied.

    On the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright and early and off they went to a local theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park: the Death Slide, the Screaming Loop, the Wall of Fear, everything there was! Wow! Five hours later she staggered out of the theme park, her head reeling and her stomach upside down.

    Right to a McDonald's they went, where her husband ordered her a Happy Meal along with extra fries and a refreshing chocolate shake. Then, it was off to a movie - the latest Disney and what a fabulous adventure!

    Finally, she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed. He leaned over and lovingly asked, "Well, dear, what was it like being six again?" One eye opened. "You idiot, I meant my dress size." The moral of this story is: When a woman speaks and a man is actually listening, he will still get it wrong.

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  42. Prob too late, but my 2 yr old granddaughter took 2 balls, put them down her blouse and said to her daddy, boobies!

    She also has been saying, daddy pees standing up, mommy pees sitting down.

    Anyway, feel better.

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  43. PatL, it's never too late for a good laugh! Your story reminds me of something that happened several years ago. My then next-door neighbors had a 4-year old daughter and infant son. I was having dinner at their house one evening when, without warning, their daughter picked up her doll, whipped up her shirt and put the doll's mouth to her chest. Seems she'd been watching her mommy breast-feed her little brother. ;-)

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  44. Antonia, thanks for the chuckle and the get well wishes!

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  45. I took the soup advice and have a pot of vegetable-beef simmering on the stove. My tummy and clogged head are both happy!

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  46. So sorry you're feeling bad. I see from the list of today's posters they've given you plenty of opportunities to laugh out loud. Take care of yourself.

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  47. When I get sick, I love watching comedies like The Hangover and Wedding Crashers. My comfort reads are any of Julie Garwood's historicals, especially Saving Grace and The Lion's Lady.

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  48. HOW TO CALL THE POLICE WHEN YOU'RE OLD,AND DON'T MOVE FAST ANYMORE.

    George Phillips, an elderly man, from Meridian, Mississippi, was going up to bed, when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the garden shed, which she could see from the bedroom window. George opened the back door to go turn off the light, but saw that there were people in the shed stealing things.

    He phoned the police, who asked "Is someone in your house?"

    He said "No," but some people are breaking into my garden shed and stealing from me.

    Then the police dispatcher said "All patrols are busy. You should lock your doors and an officer will be along when one is available"


    George said, "Okay."

    He hung up the phone and counted to 30. Then he phoned the police again.

    "Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people stealing things from my shed. Well, you don't have to worry about them now because I just shot and killed them both, the dogs are eating them right now." and he hung up.

    Within five minutes, six Police Cars, a SWAT Team, a Helicopter, two Fire Trucks, a Paramedic, and an Ambulance showed up at the Phillips' residence, and caught the burglars red-handed.

    One of the Policemen said to George, "I thought you said that you'd shot them!"

    George said, "I thought you said there was nobody available!"

    (True Story) I LOVE IT! Don't mess with old people.

    I usually have the same problem every year at least once. I usually cough so much I can't sleep in the bed lieing down. So I mix me us a bottle of honey and weskey and keep it on the bed I think it helps but it could be I just drank so much of it, it knocks me out. Hey it will make you feel better if you drink enough.

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  49. Jane, glad to see another Saving Grace lover!

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  50. Virginia, that's hysterical! Love the story and the remedy! LOL!

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  51. PJ

    I am sorry your not feeling and I do hope that you re feeling better very soon. Hugs to you

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  52. Here goes:
    :The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.
    : Men have two emotions: Hungry and Horny. If you see him without an erection, make him a sandwich.
    : I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
    : The sole purpose of a child's middle name, is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.
    : The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!
    :He who smiles in a crisis has found someone to blame.

    Enjoy!!

    marypres@gmail.com

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  53. I just want to say that I used to have a couple of bouts with broncitis every year too. However, several years ago, my doctor started me on Singulair which I take every day and I have not had broncitis since. I feel so bad for you and know how miserable this can be and how much it saps your energy. Breathe in some hot steam and rest. Hope you feel better soon. All the best!

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  54. Sorry, I guess I didn't offer a belly laugh - just a remedy. However, you WOULD get a belly laugh if you saw my belly! Get better!

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  55. Oh my so sorry I missed this post, I visit every day but apparently was off on my timing.

    Someone at work advised me to do the same thing with Vicks, I am on week 6 of the same thing, I have worked the last two weeks which explains me not being a great commenter lately. I had bronchitis, sinusitis and a severe ear infection. The only thing I could say is to know that you are well loved by people you haven't even met.

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  56. Thanks for the chuckles, Marybelle!

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  57. Thanks, Connie! I used to get it two to three times a year too. I'm very grateful that, with allergy shots and daily meds, I haven't had it for the past two years. Maybe that's why this bout is hitting me so hard. Working hard to make it go away! :)

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  58. (((Dianna))) I'm so sorry you're battling this too. Thankfully, I didn't get the ear infection. The bronchitis and sinusitis are bad enough! I'm back to work today and hoping to have enough strength to see me through.

    The only thing I could say is to know that you are well loved by people you haven't even met.

    Thank you. That goes both ways you know.

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  59. Sorry to hear you're not feeling well. Get well soon.

    I've never had bronchitis, so I don't have any tips for it. However, when I'm under the weather. I always like a hot fudge sundae from McDonalds. It's the perfect size so you don't feel too full.

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  60. Get well soon!

    Lots of hot liquids: soups, cider, tea, etc. Movies are good, too, because some illnesses require more sleep than a good book will provide.

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  61. I sympathize, PJ. Used to get bonchitis every year but finally seemed to outgrow it years later, only a bit every several years or so. I found mine seemed to go hand in hand often with other allergy and sinus problems, and that I had to have both codeine cough medicine and a decongestant, like claritin-D to really get over it, antiobiotic alone usually not enough. I noticed when I got it a lot, being caught in cold drafts or rainy damp weather triggered it. Had ac vent by my desk in work turned off, didn't sit anywhere near window acs atg home, and I seemed to get less bouts of it.

    Put lots of medicated cough drops in my mouth so cough that sounded bad at least didn't hurt. Today, first sign of a cough or wheezzing, I take otc cough medicine and drops and maybe claritin-d instead of waiting for it to get worse or near bronchitis, seems to work and clear things right up most times,

    Would soothe any sore throat with pudding and ice cream, good escuse, lol. Feel better.

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