Health update
I’m still recovering from the flu – slowly. That, combined with the emotional devastation of the loss, has made me feel weak and stressed.
I’m definitely trying not to rush things. I lie down a couple of times a day, which is an improvement over being in bed most of the time. My son had to leave today and unfortunately didn’t accomplish too much while he was here, because he was sick, too. He came down with it a couple of days before I did – probably having caught it on the airplane coming here – and then gave it to me.
Whew.
Nothing that needs to be done at this point is more important than your recovery.
Just take it easy. Things will get done.
You having Flu is one reason I get the Flu Shot, even if it isn’t 100%
I was going to go get a flu shot, but the niece I saw on Sunday now has COVID. I’m not too worried about that, but getting an immunization when I might come down with a virus is not smart.
I haven’t bothered with flu shots the last couple of years based on skepticism about their effectiveness. And I haven’t gotten the flu. I might back down and get one this year, but apparently there are two flu shots available, one old-style and one mRNA-based (Moderna). I’m going to make sure I get the old grown-in-an-egg one, despite (or maybe because of) all the “experts” claiming the superiority of the mRNA one, for example https://health.mountsinai.org/blog/what-to-know-about-mflusiva-the-new-mrna-flu-vaccine/. Like many, I no longer trust the collective wisdom of experts.
Jimmy: Same.
While I am glad to see you posting again, recovering your health is the most important thing right now, especially when dealing with grief and loss. Take all the time you need.
Will keep you and yours in my prayers.
Recovery is top priority. Take care of yourself
Remind yourself now and then that you can just lay back and leave things alone for a bit, there is no pressing business.
Please Neo- you take care of you. That’s what’s important. All those tasks will still be there once you get back on your feet. Hugs
Rest up.
I have heard from relatives a number of stories about catching something from a plane trip.
Shots? At my Medicare Wellness Check, I was asked about shots—COVID, shingles, flu, what have you. No thanks. Have too many relatives who have had multiple COVID cases combined with multiple COVID shots. I have never had COVID, and have never had the shot. Though I have read that shingles shots may reduce dementia risk.
Back in the day, I visited with a number of people who had taken the Guru trip to India. What amazed me was the number who got very sick in India, but who had not had the standard shots before the trip.
Which is why I got very well vaccinated before going to Latin America. I later found out that Iodine added to water will prevent intestinal problems.
But the current shots, no thanks. See above.
neo:
Thanks for keeping us updated. I know you know we support you in whatever you need to do.
Best.
Praying for health and comfort, dear Neo.
Gringo, I’ve never had any problems with vaccines: Probably dozens of flu shots over the years, the one COVID shot my employer forced me to get, the shingles vaccine, etc. No side effects beyond a bit of soreness at the injection site.
Now I’m seeing that I’m supposed to get, in addition to a stepped-up (for people over 65) flu shot, a pneumonia vaccine. Probably fine and worth doing, but all I see online is pro-vaccine propaganda. I’d actually feel more confident getting those shots if I felt I was getting balanced information. Now I just see the cheerleading and ask “What are they not telling me?”
Jimmy, thanks for the alert on the mRNA version of the flu shot. I used to get my flu shots at work in Nov. Then in retirement I thought I was getting ahead of the curve when they became available in Aug. or Sept. Then I learned their effectiveness is maybe 50 to 80%; and they last about 3 or 4 months. So I am now back to getting mine in Oct./Nov.
Gringo: ” Though I have read that shingles shots may reduce dementia risk.” I will be glad if that is true, but I will be happy enough if my shot keeps me from getting shingles.
So I am now back to getting mine in Oct./Nov
That is the recommended timing. They also take several weeks to become effective even if they are for the actual flu that shows up.
@ Jimmy – definitely get the pneumonia vax. Seniors especially are susceptible to pneumonia as a follow-on to other illnesses, or even just being in the hospital.
Radiation treatments for lung cancer will also cause a pneumonia-prone situation.
Which we learned after my mother died.
Because no one told us she should get the vaccination until AFTER she got sick.
I also recommend the Shingles vax.
You do NOT want to contract that disease, and any of us who had chicken pox as kids is susceptible, as well as there being other causes.
As others have said, rest and take care of yourself.
Rest, rest and more rest, Neo!
We are all so grateful for the effort you put into this blog, we can wait patiently while you recover.
Hang in there, Neo.
This too, shall pass…
+ recommendation to take oil of oregano regularly, for overall resistance (available in gel form). Quercetin, already recommended, is also very helpful…
If you’re not facing any external time constraints…like a rental contract expiry…etc…Please don’t force one upon yourself.
Neo, I don’t often come down with contagious illnesses, but have gotten sick in the immediate aftermath of every major death in my life — not flu, in my case, but bronchitis or pneumonia. It’s probably true that the plane is where your son was exposed, but the severity of both of your illnesses may well be grounded in your grief.
I’m so sorry this is happening to you. Now that your son is gone, is there anyone in your life who can look after you a little?
It sounds like you are on the road to recovery, as rough and full of potholes as it is. Glad to hear that you are not trying to push yourself!