Fevers, Flu Shots, and Colds

I was hesitant to write this post because the last thing I want to do is scare someone away from getting a flu shot since you getting a flu shot could save a cyster's (or fibro's) life and all. So I am going to preface this by saying that I have always reacted strongly to vaccinations. I get a fever from every single vaccination every single time! So this years flu shot was no different.


Monday morning I woke up with a little strange tickle in my throat. I kept wondering if the sensation could possibly be a cold, or allergies, or my imagination (funny how these symptoms popped up right after I did a post about how well my body was behaving). I had scheduled flu shots for both me and Kaylee that afternoon and I was a bit worried I may be coming down with something and wondered if I should delay the shot. I decided to get the shot anyway because I am going to be around a lot of kids in the next coming weeks and just didn't want to risk anything. We went to get our flu shots immediately after I picked Kaylee up from school. Poor kid had no idea that the errand we had to run would end with her getting poked with a needle. She cried when I explained why we were at the doctor and even tried to hide her arm from the nurse. The nurse told Kaylee to look the other direction. I started to say, "Focus on my..." when the nurse interrupted to say, "all done." Kaylee shouted with excitement, "That was TOO fast!" She didn't even realize that she just got a shot. She actually left the little shot room with a smile plastered on her face. Whew.


I was brave when I got my shot too and we went to celebrate with a little ice cream. That night, I got fevers which we all expected. The next day same thing and once again, expected. I should note Kaylee carried on as if nothing happened and no sign on a fever at all.


As soon as the fevers passed my cold hit. I had the usual, coughing incessantly for 24 hours followed by zero voice (from all the coughing). When the incessant coughing finally stopped I was left with a heavy chest and copious amount of watery mucus (happens every time my cold settles to my chest). And now I am in that weird period that my mucus is thick and gross and I know that in the next few days my mucus will get worse and I will be calling for antibiotics or it will suddenly clear up and I will be able to move on with life. Sigh! I have so much going on this upcoming week that I am really hoping my poor body can pull through this one.

Flu Phobia

At the risk of sounding like a paranoid psycho I am terrified of getting the flu this year. Last February, 11 months ago, I caught the flu for the first time. I was so sick I couldn't function (getting from the bed to bathroom was a huge feat) for over 2 weeks. I was sick, but somewhat functioning with help for several weeks after that. I was extremely fatigued and unable to preform normal duties because of this fatigue for months. It took me about 9 months to recover and at 11 months out I still feel like, although recovered, I am forever weakened health wise by the experience. I don't bounce back from colds like I did before, I get run down much easier and I just don't feel the same.

I recently bought clorox wipes for grocery carts, baskets, or other places that sick people may have touched. I always feel slightly embarrassed taking out my wipes and sanitizing everything because I am not normally a germaphobe, but avoiding the flu is worth the moments of embarrassment. I wear my gloves when I go to the ATM or other public places so I can pull my gloves off after touching everything (germs!) and throw them aside. Hand sanitizer is my new best friend. I no longer worry about hurting feelings if a kid at the park or library is coughing near my daughter I instantly pick her up and move.

On the radio last night I heard there have already been 5 deaths from the flu in the city I live in. Obviously, that did not ease my fears of getting the dreaded flu. I know I need to live life and can't just barricade myself in the house, but I am not going to lie- there are times I wish I could (and not go completely crazy from boredom).

Any tips on avoiding the flu through the winter months?

The Flu Has Hit Home

I think I caught death in a cold or the flu...something like that. And you know what? I don't so much mind the crazy nonstop fevers, chills, obscene amounts of mucus everywhere, the lack of energy, the lack of appetite, the fact that every muscle in my entire body is sore from coughing. Okay, I actually do mind, but it isn't nearly as bad as how much I miss being a mommy.

I miss waking before the sun and quietly sneaking out of the room as to avoid waking the hubby. I miss padding across the carpet to Kaylee's bedroom, picking out her outfit and getting her ready for the day. I miss our morning breakfast where she tells me all about her night as I prepare things for both of us to eat. I miss the way she bounces up and down in her high chair when she sees the food is ready. I love the way she chats at the breakfast table as if she knows that at mealtime that is what you are supposed to do, chat. I miss her contagious happy morning energy. I miss letting her play while i clean up breakfast. I miss that when she gets lonely she comes crawling back into the kitchen saying, "mama mama mama" until I scoop her in my arms. I miss playing on the floor with her and laughing. Oh, I miss the laughing.

Instead I am cooped up in bed, coughing, sleeping, struggling, coughing. I am listening from my half awake half asleep state to my husband getting breakfast ready, the breakfast K and I are supposed to eat together. I hear her telling him about her night, the stories she should be telling me. And I hear them laughing. I hear them laughing and I am crying. 5 days is too long away from being a mom. 5 days is 5 days too long.