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Oh no!

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Just as I thought I was catching some breath and I'd re-join the forum for some more fun, I got hit by the very bad reaction to penicillin I was taking. I'm now on the antihistamine drugs and have noticed some slight improvement. Of course, not nearly as fast and steep as I'd like it, but I'll take any improvement after the initial episodes. But, with so much to do just before Xmas and my desperate need for truly quality me time, the last thing I can handle is feeling so useless and incapacitated. This has been the worse year health-wise for me, my immunity has taken too many blows - and I really thought I was balancing things relatively well. All I can think now is - what am I doing wrong? What am I missing to see, to do for myself?? Because it can't go on like this.

Any advice welcome. And encouragement. And joke. And link to good TED talk!

Love you and miss you.

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25 replies

Latest reply was from columbine(erin)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ornella, so sorry you are feeling unwell. I hope you will soon be on the mend!

My advice is to try to let go of some of those "must" dos....in times of transition (like the one you are experiencing) we do have lowered immunity. You need rest and recovery time for sure. The best thing you can do is truly to take it, hard as that can be.

Hugs!!!

deb

Veteran

I am so sorry. I hope you start feeling better soon!

Aziraphale

Veteran

I'm so sorry to hear this. I can relate! I don't know if I have any advice other than what Suz has already said: you need some rest. Real rest! I also think that humans are creatures of habit, and thus times of change are inherently stressful (even if the change is positive). And if your body is stuck in the stress (fight or flight) response for too long, your immune system falters. Or so I have been told, by more than one doctor.

I hope things are looking up soon!

N-Marie

Veteran

I hope you feel better soon! I agree that it sounds like rest is called for, and taking it easy on yourself.
My favorite TED talk:
http://www.ted.com/talks/kelly.....anguage=en

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Agreeing with Suz - we forget how important rest is in our recovery. Hope you are on the mend

These are the things I do to destress. (If you are feeling well enough) you could watch some funny movies, read one of your favourite books or go for a walk in nature.

Alassë

Veteran

I'm so sorry to hear this, Ornella. I hope you can find things to let go from your to-do list for a couple weeks.

Tanya

Veteran

So sorry to hear this! I hope you receover fast. From extensive personal experience, it is best to fully rest for some time before you go back to doing stuff.

Peri

Veteran

You really can't do anything about an allergic reaction. Not that it isn't aggravating and unfortunate but you shouldn't take it as a sign you did something wrong.

As far as boosting your immune system and finding better health balance, can you consider acupuncture? I'm a big believer and know it has helped me a lot.

Another thing might be probiotics. I'm not a science person but I've been told a huge percentage of our immune system is in our innards, and that probiotics can really help immune system health.

And nutrition of course. Best ask someone else about that! And hydration. And rest, as everyone has said.

Yeah, all of this during the holiday rush. Easiest for now...probiotics and hydration.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(Rest, lots of green vegetables and protein, staying out of the wind, and excessive hand washing).

Sorry to hear that you're under the weather. Mrs. O. Sending feel better energy your way, and take care. xo

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

When it rains it pours, right? Your big move probably was hard on your body this year - and at least you are settled in. Like others said, of course rest and relaxation is probably the best advice. Chicken soup can't hurt. Lemon water might help too. Hope you're feeling much better tomorrow!

Aida

Veteran

Aw sorry to hear that Ornella! Sending you the warmest of well wishes. I'm pretty darn allergic to penicillin, I hope your reaction wasn't too scary. I've had some down immunity the last year or two as well, it's certainly rough.

More recommendations from me to try and delegate as much as possible so that you can get some good, proper rest (particularly, lots of good sleep).

Will also second the recommendation to eat lots of green and deeply colored veggies, along with some legumes and green tea. I also find spinach makes my insides feel particularly happy, just be sure to eat with something that has vitamin C in it (to increase iron absorption). I did start taking some probiotics along with being stern with myself about a daily multivitamin, and both of those are helping a lot as well.

You've had quite the busy year with plenty of upheaval, it's tough to keep everything balanced! My last suggestion is not to beat yourself up too much nor feel like you failed somehow, sometimes it's just tough and our bodies let us know. Take care of your wonderful self, Lady O <3

One of my favorite TED talks: http://www.ted.com/talks/joshu.....anguage=en

A very delicious recipe for chicken bone broth that I have been enjoying this winter (and very easy to turn into a tasty chicken noodle soup): http://www.theyummylife.com/Sl.....cken_Broth

carter

Veteran

So sorry you're feeling icky. When I feel the need for a reboot, I always start with a day or two of a simple detox/cleanse. Bembu has great options. http://bembu.com/detox

I tend to do nothing but lemon water and chicken stock (two separate things, not mixed) for a day or two, then nothing but protein and veggies. No starchy carbs. No processed anything. Talk about an attitude adjustment!

catgirl

Veteran

Ms. O! Huge hugs to you. My friends and I feel that every now and then, someone among us gets hit with an unfair amount of ridiculously unreasonable $*&#@ that no one should have to bear. During those times, you need to be extra good to yourself and let everything but the very basics go. Drink tea, read books, hug family, lean on others and get yourself through.

What is going on that you are so maxed out? What can you drop right now?

rachylou

Veteran

There is only one thing to do: buy some christmas sugar cookies with multi-coloured sprinkles on top and eat them!

I don't do penicillin either and I'm very glad you're alive.

Runcarla

Veteran

Even good stress is stress...and it takes a toll. It should be you, and immediate family first (DH and DS). The folks who love you should understand, and might even rally to help. Accept any assistance with grace. Sometimes it is hard to sit back and be on the receiving end, but this year it might be your turn to be taken care of, rather than do all the caring.

jenanded

Veteran

Hugs... and a vote for rest as well... xx

ManidipaM

Veteran

Plenty of good advice already upthread. i am only going to add a prescription of sunlight or equivalent. Vitamin D is easy to miss even with a great diet and no atress because we are meant to get it made in our akin. And it affects everything from immunity to mood, and crucially calcium absorption. Afternoon or midday sun. Daily doses. At least fairer skin makes it faster!

Hugs, Ornella! What a time. But also, so much accomplished this year. Take heart and pride in that.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Thank you all for your words. They revealed something unexpected - I actually do not get enough rest. Patching up sleep and nap time does not work, obviously. I have been mostly sleeping for the past two days and feel like it could go on and on.

Aida :: I already live on chicken soup, but that is such useful link!

carter :: I think detox is a must after all this is over. Sometimes the most obvious things are not unless someone points them out. Thanks for being my voice of reason.

Una :: it's a mixed bag of everyday life, finishing certain things before the year is out, I've been looking for job, my sister had a health scare which worried me... all this without insufficient rest. A lot of stress, however you look at it.

Rachy :: I am glad I'm alive too!

Thanks again. I'm in bed, watching TV and TED talks. I have just discovered what is probably my latest favourite: http://www.ted.com/talks/benja.....anguage=en

Fingers crossed things will be better soon.

ramya

Veteran

Awww dear... The weather is crappy here. Assuming it's the same there. Do drink hot beverages like tea. What my mom used to do was boil some cumin seeds and freshly ground pepper and make me drink that entire day(little sips every now and then)

Liz

Veteran

Could I encourage you to take regular breaks even from the TV and the Ted talks? I suspect your mind needs a rest as well.

Sleep, zone out, go sit in a coffee shop and stare out the window for an hour. Sometimes we need that mental space for our hearts to let us in on what is happening below the surface.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Ramya :: that's a great idea for a tea. Will try it.

Thanks dr. Liz :: as soon as I'm not sleepy from the antihistamines I'll be out!

Karie

(website)

Veteran

So sorry to hear you've not been well. I work with children, so I'm around germs all the time. My best advice is to eat lots and lots of veggies, some fresh fruits, and wash, wash, wash your hands. Take it easy, rest a lot, and try and de-stress your life (easier said than done, I know).

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

I'm so sorry! I've definitely had times in my life when everything hit all at once - a bout of shingles and appendicitis when I was 19 comes to mind... I have always, without fail, been able to link my low physical times with low emional times. When my emotions are not stable, everything else gets out of whack. I'm not sure if that is the case for you, but it has been my experience. Interestingly enough, these low points did not come at my times of greatest stress in general (not even when Ellie died!), but at times of deep sadness/chaos/struggle in my relationships with people. That happens to be my trigger. My health greatly improved when relationships were sorted out and I found the things that fed and recharged me down to the core. For me, it is plenty of alone time, zone out TV time, and time to do art and write out my feelings. I have also found homeopathy to be incredible for both emotional and physical stresses (the remedy Apis, could be good for your current allergy issue). I hope you will be feeling much better very soon!!

Louise

Veteran

So sorry you're feeling rough. I prescribe sleep, sleep and more sleep, I'm a firm believer it's a great healer of both body and mind x

columbine(erin)

Veteran

Hugs! I hope you feel better soon! You have been missed!