Friday, November 22, 2013

New normal?

I have been catching every bug that comes within breathing distance this year. I think I have had two days without fever since my birthday, October 6th. On what are now the good days (when the fever doesn't start until 5 p.m. or after) I can get some work done. On bad days we're talking lots of tv. I am not really complaining. Sure, I would prefer to not have the sore throats/cough/headaches/body aches/etc etc and the fevers, but I am still able to get up and do a few things 99% of the time. It is a fact of life that with my compromised immune system I am a canary in a coal mine where colds and flu are concerned. As long as I get plenty of sleep, I generally tend to improve and I am blessed with a truly kind, generous, funny and sexy husband to take my mind off things :-}
I have an internet friend who is facing something much more horrific, and any positive thoughts sent his way are welcomed. I have a cousin who has had surgery and is having chemo for brain tumors, same goes.
If you are a long time reader you know I do not subscribe to the idea that, to make yourself feel better you should contemplate someone who feels worse yet is cheerful. (It's a common piece of advice given by relatively healthy people to folks dealing with a chronic illness.) But comparisons are obvious.
So I grump a bit about what more I wish I could do (work on the two shawl patterns that have been hanging fire for years, cook every day, write more reviews, start my own fiction writing) but instead of grumping about it, I will be working toward those goals in the shining, mostly clear mornings, after tea and before fever, and even though this crap affects my quality of life, I am appreciative that I still have life without any indication it is in danger from the minor stuff. I am careful. I could develop pneumonia and be headed for the hospital within a 24 hour period if my immune system totally tanks, but I take naps and keep myself eating (mostly) healthily to help my body fight that daily battle.
Now that I've had my grump, I want to see if I can find the wrapping paper left from last year. Some of Oscar's presents have arrived, and he loves to see them wrapped under the tree. We will get the tree(s) up for the first time in a few years next week and I want them ready.




2 comments:

AlisonH said...

Oh, Diana, I'm sorry, and boy do I relate. Sending healing thoughts (and grapes! Lots of zinc in grapes!)

It's so easy to catch every single bug and so much more of an effect when we do than people without autoimmunity have any idea.

Okay, and, I have a flock of birds outside my window as I type and they amuse me to no end. I've gotten to know the personalities of the various species that come.

Anonymous said...

As always, I love your attitude! And Oscar sounds like such a gem.