[Brambledog]

Just a little woe moment people....

Yesterday early evening I had horrible searing nerve pains across my chest, round my shoulder, down my arm to my hand, through my side into my groin and down into my left knee. Clearly nerve related, not constant or crushing etc, and worse when I breathed in. Thought best to get checked so went off to clinic.

They did the regulation ECG of course because it was chest area, all fine. Doc was lovely actually, makes such a nice change . BP fine, O2 sats good etc. Then she said, you don't look well though... Turns out I'm running a slight temp, throat very inflamed, glands round neck and jawline very raised and tender, lungs bit rusty. She asked me a bunch of other questions and says I probably have the flu. Fab.

Rest, fluids, sensible diet, vitamin C, paracetemol for temp. She didnt pretend to know CRPS very well but grasped the idea really well and intelligently applied her thinking - thinks the flu plus CRPS combo aggravated the brachial nerves, combined with bronchial pain, hence the shock waves effect down my affected left side. When she said it, i realised that last winter I actually had a very similar thing resulting in ER visit and identical outcome. Weird.

I asked her about the flu jab and she said she isn't that keen and doesn't have it herself. She said they only guess the strain, and she's seen plenty of colleagues get it the same winter as having the shot. I haven't had mine done yet and am now wondering whether to bother.

So I feel lousy and crap. Everything is too bright. Tired doesn't begin to describe it. I'm exhausted like a newborn kitten but definitely not as cute lol. Keep sleeping and then having a wakeful hour or so before collapsing again. Throat sore and tight, and feel as though a team of horses have galloped over me and then kicked me in the chest and head. CRPS is doing weird things too... On the tv they always bracket 'colds and flu' like they're the same, but this is so different to a cold. I'd never stay in bed with a cold for longer than a few hours!

I hope this goes soon. My family are being so great and looking after me with soups and tea etc, company and care. I'm very lucky.

Blugh. Shallow little raspy breaths and squeaky voice. Had some Christmas wine and nice cheese earlier to cheer me a bit - husband's idea, bless him. No work for a few days though, not what I need near Christmas

Hope you are all doing ok out there in la-la land

Bram

[stief303]

Hope you feel better soon Bram!

[Nanc]

Aww, so sorry you have the flu Bram I hope you get to feeling better VERY soon!!

Take care, rest and push those fluids!
Nanc

[RSD ME]

I'm so sorry you have the flu Bram. That stinks! I hope you feel better soon. Try to get some rest and drink lots of liquids and chicken soup. I wish I could send some chicken soup your way to make you feel better. I hope you get over the flu soon and have a peaceful night's sleep.

[zookester]

If I could send chicken soup across the internet I would!

I hope you recover quickly!

Stay cozy, rest easy and drink a cup or ten of ginger tea
Tessa

[Vrae]

Hello lovely lady, Hate to hear you're under the weather and I sure hope you get to feeling better real quick!

I swear I caught GLUE and not the FLU This crap has lasted what feels like forever. I think I am nearing the end of it.. I think.

I have noticed that when I have a virus, a cold, or anything like that, my CRPS symptoms are heightened. It's crazy like that.

Rest, rest, rest

[RSD ME]

Hi Bram, I hope you are feeling better today and that your flu is going away. Try to get lots of rest.

[catra121]

Take care Bram. I always get sick this time of year (working retail I am exposed to just about everything out there) and since getting RSD it take such a terrible toll every time. I hope you recover faster than I do and that this is very short lived for you.

[tos8]

Hi Bram did they test you for the flu? Here in the US during flu season, if you walk in with those symptoms into the ER then you get tested. First and for more most, I don't know if they have it, but they should have something similar, Can you get a dr to order you Tamiflu? It will help reduce the symptoms and shorten the virus greatly!! They don't give it out to everyone, but for those that have more suppressed immune system can get it! Second I would still probley get your flu shot, but you need to wait atleast 3 weeks until after your better to get it.

[Brambledog]

Thanks tos They didn't offer me anything like that, but I'm doing a little better today so I'll see what happens. If it lingers or I start feeling worse then I'll go and give them grief until they treat me lol.

I washed my hair today. It was exhausting but omg does it feel better now! I hate having dirty hair Crips is not happy this evening...my knee is alternating hot and cold, deep pain or burn. Sigh. Moving around helps, but then I get a bit chesty and tire very quickly so that's not really happening. Lots of good food and rest are helping though, plenty of fluids and the odd spoonful of ice-cream from my lovely husband. Bless him, awww...

Take care of yourselves lovely peeps x

Bram