BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains

Subject: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 02:54 PM

This is a new thread to give those who are working through aches and pains and aren't quite up to the rollicking good time and liquor IV drips of the infamous Mudcat Recovery Ward. I hadn't thought much about starting a new thread right now until I was awakened early this morning because my ex had taken my son to the ER.

He gets a stomach ache every so often, and we've made a couple of attempts to get it diagnosed but the children's hospital is way too slow and it is gone by the time we get to the head of the triage line. This time it was a weekend, and we had all agreed that if he got this kind of stomach ache again to avoid the children's hospital if we want him seen sooner.

It could be appendicitis (this time), but he could just be showing a normal appendix on the large size. He may have some slight infection, but if he has it, it is very early and we have a few days to decide on surgery. So we have time to see if he isn't suffering from constipation or a migraine (or both). We've given ourselves 24 hours from when he was admitted this morning to see if he clears up and feels completely back to normal (but we'll still follow up with doctors after this) or if he goes back for the surgery.

Others in the de-clutter crowd have been sharing some of their health things in the exercise and house-cleaning thread, because that just happens sometimes. But like I said, if you're not ready to join the pink flamingo crowd with their antics over in Nurse Ratched's ward, come here for a little R&R. I know Michelle is coming along very nicely, and could probably use a new venue to continue to talk about her progress. Let's leave that nasty old cancer talk behind when we can!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Alice
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 03:00 PM

Sorry to hear about your son.
I'm home on an unpaid medical leave.
I'm in chat right now if anyone wants to join.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: gnu
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 03:17 PM

"the pink flamingo crowd with their antics" ???

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 03:26 PM

Haven't you been to the Mudcat Recovery Ward? I distinctly remember Sinsull decorating a room for LilyFestre with pink flamingos and big overstuffed bears and pillows. In fact, if Michelle actually enters that room, she may completely disappear from sight under all of the stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 03:29 PM

I believe they may also call themselves the Evil Sisterhood, but frankly I cannot keep up with their nomenclature, or requirements for membership, gnu.

SRS, good thread-start. Sorry about your son's troubles! Glad you and your ex co-parent this well-- gives me hope!

If you do not mind prayer for your son (or other stuff anytime), pls feel free to PM any names to add to my prayer list. (The emailed prayer chain no longer operates.)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: jacqui.c
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 03:35 PM

The Evil Sisterhood would have nothing to do with pink flamingos. Much too easy for that crowd.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 04:10 PM

JEEZ SRS. I am sorry about your son. It is bad enough when a child is ill but when you can't pin down the cause it gets a bit frightening, nevermind frustrating.
Keep us posted.
Meantime, as Jacqui can attest, my sinuses continue to drain incessantly. It is disgusting. So rather than risk a colonic irrigation in the Ward, I think I'll hide here for a while.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 04:16 PM

Well, he's big now and can talk for himself (turns 18 in March). But still, it's a judgment call. He doesn't want to miss school, but we have to be sure he's okay.

Does Ratched know about this place yet?

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 04:24 PM

Last I saw she was running around the ward with a big black hose. I think we should leave her alone for a while and hide Lily in here until the "mood" passes along with whatever else.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 05:07 PM

Big black hose?

Somebody has to rescue Maire-anne. She is proper sick, and i just settled her into a bed and told her someone would be along soon with soup and aspirin.

GAWD! Poor Maryanne.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 06:14 PM

If Maire had any sense she'd be home in her own bed with a hot water bottle and some aspirin. That Ward is the last place in the world for sick people.
SINS, sniffling...

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 08:17 PM

My unhappy camper is waiting results from a laxative. We're following doctors orders, and he has been on liquids, and is now going ot progress to bland solids. He's hungry, but since nothing is moving, I think this is definitely the problem, not appendicitis. But I won't second guess the doctor on this--we'll watch him closely.

Ironic thing, is over the last couple of weeks we've been giving the cat an IV saline solution a couple of times a week (renal failure). Now he's had an IV and wasn't happy about it. I'll have to see how it goes next time I need him to help me with the cat.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Janie
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 08:42 PM

The talk of laxatives reminds me of the time -          Nevermind!

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: jacqui.c
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 09:36 AM

Here's hoping for a fast resolution Maggie - that does sound miserable!

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: maire-aine
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 10:32 AM

I'm here. Feeling a little better this morning, because my fever was down. But I expect it to rise during the day. Having a healthy cranberry-orange muffin & milk for breakfast. Thanks for the concern.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: gnu
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 11:49 AM

SRS... of course I have... just don't remember stuff anymore... I think.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 11:55 AM

Maggie, one of my kids had that problem at about 5 or 6. Refused to eat any fruit or veg or anything with fiber.

WARNING: If you are squeamish look away NOW!

Started projectile vomiting bile. Xrays showed extreme constipation.

I had to start disguising fruit and veg. Told her carrot cake was orange coconut. Pureed pulses and whole grains in hamburgers, etc.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 12:11 PM

Waiting the results from a laxative. Ugh. Been there, done that, drank a ton of ick BUT felt better later....here's to hoping that did the trick for your son. And, just so you know, that extra soft TP with lotion in it (and costs an arm and a leg) is worth it for times like this.

And Maryanne, glad to hear you are feeling better!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 12:26 PM

"The talk of laxatives reminds me of the time -          Nevermind!"

ummm.. yeah, when I was 14, I was playing basketball at a neighbors, and....Oh...better head for home! And......nevermind...

(didn't know about the Guinness Book of records then, or I might be famous..)

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Alice
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 12:38 PM

I'm headed to the chat room for some commiserating if anyone wants to join me there.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Bert
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 12:47 PM

Is he eating an apple a day?
Getting lots of exercise?

Don't wait for a laxative, get a Fleets Enema and get it over with.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 01:13 PM

I bet he would die of embarrassment if he knew that people around the world are awaiting his bowel movement.


I really have to find some new friends...LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: maire-aine
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 01:16 PM

Temp is still down, but I feel exhausted. But I'll be okay as long as the icecream holds out. Gonna take a nap.

m

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 01:18 PM

This morning the problem resolved itself, but I shudder to think that based on slim evidence this surgeon would have removed his appendix yesterday. He wanted to offer an answer, but he clearly doesn't understand about migraines--I think this is the intersection of constipation and a migraine. I'll be doing some research and making an appointment with a neurologist, if that is the best one to see about a migraine problem. (It took overnight for that lemon flavored bottle of salty citrus laxative to work--that is the one I've had to use before surgery and it cleans me out in under an hour. This kid was really plugged up.)

Not only did he not need an appendectomy, his gut was full of fecal matter. One of the things they tell you is that during surgery something else can be nicked and cause problems. An over-full bowel and sharp objects sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.

I'd had the feeling last week that we hadn't been getting enough roughage. He had a headache on Thursday and I gave him a plate of spaghetti for the carbs and didn't insist on any veggies, and I don't know what he ate for dinner at his Dad's on Friday. We do try to eat an apple every day, but I think we need to do the disguise veggies trick also. I'll be shredding carrots in eveyrthing! :)

Thanks, all!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: jacqui.c
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 01:19 PM

OK - if we're on ways to relieve constipation......

When I had my hysterectomy I got bound up real bad when I came out of the hospital. My doctor prescribed suppositories but my daughter couldn't get to pick them up for a few hours. I was getting extremely desperate - really needed that relief. I got to thinking about what might do the same job.

As it happened I had some cod liver oil capsules and reckoned that they might just grease the... Anyway, I tried that, being desperate, and it worked!

A few months later and Kendall was on the phone from Maine and mentioned that he had the same problem. I told him about my experience and suggested that it was worth a try.

At work the next morning I got an email from him, which said

'I tried the capsules, went to bed at 8pm, had a major bowel movement at 11pm. I suppose I should have got out of bed first.'

I was trying so hard not to laugh - how would you explain that to a group of people with no real sense of humour?

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 05:24 PM

Oh, goodness. . .

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 05:37 PM

snork.... Jacqui so sorry.. but I hope they weren't your favourite sheets.

Maggie... the worrying thing is that he is going off to college soon and won't be eating right and will be under stress. Sneaking roughage into his food now, is not going to teach him how to take care of his body.

Stress is bad. Need to get this boy munching on things like shredded wheat. The real stuff not the sugar coated mini stuff. And he needs to drink loads of water. Not sugary drinks, even sports drinks. Take it easy on dairy too.

Guess what the best treatment is for sore bits after bad diarrhoea? To sooth and reduce swelling and inflammation........













frozen tea bags..... I kid you not!

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 07:14 PM

Of course! Tannin is a wonderful natural remedy! My grandmother used to treat our bad sunburns with cool dark tea brewed for the occasion.

If your son is off to college soon, he is old enough to realize himself that he needs to have a solution for this little problem. Maybe he can do some research on line. This is a life-long issue for me, and I solve it with at least 3 different kinds of fruit every day, sometimes hidden in trail mix, morning oats (I admit to eating steel-cut oats every single day, which takes care of much of the problem, and isn't likely to be the choice of a 17-yr old boy). Dried figs are nature's miracle food, because they're full of potassium as well as being good for what ails ya (and him). Lots of really good stuff can be hidden in granola/power bars, oatmeal-raisin cookies (I cut the sugar way down, and add a dash of blackstrap molasses. MMmm, Mmm, good!).

My current ailment is a recurrance of a problem that seems to pop up on and off through out the year. My sinuses swell up, even though there's not much goop in them, my head gets heavy and achy, my throat dries out, and I'm just exhausted most of the time. I've had everything checked out medically and nothing turns up. I'm trying to increase my water intake, I'm already humidifying every room in the house, and next I'm determined to increase my daily dose of fresh air. Wish me luck!

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Rowan
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 07:36 PM

The daily recommendation in Oz is "Two Fruit and Five Veg."

And homemade muesli based on rolled oats doesn't hurt, neither.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Donuel
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 07:46 PM

My son once spent 9 days in the hospital due to
constipation.

It was chronic with him since age 4. But then he lost 15 of his 50 lbs and was near death. He had tubes upon tubes which frightened his little brother something awful. Things resolved themselves by day 7. Looking back I think the nurse could have at least presented the 6 lbs. 3 oz new born in a towel but no one had a sense of humor at the time.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 08:12 PM

No sh*t!?!?

:~)

Couldn't resist-- it was a Mandatory.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 09:41 PM

Send him off to college with Citrucel capsules. Two with a large glass of water daily should keep things moving nicely.
Auntie SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Feb 10 - 09:42 PM

We've been discussing it, and his dad has been eating a type of granola for a while that he finds very helpful that way, so he gave some to the son this morning, and he liked it. I've been getting some granola at Central Market that I like, and I think between the two of us we can at least get him into a granola habit. He is good about his other routines and medications; amitryptaline (where in hell does/do the "y"s go?) and he takes cod liver oil because he decided he liked the healthy brain aspects of it. So I think we'll build a granola component into this routine, and keep up the apples and fit in more veggies. (VT: You're right--we can't sneak them in, but we have to show him how he can include them and live with them at the same time.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Becca72
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 01:39 PM

Yesterday I came down with the head cold that has been burning through my department at work and I feel like 4 bags of shite right now.

Speaking of constipation, I work in Radiology Scheduling and Transcription and just a couple months ago we had an elderly gentleman who's chief complaint was "fecal emesis". Yup, it's exactly what it sounds like...ICK.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: maire-aine
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 02:08 PM

I'm feeling much better this morning. I have an app't with the doctor at 5pm, altho I think the worst is over. I had a ham sandwich on whole wheat toast for lunch & feel stronger since I ate.

On the subject of fiber, I supplement with Benefiber, at least two doses a day.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 02:46 PM

Sorry about the cold, Becca. It is making the rounds. Everyone I know either had it or has it. Gross stuff oozing from every orifice.
Enjoy...

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 03:25 PM

You can disguise dried figs in a smoothie. They are fantastic for keeping the GI track working. I start each day with a smoothie of two figs, 1/2 - 1 cup frozen, unsweetened blueberries, and 1 cup almond milk and a spoonful of rice powder protein. It's quick, easy, and tasty.

Also, Ezekiel cinnamon-raisin bread is a great source for protein AND has 9 grams of fibre. It's better as toast than otherwise.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 03:43 PM

Gawd kat, don't. I miss cinnamon raisin bread so much. Don't think I have ever seen it in the UK.

For pity's sake. You girls are falling like dominoes with this cold thing. All I can say is, Stop sharing tea cups.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 03:46 PM

Well, they say the recipe is in the Bible under "Ezekiel." *bg* Seriously, I did see recipes on google, so maybe you could make some? I can't taste the cinnamon, so it seems more like just raisin bread, to me.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 04:01 PM

Kat, I'll eat at your house any time!

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 04:04 PM

My feet are 2 blocks of ice. But the RA hurts so much I want them to be bare. How do I keep em warm without letting anything touch them?

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 04:29 PM

That's the only thing I make, Animaterra! Rog cooks everything else...but it's good, too. Thanks!

VTam, do you have any space heaters? A heating pad which can be put under a towel on whatever surface you rest them on? A dishpan with hot water with heated water added as that cools?

You can also do like my sister did when I ran a nail all the way through my foot, I couldn't stand the touch of even a light sheet. She turned a tv tray upside down, put it on the bed, then pulled the sheet up and over its legs, so the sheet was kind of "tented" over my feet and legs. It wouldn't have to be that tall, just something which you can pull the covers up over without touching your feet.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 04:32 PM

thanks kat... I decided the pain of socks and weight of heating pad and cover was easier to bear than the cold.

I am just whinging, cuz I want a turn.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 04:40 PM

Rheumatoid Arthritis is worth a whinge or too maybe even a full-fledged whine. Go for it Miss Tam. Wish I had a suggestion.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: maire-aine
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 05:59 PM

You just go ahead and take your turn at whining, VT.

I expect to be able to exit the sickroom by morning. I just got home from the doctor and he agrees with my flu "diagnosis". Since my temp is back down to normal, I'm just to rest, drink lots of fluids and eat healthy. I'm gonna get to work on that right now.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: maire-aine
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 12:30 PM

Just whining briefly-- my mouth hurts from gum surgery this morning. But this is the last time, so I guess I'll get over it.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Amos
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 01:17 PM

Get a small, strong electric heater fan that will blow warm air around your toesies.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 01:26 PM

This is meant to be a "kinder gentler" area to complain about our aches and pains than the free-for-all environment of the Mudcat Recovery Ward, and it seems to be working. I think several of our members are either feeling better or have branched out into dedicated threads to deal with their health issues.

We're getting an on/again off/again winter around here, so some of the complaints (dry skin, chapped lips, watery eyes) will go away without much treatment as soon as spring finally takes hold. And I hope some of you manage to shake these colds soon, if you haven't already.

VT, have you been reading about Curmudgeon's health issues? Linn made a remark over there about using a slab of stone meant to heat on the wood stove and then use to warm the bed or feet or whatever. The stone version of a warming pan, I think. Maybe a nice warm slab of soapstone or whatever it's made of would be nice on the floor under your feet.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 01:51 PM

Cold's gone; back is better. How is blowing hot air on her toes going to help with gum pain?

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Becca72
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 03:25 PM

Still a bit congested but my head no longer feels like it's going to explode.

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Joybell
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 07:01 PM

So glad everything worked out OK, Maggie.
Now I can feel alright about mentioning sciatica, chronic neck, upper and lower back, and shoulder pain, also in both knees and both hips. Asthma when exposed to smoke. There's so much "fuel reduction burning" going on the air is full of smoke all the time. Headache if I accidentally eat something containing sulphite.
On the up-side my pacemaker is working on a heart that doesn't beat for itself at all any more.
Hooray! I feel lots better. I'm alive!!
Thanks, Maggie.
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Comforting those w/ aches & pains
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 08:34 PM

Oh, that's right. Amos's remark was for someone further up the page, I think. Or VT up the page. Anyway, it was several posts back.

Goodness, Joybell!