Did you know...

[jenepherre]

...that it's possible to hyperventilate just by taking slow, supposedly calming breaths? It is. And apparently I'm prone to doing just that. Long, deep slow breaths - which seem like they should be calming - are just as bad as frequent, rapid short breaths. Either way, you keep doing it and you'll be losing too much CO₂ and your hands and feet and lips will get all numb and eventually you'll pass out. (Learned this the other night on the way to the ER from a really cute paramedic with a southern accent. Life isn't all bad.)

Posting right now mainly because big_brian_o said:

there is a super cold as they call it going around. It is said to be horrible.

To which I replied:
Really? That would pretty much describe it. Antibiotics do nothing for it since it's viral, not bacterial, but it's worse than any cold I can imagine. Because it's so bad, it keeps getting misdiagnosed - I started out with a diagnosis of bronchitis. Mom and Dad are both sick with the same thing, yes, though not nearly as bad.

They did run a crapload of tests on me when I was in the ER and were able to tell me that I'm doing everything I can possibly do to get better. It just has to run its course, which seems to be a much longer course than any cold they've dealt with in recent memory.

I have to admit this is one of those times when the benefits of being raised Mormon are somewhat worthwhile. The Relief Society (the church's women's organization) has been bringing us dinner every night, and there's always someone we can call if we need something picked up at the pharmacy or whatever.

I'm having occasional moments now where I feel a bit better, so I'm taking that as a good sign, but trying not to push it either. I have read every single one of your comments and e-cards and whatnot and appreciate every one of them. I've got some awesome friends, obviously.

And before I crawl back to bed, I simply must say...

Rest In Peace, Heath. You and your talent will be sorely missed.

Comments

[queenydiva.livejournal.com]

Hope you're feeling better soonest, dear! *sends chicken soup*

[rainmakerslurve.livejournal.com]

super cold? That's creepy. How long have you been sick with it? A lot of people I know have been getting sick, but aside from one, I think the rest of them are just dealing with normal colds or flus.

I hope you feel better soon, and it's great that you know people who can take care of you and your family while you're all feeling lousy!

[wirthwoman.livejournal.com]

Jen,

Goodness, what a bad time you are having. It's hard to comprehend what you are going through but it's nice to know that there are people who come to the rescue and help out just because they are good people and you are good people.

Many years ago when my 3 year old niece was in the hospital for a brain tumor, my sister's neighbors brought in every meal so she could be at the hospital and not worry about meals for the rest of her family. I was impressed with the kindness of these folks.

I hope you and your folks feel much better soon.

Dixie

[kitasangel.livejournal.com]

I am sorry you are still so sick. I am sending good thoughts and virtual soup because the post office is so touchy right now if you try to mail liquids.
I didn't know about the breathing thing but my dad's an asthmatic so I have spent loads of time in the emergency room with someone having breathing issues.
My bff is mormon and after the birth of her 1st child the ladies brought in food and help til I could get to Texas. They were a wonderful group of women.
I hope tomorrow brings you better health. Lyn

[darksylvia.livejournal.com]

Ugh! What an evil sickness!

You sound better!

[sdrichey.livejournal.com]

Hope that every day has you feeling more and more well, and that your parents get well soon too. Hugs, Sherrie

[ronmionefan.livejournal.com]

Hope everything will be ok with you. :)
Take care!

Yea I miss Heath Ledger.

Do you have more Heath/Jake animations?

[jenepherre.livejournal.com]

Do you have more Heath/Jake animations?

Um, I do have a few others, but I didn't make any of them to share, other than with a few close friends. Very very few of my icons are meant to be shared anymore. Just had too many bad experiences with people taking stuff. If you look on my allpics page (http://www.livejournal.com/allpics.bml?user=jenepherre), it says which icons I made and which I'm willing to share with others. I hope you understand.

[meimur.livejournal.com]

I do hope you feel better soon! This definitely sounds like what I had. Unfortunately, it took me a full 6-7 weeks to feel 100% better. In those weeks I went anywhere from feeling 10-20% better to feeling 80-90% better, but I could still tell I couldn't pull in a full breath. It's completely draining, so give yourself time to get better, and don't push it!

[in-the-tropics.livejournal.com]

Oh I can definitely attest to the "super-cold" theory. I had it this past winter (southern hem) and it was truly awful. If that's what you've got Jen, then you really have been through the wringer! It was weeks before I was able to do anything without being exhausted - I'd hang out half a dozen things on the clothes line and lie down for 2 hours! You need to just take it very slowly and gently, and only do what you can. Eat well (when you feel like eating), drink lots of water and clear tea, and just sleep. That was the only thing that worked for me.
*pets*