Cold Remedies I've Tried

Ok, so the cold I mentioned in the last post seems to have turned into something very ugly. Headache going on the 5th day now, scaly sore schnoze, and a house in chaos. There have been many kind suggestions on how I should cope and a few of them have worked well for me.

• Movies and lots of them ~ the kids have been pretty good. Dade especially has a compassionate heart and understands that I'm not myself these days. He has been helpful in everything from getting things for me to picking up and putting away the toys. He even came over to me and laid his hand on my fore head and said " are you hot Mommy?". Matia has struggled a bit more, but has gone down for naps well and played well most of the time. She has a harder time if I don't have the next thing ready to do, and she like more help with the picking up and putting away, but she's also a year younger, so I'm sure if this strikes me next year she'll be a big help (cross my fingers). We've been watching The Fox & The Hound 1&2, Cinderella, Snow White, Up, Monsters Inc., Toy Story 1&2. We are well stocked for movies so that was a plus!
• Tiger Balm or Peppermint Halo on the forehead and neck ~ I didn't have either of these products but I did have a Head On stick that is much the same thing and it is for use with migraines. It did give a cooling sensation which was nice, but it also burned the skin on my cheeks under my eyes and now I have red marks there. Maybe I got carried away with the application process.
• Warm Magic Bag/ Cold Compress ~ This felt good too, but didn't take the ache away. It ws nice to alternate between the two. The warm rice bag helped me fall asleep I think.
• Caffeine with Advil ~Since I'm preggy I couldn't have Advil, and I'm trying to stay away from caffeine somewhat, but I have been taking Tylenol and then counting the hours until I can take the next dose. Brutal!!! Usually I respond very well to Tylenol, but it barely took the edge off this time. That's how I know whatever I have is fairly bad compared to normal for me.
• Kleenex with Eucalyptus ~ I didn't know such a thing existed and I didn't find any, but I did splurge on the kind with lotion. I'm a big spender I know! Definitely a nice change from the rolls of bathroom tissue I've been carrying around with me.
• Hot water with lemon & honey ~ very soothing and yummy (not that I can taste anything). It did increase my trips to the bathroom at night, but I guess it is good to flush the system (literally).
• Sleep ~ I did this as much as possible, and the kids were cooperative in giving me 2 days of nice long naps (11/2hrs ish). After my nap this afternoon I could feel that things are starting to improve, so I shall keep on sleeping as much as I can.
• Call Grandma and ask her to watch the kids ~ well one of the Grandma's is already watching a set of grand kids though I know she is praying for me and helping me out in that way. Plus she brought my kids hula hoops and an old wind sock that my DH made in home ec ages ago and those little trinkets have been helpful in keeping the kids entertained. My mom lives a couple of hours away and works full time, but this morning when I felt like I couldn't stand up again I did succumb to the inner child and gave her a call at home in case she had the day off. No luck, which is probably good for me, the day was not too bad and I am finding I have the strength I thought I lacked anyway. Tonight I'll give her a call just for some sympathy, but it seems that I'm growing up and really can take care of my self sometimes. Both sets of grandparents have got us well stocked in toys and dress up clothes, so that is what kept my kids occupied when they weren't glued to the t.v. so that's almost as good as having them here. Thanks Mom and Mom, this is not a guilt trip, I'm just commenting on all the good advice that I received. Besides I really don't want to give you what I've got, so I'm glad you didn't risk life and limb to be here in my misery.