This recovery thing is definitely taking longer than I would like. Everything is such an effort right now and I always feel exhausted, even though I am sleeping very well at night. Today was the first day I had the boys all day by myself, although I'm not really all by myself because my mom came to stay a few days with me. She is great moral support and also helps out as much as she can. It is very nice to have her here and I am thankful she offered to come. She will stay for a couple more days and then I will be on my own. It will definitely be a challenge. It takes about three weeks to really get your strength back from being this sick with pneumonia.
I am gaining in strength and endurance each day but it is still quite a chore and I feel I am dragging myself around most of the time. I feel for the boys because I am sure they are really tired of all of this, and of course the husband too. He works hard all day and then comes home and has to take on more than normal at home too.
I was surprised by the good behavior today. The boys were better than I expected, after observing them over the past few days. We all got along pretty well and I was patient and kind, which was great because it is not always easy to be that way when I am feeling so yucky. My pain was a bit better today than yesterday so that was a big help too.
I am so tired of all this and so ready to get back into my life. I feel I am sitting on the sidelines and life is passing me by.
I had a follow up appointment with my doctor today and she is going to refer me to a gastro specialist for my acid reflux issues. We all agreed that the problem is bad enough that we need to do something to improve the situation, especially since there is a good possibility that this is what has caused me to aspirate and end up with pneumonia twice within two years. I got the pneumonia shot, just in case:) and the boys got the H1N1 nasal spray. They were not too excited about this since they had just had the regular flu nasal spray a couple of weeks ago and remembered it well. But I think they preferred it to a shot and it was over quickly. In another week or two we have to take them back in for their 4 year old immunizations, which will be 4 or 5 shots each. That is not going to be a fun exercise.
4 comments:
Wow! I am so sorry that you've been so sick! That is miserable by itself and ten times worse when you have kids to care for. Ugh.
I don't know which way is the best way to handle shots. It probably depends on the kid. Are they the type to mull things over and work themselves up or are they the type who like to be prepared for things? For my kids that mull, I keep the information to myself and then say "you have to get shots today but we're stopping at Dairy Queen on the way home and you can pick anything you want". Then they think about the upcoming large thin mint blizzard (or whatever) while they are getting shots. It works great if you're in to occasional bribery:).
Lea, I'm glad you're feeling better, and I'll be praying that the Lord gives you more and more strength each day. Being sick is no fun, and I know that you want to be able to have energy to play and do things with the boys.
I hope you will be almost all the way better for Thanksgiving. I'll be praying for you guys, and I can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks.
lea.
so sorry that your health has been causing you problems. sounds frustrating and tiring.
a few weeks prior to the doctor's visit, i would discuss the whole concept of vaccinations: just another way to keep you healthy similar to carseats, eating healthy, exercise, etc. i would describe what to expect: a sharp and funny-feeling pain that lasts for less than a minute. i would also empathize that it is okay to be scared - but it makes it easier if you just hold your chin up and bear with it. i would have this conversation as an isolate incident without connecting it to an upcoming doctor's visit.
on the way to the doctors, i mention that we are getting shots today - in a very matter of fact way - and then jump into a discussion of what we are going to after the doctor's appts for a treat. on the day of the shots, i try to keep shot discussions matter-of-fact and SHORT.
for my kids, the trick is to treat it as a minor detail of business - rather than make it an item of emotional focus.
but once again, all kids are different - and different techniques work for different kids.
two chapter book ideas for preschoolers: Mr Popper's Penguins, the Boxcar Children series. ryan LOVED the boxcar children. they were written generations ago - and are wholesome - almost to a fault. you might want to skip the first book where the four children become orphans.
some gift ideas:
brick cardboard blocks: my kids used these for years. great to build forts, pretend play, etc. i am not sure what brand ours are - but they are heavy-duty and lasted very well. the only issue is that they take up a lot of space for storage.
http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-24-2dpc-2e-Cardboard-Brick/dp/B001FVVPJ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1257880312&sr=1-2
straws and connectors by roylco: another big hit in my house for years (still gets used quite often by kate).
http://www.amazon.com/royalco-Straws-Connectors-by-Roylco/dp/B000NGF44S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1257880445&sr=1-3
with both of these products, it is worth investing in a large enough quantity to be able to take full advantage of them.
i will get that email out someday :)
Tonya & Christine, thanks so much for the advice on how to handle shots. This makes total sense and is very helpful.
Christine, thanks for the tips on great toys. Those are wonderful ideas and I have already checked them out and added them to my Amazon cart:). Makes me a bit more excited about Christmas for the boys.
Jana, Thanks for your well wishes and your prayers. Very much appreciated. I miss you too and am really looking forward to seeing you soon. I'm so sorry I missed your call today. Hopefully we can catch up soon. Love you!
Post a Comment