Pain Management and Migraine Relief: Coping With The Flu

When folks with chronic pain syndromes experience other conditions, they often have to cope with additional problems others may not have to.

I was so hoping getting the flu shot would have protected me from getting the flu but this weekend proved that getting the shot doesn't guarantee you won't get the bug when it travels through. I was fine until Saturday morning, nothing consistent...just fleeting bouts of uneasy stomach. Then later in the day I went with my family to a favorite restaurant and during the meal suddenly felt nauseated. In fact the smell of food made me feel even worst. By the time I reached home I went straight to bed. Before I knew it I was starting a never-ending trek many face and it lasted all day Sunday and into Monday morning. By the time it reached Sunday I was already hoping someone would take me out of my misery.

Not only was I feeling horrible from the flu, but it felt like all of the muscles around my rib cage, abdomen and low back went into spasm from all of the retching. It hurt to cough, turn and even lay down. I was very weak and it hurt to stand up straight. The rough part of it was that I was so sick, I couldn't keep ice chips down let alone medications for back spasms or pain. So I suffered. My husband was very supportive and provided me with Ginger Ale and Gatorade and I sipped it very carefully and stayed still to try and keep it down.

Well perseverence is paying off and I am starting to feel better. At least I was able to do some work from my bed today and write this blog. So far I have kept down a nutritious shake and one egg with the Ginger Ale and Gatorrade. I have no appetite but I need to try and get something in my stomach so I can take the meds for my back. The heating pad has been on and I will continue to use it.

Sometimes it seems so unfair that people with chronic pain conditions experience flares of their conditions while fighting other ones. As if fighting the flu isn't enough. At least tomorrow is another day and one closer to feeling better!