Still ill though think I have turned a corner as I seemed to have lost that overwhelming feeling of utter exhaustion. I just feel bloody knackered now.
And yes, I'm still coughing.
Doc says my chest is now clear so I've just got to go with it, although if no better by next week I have to return for chest x-rays, blood test and lung function tests. Why, I asked, can that not be done this week? Apparently I've not been ill long enough...... Four weeks today I started coughing.
Not up to even contemplating exercise yet - that will come in time. For now, I'm focusing on trying to eat well to nourish myself (although I'm not always successful..... :p )
I recently acquired a pumpkin and yesterday I decided to make up some soup with it. First time I've ever cooked it and I was pleased with how easy it all was, however the taste, for me, was very similar to chicken soup - something I'm not overly fond of. Sadly, no pics as I didn't give it a thought. Not sure I'll cook it again.
I'm still having my belly warming podge for brekkie. This week I've been adding more fruit to it to try to up my F&V intake. At the weekend as part of our shopping we bought in some peaches and pears which I've let go over ripe. Yesterday I peeled a pear and finely chopped it into the porridge along with a generous dash of cinnamon and a handful of blueberries. Today it was the turn of the peach which I skinned and then mashed to a pulp, adding that to the podge along with blueberries and a dollop of 2% greek yogurt. Absolutely gorgeous. Again, no pics I'm afraid, *slap to wrist*.
I'm still signed off from work but am aiming to return on my next set of day shifts, which will be next Thursday. Should be *much* better by then......
Til next time x 
You know how I said that I was healing in my last post? Well knock me down in flames, I was wrong. I'm now into my 2nd week of this wicked chest infection and feel worse than ever.
I had my weekend away with Mr DF and, in hindsight, it wasn't the wisest move. It was good to get out in the fresh air, however if you consider that on Saturday night I was in bed and asleep in the hotel for 9pm that gives you an idea of my rock'n'roll lifestyle.
Yes, I am feeling very sorry for myself. Twas my birthday yesterday and we celebrated with a glass of wine each before having a cup of tea and a game of scrabble. Then I collapsed back into bed.
On the plus side, I decided that Operation Recoup was still going to commence.
Brekkie: Porridge with blueberries and a dollop of 0% Total greek yog
Lunch: Homemade butternut squash soup
Dinner: Chicken thighs pan fried with onions and peppers in stock, paprika and cumin served with diced potatoes.
Pud was naughty but as it was my birthday..... apple pie and custard.
In summary then, here were my aims for OR.
"In the first instance it will be healthy, wholesome and nutritious foods.
In the second instance it will be logged into my diary so that I can begin to gain some degree of control back.
In the third instance it will be *some* kind of fresh air every day - whether that be a walk to start with, or heaven forbid, a RUN!"
So, Aims 1 and 2 were mostly achieved, and whilst Aim 3 wasn't achieved I think I must be feeing a little better though as I'm seriously craving some exercise........
Til next time x
So, the body has been busy healing. Well, it didn't stand a chance really what with double strength antibiotics, 2 bottles of cough medicine, paracetamol AND strepsils.
Oh yes, and the white crusty bread and biscuits..... purely medicinal you understand :p
Time though for me to step in and start to be kind to myself again. My poor body has been bombarded with chemicals and has suffered the side effects - including upset tummy and incredibly dry skin with very itchy scalp but I've also suffered with badly disturbed sleep patterns.
That is also a symptom of other things that have been going on with me ie, Winter Blues combined with PMEBS. In case you don't know what that is, it stands for Post Major Event Blues Syndrome. I have no idea if that is a recognised medical condition, but I think it sounds kinda cool.
As I see it, the symptoms are:
* spend almost a year of your life planning a Major Event (make that a life changing event, why not?)
* have yourself the most amazing day of your life enjoying the Major Event
* get away for a mere 14 days to try to catch breath after the Major Event
* come home to major work stress
* feel at a bit of a loose end now the Major Event is a dim and distant memory
Throw into the mix That Time Of The Year:
* dark mornings
* dark evenings
* barely any sunshine in the daylight hours
and you end up with a gibbering wreck that was Donnyfan. Oh yes, and of course a wicked chest infection to cap it all.
Well, the only way is up people. I have choices here:
* sit back and let life slip past every day and just 'ride the wave' until I start to feel better
or
* take myself by the scruff of the neck, come up with a plan to nourish my mind and body and get myself well again.
hmmmm..... tough choice...... NOT!
Mr DF is whisking me away for my birthday this weekend to Warwick. A couple of days of fresh air (hopefully it won't be too damp!) and time for us to enjoy being together away from the hum drum of working, household chores and so on are just what the doctor ordered.
On my return Operation Recoup will begin and the healing process will continue. I may not be able to exercise due to my chest, but I can confidently say that the only thing stopping me eating properly is...... ME. I have been my own worst enemy this last few weeks, but I'm rapidly making peace with myself and reckon I'm on the verge of actually being friends with myself again.
What will Operation Recoup be?
In the first instance it will be healthy, wholesome and nutritious foods.
In the second instance it will be logged into my diary so that I can begin to gain some degree of control back.
In the third instance it will be *some* kind of fresh air every day - whether that be a walk to start with, or heaven forbid, a RUN!
I'm actually starting to feel quite excited about this......
Til next time x
So, there I was in the process of picking myself up by the scruff of the neck and giving myself a good ole talking to when.........
I started coughing and a-wheezing.
Long story short, full blown chest infection.
* Double strength anti-biotics - check
* Inhaler - check
* Cough medicine for chesty coughs - check
* Strepsils for sore throats and coughs - check
Don't come too near me as I'd hate to pass on the lurgy......
Til next time x
