Feeling sick and leaving for vacation...

catsnack · 08-18-2007, 12:08 PM

Lucky me, I'm heading down to Florida in about 5 hours, and I"m coming down with lord knows what. I couldn't find anything on the web, so any of you ladies have a thought?

Headache
Lowgrade fever
Small blisters, not very many but spread out on body. Couple on a leg, few on the torso, one or two on my neck and face, one or two on my arm.
Generally achy

Last night I was piled under blankets (in a room with no AC) for about 3 hours till my fever started to break and I started feeling better. This morning I'm still running a lot fever on and off, but otherwise I don't feel that bad.

Sigh... hopefully last night was the worst of it.

knib · 08-18-2007, 12:19 PM

As the mom of 4 teen + kids... This is not a medical opinion. Just a humble mom opinion.
Answer a few questions, please?

Where did they start? Did the ones on your torso show up first?

What do they look like? Are they red and pussy in the middle?
Have any broken open?

If you answered yes to these, could you have the chicken pox?

Or maybe an allergic reaction to something causing you to have hives?
Some allergic reactions may cause low grade fevers.
When my kids have gotten hives, they generally respond well to Benadryl.
Benadryl is tricky cuz it can make you sleepy or it might make you hyper.

Just a few thoughts.

catsnack · 08-18-2007, 02:12 PM

I noticed on on Thursday night on my neck, then one on my leg during the day yesterday. The rest didn't start really popping up until I was really running the fever. I'm guessing the ones on my chest follow my bra profile since I didn't crawl out of that before I went to bed.

They were pretty small, and if they got scratched over they popped. (ok... i scratch them when i find them) There's probably less than 10 on my torso in general, and about 5 in other places.

I don't know where the heck I would get chicken pox. My sinuses were bothering me the other day too. I haven't tired benedryl yet, but a couple advil help.

Also, they don't itch and the only way I find one is if I actually see it.

knib · 08-18-2007, 02:30 PM

Chicken pox is everywhere, all the time, but you only get it once in your life.

Hives usually itch. So do the chicken pox. So maybe I'm way off.
I would probably talk to the doc if you aren't better by Monday.

catsnack · 08-18-2007, 04:03 PM

Well, so far I think I'm feeling better. No new bumps or anything like that at least. I will have to ask my mother if I ever had chicken pox.

I understand they're everywhere, but let's just say I have a pretty regular routine, no children, and don't know anyone with kids that has it etc... so it'd have to be a pretty random exposure. The bumps are not at all painful or itchy and dried right up once popped.

I know my boss had what they thought was a viral sinus thing a week or so ago, bad headache and such... maybe it's a spin on that.

Thanks for the thoughts!

catsnack · 08-22-2007, 07:07 PM

oh, it broke out real good when I got down to Florida. We ended up renting a car and driving straight home last night

I've got the chicken pox, pop! At the least, it's not itchy.

knib · 08-23-2007, 12:31 AM

Aw Cat! I am so sorry. Get better soon. The caladryl is great when they start to dry up and get itchy. If you don't itch em, they will heal faster and scar less. Also oatmeal baths can really feel good. My kids loved em. Karen

catsnack · 08-23-2007, 01:06 AM

Thanks for the posy! The caladryl helps cool things down. The ones on my body don't really bother me, the ones on my face, mouth and head hurt like a bi-otch tho! If only I could hold my head in an oatmeal bath!

knib · 08-23-2007, 07:43 PM

Oooo! An oatmeal bath for the head may not work (it might be a little hard to breathe, not too mention, oatmeal in the hair but how about an oatmeal mask. I wonder if that would help.

Here's how:

You'll need a blender, food processor or coffee grinder and 1/3 cup of oatmeal. You can use instant oatmeal (unflavored), quick oats or slow cooking oats- all work equally as well.
Blend or process the oats on the highest setting until you have a very fine, consistent powder. To test the colloid property of the oats, stir 1 tablespoon oats into a glass of warm water. If the oats readily absorb the water and give it a milky look and a silky feel, you've blended long enough.
Take a cup of hot water and add 2 tbsp. of oatmeal. Mix and let sit a minute. If it is a good consistency to spread on your face, use it. If it is too runny add 1 tbsp at a time to get it the right consistency. To help keep your face moist, add 2 tbsps of unflavored yogurt also. Do not let it dry totally. Rinse your face with warm water until it runs clear and pat dry.

Try it. It might help.
Karen

Beylia · 08-24-2007, 01:18 PM

Wow! So sorry to hear that you have chicken pox! Both my sister and I were some of the unlucky people who got chicken pox twice in life! I had it the first time as a new born and the second time as a toddler. I'm glad I don't remember, but the case I had when I was a newborn was severe and caused me to have a lower immune system and some pock marks. Hope you feel better soon!

catsnack · 08-24-2007, 02:51 PM

Good idea on the oatmeal mask.... I don't know why I didn't think of that! Looks like my face is clearing up first. With any luck, I won't miss much work next week....

knib · 08-25-2007, 12:23 AM

No problem. Happy soaking! Let me know how you are doing.

Beylia, That is too bad. I know that is very rare.

Karen