Norovirus Not a Day at the Beach
I would love to say that couldn’t visit the blog the past two weeks because I’ve been dozing off on the beach. Hopefully someday!
Two weeks ago, I was scheduled for another radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure on Wednesday and planned to write about it that Tuesday. Instead, Tuesday I was too sick to write. I felt so much better at midnight (after vomiting) that I thought it was over. Wednesday morning, they did the procedure, not concerned about the nausea. I mostly slept for the next couple of days.
For the next week, all of us were sick. When she was well enough, Katie Beth did some research and realized there was a norovirus outbreak in our area. She had done babysitting for a hospital nurse and gotten sick. You can read about the norovirus on the CDC website or the history of norovirus on Wikipedia so I won’t make you endure any more of our gross details.
The norovirus easily mutates, so immunity is what they call “incomplete.”
Translation: We got sick over again.
Take away: Wash your food and your hands.
Strike that. Wash everything in your house. That’s the only thing that eventually helped us.
I think it’s almost over. The third time Katie Beth had it, it was pretty mild and I think I’m only a couple days behind her.
There must be some kind of lesson in losing two weeks work when you’re already under pressure. Probably something about lying on the beach being more attainable that we think.
This week will be spent trying to catch up with your comments and preparing to speak at a conference next week that’s been on my calendar for a long time.
Thankfully, recovering from the RFA has not been as bad as last year turned out to be. My neck and shoulder blade are sore, but there should only be a few days of that left. I’m taking it very easy on myself. And I may have finally acquired the invaluable skill of napping.
I’ve missed hearing from you and I hope many of you are having a real vacation. Take the Lysol with you.
Recommended reading
- Life of a Professional Patient, Blog#7: Radiofrequency Ablation with RA?
- Stand-up MRI and 6 More Useful Things to Know about Imaging
- Is That Your Final Answer? …or Replying to Misconceptions
rawarrior #rheum Sorry to hear you have been sick. Keeping you & your family in my prayers.
rawarrior Prayers for you and yours my friend. Knew you guys were sick. Hope things are on the upswing.
Hi Kelly,
I was worried about you and I’m happy to hear that you and your family are almost over the norovirus! I did hope that you were at the beach…
Thank you for all that you do!
I am so sorry you and your family were so sick. I missed you and thought that something had to be wrong. Take care!
Glad to hear you have made it through this ordeal!
Was worried about you. Searched for signs of you on FB and Twitter, to no avail. Glad you’re feeling better.
Kelly,
Ah, Kelly, we have, indeed, been wondering how you were doing and hoping that all was well…..we were hoping that you were perhaps just taking a brief break. Sorry you have all had such a tough time!
A couple years ago, our family, too, went through the norovirus illness–had to “cancel” Christmas til we all went through the illness….and we went through only one cycle of it! I feel so bad for the lengthy bout you all had! Take care, and hope everything will be smooth sailing, sandy beaches and summer breezes from now on!
It is good to hear from you. I was worried about you. It is amazing how much of my life you have become. I am glad you and Katie Beth sre feeling better. Take care of yourself.
I was very touched by all the comments and I love how you said that. It has stuck with me the past few days. Thank you.
Welcome home! Was alittle concerned about you after your treatment and if it went okay since we didnt hear from you.But alas, your back…sorry you all were sick, but happy to see the RA didnt hold down a fellow warrior for too long!
Hope you’re all feeling better soon! Prayers for you and your family.
rawarrior I am glad you and your family are feeling better Kelly.
I was wondering where you were and worrying that all was not well since we hadn’t heard from you in so long! Good to hear that everyone is on the mend – norvovirus is not fun! Two weeks at the beach – well maybe you should make plans for that! Feel better!
Get well, all of you. You are missed!
Best Wishes,
-Roger
Yikes! I was thisclose to nudging you to check what was going on, but I’m glad I didn’t add replying to concerned readers to your list. You in your family have my sympathies. I hope this is the end of this particular plague.
Yes, you were missed and after our move and having some health issues I understand and pray for you and your family. Sick is not fun. I waited and knew something was going on, but knew you would keep us informed as soon as possible. May the Lord continue to hold you in His healing hands.
Kelly so sorry you and the family have been sick. Napping is so important to keep up with the normal people. I hope you decide to embrace naps <3
Kelly, I was wonder where you were! Goodness! Feel better soon, you poor thing. (I hope your whole family is getting better.)
my husband gets RFA on his lower back for burning shooting pains down his legs. Usually last about a year.
Glad to hear you and your family are on the mend. Like I told my dr, being in pain has become the norm for me, feeling sick isn’t something I am willing to endure for a medication. Having a virus hit you really sucks for us.
I hope you embrace the naps as well. I just had my Rheum. visit, doctor told me I look the best he has ever seen me look. My swelling is down, my sed rate is good, I have lost 7 lbs(YEA!)and most important, my pain level is down. What am I doing different? Now that school is out I am taking a 3 to 4 hour nap in the afternoon. Yeah, 3 to 4 hour nap. Which puts me at 10 to 12 hours of sleep a day. My doctor thinks it’s great, might very well be what has helped me the most. I agree to a point, I think it is also because I was finally approved for ss disability. My stress level is way down, now that I know I can pay my house pmt every month and eat as well. Well back to school on Aug 17th, taking a full load so we’ll see how I do then.
Thanks for sharing the good news! And I do think sleep / rest is excellent as part of our care for active RA. I will try harder to do it more. I like how clearly I can think when I”m rested too – probably makes work go faster – less head scratching. Good luck w/ school!