A Terrible Birthday Present, Especially for a Parkie

When I woke up on the morning of my 56th birthday, something wasn't right. My throat was kind of scratchy. I hoped it was just allergies. After all, almost every desert plant was blooming like crazy and everybody was sneezing and sniffling. But as the day went on, it became more apparent that I had received a surprise birthday present that I neither wanted nor could be returned. 

Now I understood why I was achy for the previous few days. Now I knew why my usual 20 minute nap the day before turned into two hours and didn't make me any less sleepy at my normal bedtime. Now I knew why I hadn't been all that hungry at meal times.

Someone, somewhere had given me a Darn Cold for a present. I don't know who or where. Parkinson's and Darn Colds don't like each other and I don't like either one of them! There isn't anything humorous about getting a Darn Cold, especially on my birthday! 

Fortunately, we didn't have much planned for my birthday. Just lunch out with friends. By the time we got back home, my Darn Cold was in full swing so I decided to make it a party.

My nose was running, I was sneezing and I felt awful. I didn't have a fever, thank goodness, so at least it wasn't the flu. I'm glad I got my flu shot though.  

By pure coincidence, my neighbor Jeri had dropped off a birthday present while we were out. She made a quilted tissue holder from fabric scraps. This would definitely come in handy! 

So, I dug out my Darn Cold party supplies and settled in for the duration. These parties tend to last for at least a week, sometimes longer. First, I put on my snug-fitting old tee shirt that I use with the Vicks® VapoRub™ and climbed into my snazzy pajamas. You might as well look good if you're stuck going to a party that you'd rather not attend.

Then I emptied the M&M's from my new sippy cup (another birthday gift) and filled it with juice and added an immune system enhancer tablet. 

Then I got the rest of my Darn Cold party stuff out: Pseudoephedrine for the runny nose, Guaifenesin cough syrup for the chest congestion you know is arriving soon, Honey lemon flavored cough drops and of course, the Vicks®. I keep all these items together, just in case I need them. 

Be sure to check with YOUR doctor or pharmacist to see what you should pack for your Darn Cold party.

Also, you may need extra doses of your Parkinson's medications while you are partying. 
  

My Wonderful Husband took Lysol® wipes and tried to disinfect everything I may have touched. And I tried to avoid using my hands to turn on lights or open doors. Hopefully this will be a Darn Cold party for one and maybe those Darn Cold viruses will get bored and leave early. In the meantime, I'll enjoy the M&M's, because everyone knows you can't have a party without chocolate!