Vampire ticks!

But I have no other signs of vampirism, dammit. I want pointy teeth and the ability to control people with my mind!

You've already got Clovis for the pointy teeth and mind control.

Oh, Jilli, yikes! But since you have a diagnosis, it sounds like you have a treatment plan, yes? Which is definitely good.

...Which makes what I was about to post seem kind of silly, but I still need to ask it, because it's reduced me to tears yet again:

What can/ought I be doing to get over a lingering cold? (It's either the same cold that started in October, went away about 95% and then came back 2 weeks ago, or it's possibly a new cold. Either way, it sucks.)

I know all the obvious: fluids, rest, treat the symptoms as best I can. But -- is there ANYTHING else? Anything that would prop up my shantytown of an immune system? Like...supplements/vitamins/whatever? I am just so goddamn tired of feeling this shitty.

A flooded basement.

Crappity.

Many rounds of antibiotics and vitamin cocktails are in my future.

Double crappity. But at least they figured it out. May the meds and vitamins do the trick.

You've already got Clovis for the pointy teeth and mind control.

Yes, but I want those things for ME. Because sometimes Clovis and I have differing views on what we should mind control people about.

Anything that would prop up my shantytown of an immune system? Like...supplements/vitamins/whatever? I am just so goddamn tired of feeling this shitty.

I know this! Clean your ears with hydrogen peroxide, use some sort of neti pot or nasal rinse at LEAST once a day, and take extra vitamin D. Also, go to your local health food/vitamin store and pick up a bottle of this: [link]

It really does help bolster your immune system.

it turns out I have Epstein-Barr virus and chronic Lyme disease. Which explains the constant tired and vaguely sickly

No wonder you have been so sick. I hope the vitamins, etc help.

Teppy, I have no advice, but if you find something that works, let me know. I have been fighting off ick after ick since I have been watching G on Friday. He always has something and he hasn't quite mastered the art of not sneezing or coughing directly in my face.

I know this! Clean your ears with hydrogen peroxide, use some sort of neti pot or nasal rinse at LEAST once a day,

I have to confess right now that I knew these things, and even have a neti pot, and haven't been doing them at all. I also haven't been getting enough sleep. And I'm always a big proponent of the neti pot.

Sometimes I do not act in my own best interest.

Also, go to your local health food/vitamin store and pick up a bottle of this: [link]

By hook or by crook, the universe wants to get mushrooms into me. So -- what is it in the supplement that helps the immune system? (I'm not doubting you; I just want to know stuff. All the time.)

So -- what is it in the supplement that helps the immune system? (I'm not doubting you; I just want to know stuff. All the time.)

I don't know the specific science behind it, but I know that there has been a ton of research about the immunity-boosting properties of specific types of mushrooms. My doctor (who is a MD/naturopath, which is part of why she is so fantastic) shrugs at a lot of other health-food supplement stuff, but is very enthusiastic about Host Defense.

Teppy, I can't recall offhand if you go in for nasal irrigation. If you don't, I recommend finding some format that you can stand. It may relieve your symptoms considerably. If the issue is viral, supplements of L-Lysine may boost your immune system. Olive Leaf extract is another, that I have found useful against both viral and bacterial infections - superior in effect to echinacea.

I have to confess right now that I knew these things, and even have a neti pot, and haven't been doing them at all. I also haven't been getting enough sleep. And I'm always a big proponent of the neti pot.

Please take care of yourself, Teppy. I know you have had a rough few months, and you are not quite yourself. But you are worth the effort.