B.R.A.T.

[mrdreamjeans]

B.R.A.T. - It's not an admonishment, but my diet for the next few days. I spoke with my doctor this morning and described my battle with a stomach virus, a particularly nasty guest, that took up residence in my body midday on Monday. I haven't been able to keep any food down since Monday evening; I tried eating last night about 8pm with subsequent disastrous results about 1:30am. This is the second straight day I have not been able to work. (This weeks completes my second month on the job.) I can't afford to carry this into the nursing home, though I may have done so before being slammed with the illness. I have got to get back to work or I will be hopelessly behind.

Mom and Dad just dropped off supplies. My doctor friend, CH, told me to have them leave the groceries on the porch, to have them avoid contact with me. If they were to catch this stomach virus, it could land either of them in the hospital. I've just taken the Pepto-Bismol they brought me, ate some regular Jello and am hoping things south-of-the-border will settle down a bit. A trip to the john every five to 10 minutes for 48 hours is tiresome.

So, what is B.R.A.T.? Broth-Rice-Applesauce-Toast, none of which I had in the house. I'm going to fix the broth soon and have my folks bring rice from the Chinese restaurant to me this evening. One of the problems is that most of the food and drinks I have in the house ... diet cranberry juice, diet Snapple, milk, diet soda ... diet this and diet that, aren't what my body needs to get well. Reaching for my Gatorade!

Oh ... one final thought. CH told me to expect to get sick every other month or so for awhile. He said, Neil, you're used to being around healthy people and haven't been exposed to the kinds of illnesses you're going to be as you call on hospitals, looking for potential residents. Your body will have to get used to it. I can't wait. *rolling eyes*

Comments

[jimwnyc.livejournal.com]

I was always told that B was Bananas, not broth. It really is a good thing to settle you down.

All thoughts of health and healing your way...

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Ah, you may be right. I was having a hard time focusing. But he did mention broth somewhere in there .... Thanks, Jim!

[bearfuz.livejournal.com]

Yeah, bananas. They perform the dual function of plugging you up a little (or a lot) and replacing the potassium you're losing.

Jim and I might have heard about B.R.A.T. from the same place; after the NYCGMC's 2006 retreat, many of us came down with a digestive ailment, possibly some kind of food poisoning, probably from inadequately cooked food (we had had a blackout while there). I was lucky not to get it, but John and many others were affected. We did the B.R.A.T. thing and I think it helped.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I am running out of Gatorade, so I'll ask my folks to bring me bananas today. I really need to be at work, but CH told me to stay away from there till I wasn't commode hugging. (Sorry to paint that particular painting:)

[guiser1.livejournal.com]

Feel better!! Sickness sucks.

And sleep lots. If you can find the bastard...

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

When left uninterrupted by bathroom visits, I've slept soundly. Last night was particularly hard, but I've got to whip this puppy! How can I learn my job if I can't stay well? And I have no chronic conditions that would mitigate me not being being healthy all of the time. It may be partly because I'm trying to lose 30lbs, that I'm working 12 hours days without much of a break and that the work is stressful. I drove 700 miles last week and attended two evening functions, in addition to visits at 7 hospitals.

Thanks for the words of encouragement! I'm feeling really isolated, but illness does that to you. Heal quickly yourself! HUGS!

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

If you have some white rice, make it in twice as much water as called for. (1 part rice to 4 parts water). Once the rice is tender, blend everything until smooth. Add about 1/4 tsp of vanilla and a sweetener of your choice. Chill it and then drink it down. It should help with the problems down south as well as get some protein in your system.

Argh, I just read what B.R.A.T. meant, d'oh. But I'm told that the effect of the rice water is what does the trick.

[quirkstreet.livejournal.com]

I'm seconding that "bananas" have also been mentioned to me as a good B. But "broth" is probably also a fine idea.

T can be toast or TEA.

I have to do this periodically, not for obvious tummy bugs, but just because my system seems to rebel now and then. I've never figured out what the culprit(s) is/are. A few days of BRAT fixes me up.

Hope you're better soon.

[theoctothorpe.livejournal.com]

Oh, sweetie, I am so sorry you're still in a bad way.

Sleep is really the best, so try and get as much as you can, assuming you can get away from the bathroom long enough.

My sympathies.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I don't feel a lot better, but I ws at least able to keep the rice and jello down. The applesauce upset my stomach. Pretty bad when applesauce feesl harsh.

[theoctothorpe.livejournal.com]

Well, applesauce can ferment while sitting in the jar, so it's not totally out of the question.

Glad you're on the mend. I however, got hit by a Mack Truck of a bug, as our office keeps re-infecting itself.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Well, follow the B.R.A.T. diet if it's stomach; if it's respiratory, MucinexDM, Airborne, Ibuprophen and hot toddys:) You get well, too, my handsome friend!

HUGS!

[theoctothorpe.livejournal.com]

Luckily, it's not stomach, just the same thing that I had twice before in the last 2 months.. mostly sinus and fever/constant shivering, and an overall feeling like I am going to die.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

((((Hon!)))) I am so sorry! If you tried to beat it on your own before, perhaps it's time to see a doctor. The viruses this year seem to be taking an especially hard toll. Wish I could help you, though I'm not in any shape myself to do so. Do you have anyone around who can cook for you, run errands, get medicine, so you can stay in bed and get well?

HUGS!

[theoctothorpe.livejournal.com]

Alas, no... Bill's living it up in Brisbane at the moment, and I am very, very envious ;-)

Luckily, there is stuff in the house (meds, OJ, bread, good proteins, etc.).

[mikeybill.livejournal.com]

Sorry you have been so unwell ! It must be utter misery for you. These bugs are so nasty. I hope you get well real soon.

And I have to say - no rice in the house? you don't cook rice? It's so easy and tasty.

Here's hoping this is all over asap.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I've never cooked rice, though I eat it when I'm out for Chinese or Mexican food. But then, I cook few things. I'm hoping you're right that it's over soon.

HUGS!

[chrisglass.livejournal.com]

I always thought it was BANANAS, rice, applesauce, toast.

Broth makes sense tho.

[chrisglass.livejournal.com]

Maybe I should read comments before posting.

Either way, you get better.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

"Bananas" is most likely correct. I couldn't focus much when I had the conversation with my doctor. I just remembered the acronym. I guess because I much care for bananas on a good day, that I substituted in my head for another B:)

Get Better Soon

[cruisebear.livejournal.com]

I hope you get better soon. You deserve an extra stipend as Hazard Pay.

Re: Get Better Soon

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I"m beginning to feel that way. I go a whole year without being sick (except for the bout with kidney stones) and now, twice in six weeks. Thanks!

[susandennis]

I wondered if maybe your current condition was connected to your job. The elderly equivalent of what new school teachers get. I'm so sorry. Here's hoping that 1. you knock this out pronto and 2. you develop a superman resistance!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you're right. I thought I had a superman resistance. I'm being proven wrong. I'm going to be out another day; even the Pepto is taking a long time to work.

HUGS!

[bear-left.livejournal.com]

Wishing you a speedy recovery & adjustment to being around your patients! Big hugs, & ah, yes, Gatorade can be a wonderful thing. G'BRAT, perhaps?

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Ch told me Gatorade would work when I couldn't even keep down water. He's right about that; cept, I've now finished 9 of the 12 fluid oz size and am already getting tired of the flavor. I've really got to kick this!

Thanks for your concern!

HUGS!

[bruinwi.livejournal.com]

"CH told me to expect to get sick every other month or so for awhile."

McCoy: Spock...You? An emotion?

Spock: Doctor, of all people, you should know that constant exposure leads to some level of contamination.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Constant exposure leads to some level of contamination. Who knew working around the elderly and sick, could make you ...well ... so sick! This bit of dialog certainly is a good example.

[bruinwi.livejournal.com]

It's also my understanding that working around the elderly for years on end will make you older.

Old age...it's contageous!

[tonethbone.livejournal.com]

Ugh!..I know what you are going through...Hopes for a speedy recovery

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Tony!

[elfkat.livejournal.com]

Hope you feel better soon. Working at a assisted living is as bad as working at a school for getting sick.

Hugs and a big glass of gatorade!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

It indeed seems to be true!

Chug a lugging the Gatorade ....

HUGS!

[lethrdadchicago.livejournal.com]

Sending well wishes from the land of the frozen tundra (-30 windchill last night.) Thanks for your theatrical musings yesterday, they were wonderful. Hope you can get back on your feet soon, let me know if you need me to FedEx some chicken soup (for a little later on in the process, I guess)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Chicken soup is the next step:) Thanks! I just hope to gain my freedom from the commode back.

HUGS!

[geometrician.livejournal.com]

Poor li'l guy! Feeling poopy?

I'd forget that BRAT crap. Do the TIVI (Thai-Indian-Vietnamese-Indonesian) method of self-bowel-stripping.

Feel better.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I think I've done the stripping without the spicy food; though a nice thai cashew, in theory sounds wonderful! I jsut wish I could keep food and water down.

My boss has been understanding, but I can feel the pressure to be at work. I'm resisting because I feel that I could make several wonderful seniior citizens and co-workers ill if I go back too soon.

HUGS!

[clamproir-mary.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear you are sick!! Sending healing thoughts and energy your way. I hope this is over SOON!!

HUGS

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, my friend! I appreciate the positive thoughts!

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

Aw, hon ... I'm so sorry to hear about this. It never occurred to me that your new job would involve an occupational hazard of this sort (logical though it may be). In the rare instances when I've had to battle the stomach flu, I've found jello and shaved ice to work well for starters - later, bullion and crackers.
Sending healing thoughts ... and BIG HUGZ!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Welcome to my diet, started yesterday. The Jello and rice worked well; the first food I've kept down in days. I'm trying to chicken broth today. I hate missing three days of work, but better not to expose my building to my virus. I hope today is the day I pass go.

HUGS!

[eressea.livejournal.com]

It's small comfort, but my doctor told me yesterday that there are nasty stomach/intestinal bugs floating all over North American this year. Working in hospital environments (like working in daycares or nursery schools) unfortunately exposes you to all of them. :(

Hope you feel better soon, and remember: you're a singer, and most singers are - at bottom - as tough as nails and as healthy as horses.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I agree with your assessment of singers. I'm seldom ill. That's why two illnesses in six weeks is a bit much to take ... and this one certainly hasn't run its course yet. Even Jello tastes awful this morning; and yet, it's the only thing I can keep down. Oh well ... welcome to one of the realities of my new job. All this .. and I HAD a flu shot! :)

feel better

[tkn1114.livejournal.com]

Go eat PHO, VNmese noodle soup. One bowl should fix all ails. Down on Travis @ Milam. Tell them I sent you LOL

Re: feel better

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Ah, but that would mean getting dressed, shaving for the first time in three days and being in a car and far from a toilet. Interesting though ... I've been craving Thai cashew chicken all day ... a long way from the bland diet being recommended, one that is upsetting my stomach.

Thanks for the advice!

HUGS!