It is tough NOW. So how are we coping

elizabunny

Hi everyone and good evening!

Just had to jump in here re: the first aid boxes, because as I was mentally going through the list of what's in ours, I was reminded of the time I had the worst tummy bug ever -well it seemed like it at the time. Anyway, to cut a very long story short and not to go into too fine detail:eek: I had just returned from the bathroom for the umpteenth time and was weakly issuing instructions to DH to fetch me the 'K&M'' mixture -sold over the counter in those days, but don't know if it's still in existance. Well, he appeared seconds later and in the dimly lit bedroom proceeded to pour me a spoonful. I quickly swallowed it and then suddenly and chokingly was shrieking 'What the heck was that!' DH frantically turned up the lights, his eyes scanned the label and then he proceeded to turn pale. What he had actually given me was Calamine Lotion:eek: -both mixtures were stored in the fridge you see. What followed was a frantic phone call to 'Keydoc' and I'm sure you could have heard the doctor smiling as he re-assured us I wasn't about to drop dead.

We have since laughed about this many times.

oystercatcher

Better add 'torch' to the first aid cabinet as well..... and spectacles in my case !

Oystercatcher
(I've nearly finished my wretched assignment despite spending half the time on here!!)

cw18

elizabunny wrote: »

What he had actually given me was Calamine Lotion:eek:

Whoooops!

But that's another I used to have and hadn't thought about -- so it's on my list now

elizabunny

cw18 wrote: »

Whoooops!

But that's another I used to have and hadn't thought about -- so it's on my list now

Yep, Good I suppose for itches but definately not tummy bugs!

Pitlanepiglet

nannaC wrote: »

Yes it is. I was badly burnt 12 years ago and lavender oil, really helped to make the scar tissue more supple. Also Aqueous [think that is the right spelling] is every bit as good if not better than E45. Even after all these years I still can't use any bubble/creme bath things but a few drops of lavender oil is wonderful.

Yes Aqueous is wonderful stuff, over the years when my eczema was really bad it was all I could use, I used to use it as a face/body wash and then as a moisturiser. I couldn't use E45 as it had lanolin in it, not sure if it still does. Plus Aqueous is very very cheap!

Icemaiden

Oh elizabunny that is so funny, sorry.:rotfl:In all fairness calamine lotion probably tasted better. I still remember my mum force spooning K&M everytime one of us were ill it tasted disgusting.

Ice
x

Peartree

Haven't posted on this thread before so.... Hello!

As one of the most accident prone people on the planet I keep a very, very comprehensive first aid cabinet. If no-one has mentioned it before, can I urge you to keep a tube of good quality (I think you get 89%) Aloe Vera gel. It is miraculous on burns and believe me I've had some burns. I've even managed to burn my tummy with an oven rack (and a very amusing session in a crowded pharmacy when I was trying to explain it was had by all). My Mum was a cook for all her career (many burns, very cynical) and she put me on to it recently after a miracle cure of my Dad's burns following a minor flame thrower/weed killing incident (don't ask).

You need to go to a proper health store or get the SBC products from QVC to get a good quality (incidentally, SBS do a great value arnica). In my experience it is also worth having in a few larger size dressings and plenty of tape - but, again, accident prone. I like to think there are few home or garden injuries I couldn't address!

On the car front, I have picked up those silver blankets in pound shops for my emergency box but can I also suggest that you have a couple of old blankets/towels/similar in your car when it is snowy. Fabulous if you are stuck in mud or ice - put them under your back wheels and get going. Once you get going, just leave them there so you don't risk being stuck again!

Being rather fixated on disaster stories, I also have near to hand in my car one of those little window hammer/seat belt cutter tools. I mention it now as it is the sort of thing that appears that in strange gift sets that are half price after Xmas!

Again, being rather fixated on disaster stories, I also have a small emergency box in my bedroom much to the hilarity of my friends and family. However, on exiting quickly via the window in pyjamas, who would not want a wind up torch, a silver blanket and rainproof poncho (£1 in Tesco)? I'd also have a small battery charger for my mobile phone (with spare batteries) - sadly that would probably be downstairs in my handbag but never mind! If I've remember to pick up my glasses on the way out I'm winning!

gairlochgal

Excellent suggestion re the aloe vera. I use it on all the kids' vague itchy/painful/dry skin type things. DD1 as a baby had madly sensitive skin and got nappy rash all the time, and the 100% aloe vera gel was the only thing that worked.

morag1202

I'm surprised no one has mentioned optrex or vick's vapour rub which is good in boiling water for steam inhaling. I also have wrist/ankle and knee support bandage thingies and a sling - didn't buy them though, they came free with a few trips to casualty!

ceridwen

mardatha wrote: »

I have never got birthday cards and very few pressies, all my life. And when I do get one, ever since I was a child, it's always handed over with this one word "that'syurbirthdayandyurxmas"..... ARRGHH !

All contributions now gratefully accepted by Mardatha - a little bird tells me Mardatha has a distinct passion for sweeties:D .