Zenith's brain fog and disorientation is much improved, however she has been getting weaker as she has no appetite. Her Antibiotic is IV acyclovir 3X a day. Her side effects have been diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, headache, dizziness, there may be others, but those are my layman's observations.
Since at least November 13th until now the 23rd she has eaten very little. Her initial Illness started on the 10th, but I'm not sure how much she may or may not have eaten from the 10th to 13th. She was admitted to the hospital, diagnosed and treatment started on the 15th. I'm not sure if her lack of appetite is caused by the encephalitis, Antibiotics or both.
I'm concerned about her getting weaker and am trying to encourage her to eat, even a bite or two. I got her to eat a few grapes each day and a bite of banana. Her Filipino friends and family brought her some Filipino food and she ate a bite or two. She doesn't like American food.A few days ago they moved her to a nursing home, and what a shithole of a downgrade compared to the hospital.
Today I had a bit of an argument with one of her coworkers who came to visit her. I just can't deal with the whole we will just pray attitude. David didn't just pray he took action, same with Solomon, Moses, Jesus, and many others from the bible...
In the Philippines the family structure seems to often be a Matriarchy, where a senior female is the head of the family, and the boys are raised up to be irresponsible, while the girls are raised up to be ultra-responsible. As one expat put it, the boys are the girls and the girls are the boys.
Alpha Females with Beta males, I think it's related to Catholic grooming of boys since it seems common in Central and South American culture.
Fren, the bahala na thing is in their blood. So hard to overcome, it is really the opposite of American initiative. My best friend over the past 40+ years is Filipina and my son's dad is a Filipino from the Visayas. Both of them have a lot of drive and professionalism and familiarity with western culture so they have been able to overcome that paralyzing attitude. You are so right, my mom used to say, "God helps those who help themselves." Praying for your dear wife. As several have said here, chicken soup is amazing for a transition to more substantial food. Arroz caldo, as you know, is the Philippine version of chicken soup with rice. Thick amounts of rice. And some ginger. If you could get a Filipino friend to make some of that up, it would be great. Also, chicken bone broth (Dr. Kellyanne's version sold at Sprouts market is delicious!) is very healing with a lot of protein. God bless you and Zenith.
Thank you! Her cousin made rice soup but she didn't eat any. I got her to eat a few grapes Friday and Saturday and she ate a few skyflake crackers yesterday. I work 12 hours sat and sun overnights, but will be off after that.