Really Bad Day
I have not been well, really, but felt at least a little better and was willing to tough it out until this morning, when I woke up in some serious agony, sinus-wise. I got an emergency appointment with a doctor not my own, who listened to all my symptoms (some lasting more than 4 weeks) and then told me I had allergies. When I tried to explain that I've had allergies all my life, but had never been in this kind of pain before - plus the fever, plus the chills, plus the weakness, etc., etc., he acknowledged that there was a "one per cent" chance he might be wrong. His solution was to send me to the ER, where after a long wait I had a cat scan which showed I have a major sinus infection. Whoops, Dr. One Per Cent! (And what a waste of health care resources!) Since it was already way late, I took my prescription for antibiotics to the clinic pharmacy, where the computers were down, causing yet another wait. There was a really sweet kid working there, and I could hear him urging the pharmacist to take care of me - She's the only one out there, I heard him say several times. Eventually I got to start off for home, in blizzard conditions. And got a totally unjust ticket, which is too complicated to go into now. It's just all too much. Needless to say, thank goodness for cats and "kittens"... After a day like this one, there's no place like home!
posted by Lizzy at 9:53 PM
4 Comments:
Lizzy, I've been experiencing similar problems the past couple of months. The Los Angeles fires started the sinus irritation and being around sweet allergy raising kitties hasn't helped.
The things that did help are probably what you're already doing. I did one course of antibiotics, but I think what helped the most was using nasonex (helps clear the sinuses and reduce the dripping into the chest that causes so much coughing. The doctor also told me to start using a nasal wash - even when symptom-free - since this reduces the chances of infection accumulating in the sinuses. Another friend testified that she also uses this even when she feels symptom-free to maintain wellness. My younger brother has had several bouts with sinus problems and his doctor also recommended the saline nasal wash. It sounds kind of gross and takes a bit to get used to, but it really does help.
I can truly empathize because I had massive sinus and pulmonary problems when I had my cats. (I didn't realize I was allergic to them).
These infections make you feel like you've got the flu -- they sap your energy and the coughing makes it hard to get a good night's sleep.
Take care of yourself, Lizzy. I'm amazed you're still able to satisfy our appetite for pictures and posts even in the midst of this agony. This place is a refuge and I hope you feel better soon.
Hi, Sandy - Thank you for all the good advice! I've actually got the nasal wash kit, just haven't started using it yet... Tonight, for sure. I am better than yesterday, but know that's not necessarily all that meaningful, so whatever it takes is the plan now.... I love it that my little guys make you feel better, too - they are my refuge.
Oh, Lizzy! I'm so sorry.
Thank deities for little kittehs. Dr. One Per Cent deserves a feline smackitteh for putting you through so much. I note with some amusement the cat scan. Could've had it home for cheaper.
Curl up warm with much kitteh love and rest as much as you possibly can. Helps the body heal. I send you pots of virtual chicken soup.
Hi, PC - The "cat" scan did catch up with me eventually - I will now partake of the virtual chicken zoup!
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