Monday, May 16, 2011

you gotta know when to hold 'em

I am so stubborn about some things - and the worst part is, I can't even trace back to why. The example for today's lesson is: medications.

I have been a nut about it as long as I can remember. I had knee surgery in 9th grade, and I recall trying to get off of my pain meds as soon as possible. I blame that one on the fact that Keith Millard (a former Minnesota Viking) had a similar surgery around the same time, and became addicted to pain medication. A few years ago I had a bacterial infection that required me to take antibiotics 4 times per day. I am still mocked for the fact that I would set my alarm to get up in the middle of the night to take them, so I made sure to take them six hours apart. It probably wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't had to do this for TEN days. I know. I am a little insane.

So about three weeks ago it was my turn to get the cough that's been going around. I was sort of a baby for the first week, but worked out a couple of times. The last two weeks have been nothing but lazy town. This "cold" got to the point where I couldn't go to sleep at night because I was too busy hacking. I took a hiatus from my cold medicine (all over-the-counter) because I don't feel comfortable using it too many days in a row (shout out to my medication neurosis). Last week, when it got to the point where I felt like someone was standing on my chest every time I climbed a flight of stairs, I re-stocked my medicine supply, certain I could kill it myself - using only OTC drugs and my determination. I was wrong.

Saturday, when my cough appeared to be getting worse, rather than better - and after getting told in no uncertain terms by Sara to get my ass to the doctor - I tried to make an appointment. I am an anti-hypochondriac, and feel going to the doc for a cold is ridiculous - but I was ready to surrender. I was out until Wednesday for my physician. Another one of my adorable (a total stretch, but I'm going for it) quirks is that when I decide the time is right for something, I want it done NOW. Needless to say, waiting for Wednesday wasn't going to work. I checked the urgent care hours for a couple of clinics, and headed in on Sunday.

I look like hell!
After sitting in the waiting room for over an hour, with every sick kid in the southern metro, I got in to see the doc. It didn't take long for them to figure out I wasn't getting enough oxygen, and I was wheezing. After listening to me breathe, I was put on a machine (a nebulizer, I think?) for 10 minutes to pump medicine to my lungs ASAP. After listening to me breathe again it was decided. I have bronchitis. Awesome.

So 2 types of meds and an inhaler later, I am on the road to recovery. I guess the good news is that at least I was legitimately sick, and wasn't imagining how crappy I felt. I am hoping by Tuesday I can get back to the gym, because I'm getting a little squirrely. I will never take breathing for granted, again.

What have I learned? That sometimes you just need to go to the doctor, as much as you don't think you do, because you can't always think yourself healthy. Oh - and wheezing is bad.

Here is hoping all of you are in fine health, and un-labored breathing!

4 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear about the bronchitis. :( I'm really bad ablout going to see the doctor, too. My boyfriend's the one to go to the doctor and start popping pills at the first sign of anything..but I'll refuse to go, refuse medication, and just deal with it. Sometimes it's not always the best thing, though. Glad you decided to go and get a definite answer on what was going on.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am JUST like you. I really try to avoid meds. but hey sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to get better!!! its not worth being sick for weeks and getting others sick as well ;) love youuu

    ReplyDelete
  3. Natalie, I'm glad you got around to going to the doctor! You can never take difficulty in breathing lightly and when it feels like an elephant is sitting on your chest, it's time to go to the hospital! I hope you feel better soon!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm glad you're properly diagnosed & medicated!

    I'm the same way about being sick, but sometimes you just have to listen to your body. =)

    I'll report back after bootcamp!

    ReplyDelete

Please share! Or email me at: slimmingdowntosexy@gmail.com