That's my litmus test when I know things are off. When my underwear looks otherworldly. Things don't just happen overnight, though; there is always a reason. It all started last Wednesday.
I have taught high school health education for the past 25 years and I have to say I generally enjoy my day, and last Wednesday was no exception. I was going over the student's anonymous sex education questions and I tried to be informative but also kept it light and told a few jokes. I wonder if I was talking too much that day?
Actually come to think I ate like a man having his last meal too. One of my co-workers won a national championship in lacrosse and he treated us all to caveman-sized sandwiches. My friend Pete also provided enough cake and pastries to warrant an insulin shot.
As I think about this maybe it was a food-borne illness? I really don't know. What I do know is that I started to feel fatigued that afternoon. A lot more than usual. I frequently feel exhausted walking home from work. Could be dehydration too. could be COVID weight. Who the hell knows.
So I took off work the next day. Wednesday night I felt like I was drowning in saliva and that I might choke. Fortunately that didn't happen. It probably was post nasal drip I think.
Part 1: The visit to the clinic
The next day after I dropped my mother off at the senior center, I went to the local walk in clinic. Now generally the walk in medial centers are very helpful. I smartly booked my appointment online the night before and also went to appointment a 1/2 hour early and I think they took me a bit early.
Everyone who worked there was very nice. I got my COVID test which turned out negative but the doctor said it could be too early to tell so I should recheck another day.
The thing is he evaluated me and said he thinks I have seasonal allergies despite the fact that I am not allergic to anything except dust, tobacco smoke, and cockroaches. Basically I can't spent any time in Vegas or in very unkept homes without sneezing my guts out.
I told him I don't have allergies but I guess he didn't believe me and gave me Zirtec and a medication that helps with coughs. I told him I cant swallow large pills so he suggested I crush it up, but when I looked at the instructions at home it said firmly dont crush up or it could lead to an allergic reaction or inability to breathe. SHIT. These doctors should really read the instructions on the medication more often. Fortunately my brother who is a doctor (although an OBGYN) has a lot of other general knowledge recommended Robitussin and advil and so far so good. But I have to wonder why the standards vary so much from these walk in health clinics. Who are these people?
PA's? Doctors just starting out? I don't know. Some of them are great, but it seems quality varies tremendously so take their suggestions with a grain of salt and don't neglect a second opinion if you want one.
Part 2: CVS (More to come tomorrow after I rest up)
OK its the next day. And I'm feeling a bit better but still not perfect. I still have a little fever. The fact is that it is 90+ degrees out in New York in May which is unusual may be a contributing factor. I don't know.
So I went to CVS pharmacy a few times this week. Considering how often I go there despite their high prices I really should own stock in the company. I picked up the medication that the doctor prescribed ( I probably will discard it when they have the "Shed the meds" program at some point) also things like tissues, cough drops, zinc lozenges and I was also able to get a COVID home test for free with my insurance.
So I went home with my ridiculous long CVS receipt and went to work on the healing process. While watch a Steven Seagal movie, I prepared the Binax COIVD test. Of course I screwed it up. I think it's a bit challenging even if you are in your right state of mind. The funny thing I have take other COVID rapid tests before and had no problem doing them I don't know why this one I screwed up on. The first part was I had to drop 6 drops in. The truth is don't if did it exactly right or not. Then I put the cue tip in the wrong hole (wouldn't be the first time) Then closed the test and waited 15 minutes. It looked like a mess. Fortunately I have 3 more chances to test myself.
Here is a question. Why are instructions on bottles so small? I mean I know there is a lot of information to include, and maybe my vision is getting a bit weaker (too many birthdays) but I couldn't see the dosage required on advil. I took one and it seemed to lessen my fever and I hope I will be well by tomorrow. I am going to rest a bit more and then try to go to a different walk in clinic in a little while. More to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment