We've learned how to get through sick days...I keep everyone close by so I can see and hear what they need. When four or five are sick at one time, we run out of places to rest! This is the first week since January 3 that I have been up and at my usual routine. The past six weeks have been grueling, disappointing and somewhat alarming. I came down with the flu first and spent three days with the fever, aches, chills, and sore throat. After that, I just felt wiped out and laid around for another week or so. I rallied long enough to make sure that C and J had a memorable birthday. I was weak and fatigued, but I didn't feel ill. I had prayed that they would be healthy on their birthday and for their party. The night after the party, at 3 a.m., C came downstairs shivering and shaking and I thought, "Well, next time I just need to pray that they stay healthy forever!" I took care of him for three days, his symptoms were similar to mine. He was a trooper. He didn't fuss or moan the way that I do when I am that sick. What a tough little man!
I almost went to the doctor one day. Almost. I was still dragging and had heard many others describing the symptoms of walking pneumonia. I knew I had it, but hoped I could kick it without antibiotics. I was treated for an infection in November when my uncle was ill and I didn't want to take medicine so soon after. From what I read, walking pneumonia can heal without antibiotics, so I tried my best. At wits end, I finally set an appointment and set out. Our family doctor is about forty minutes away. To drive there, sit in the waiting room, wait in the exam room, go to the pharmacy and pick up a script and drive home would take me at least three hours. Just as I was leaving, a snow storm blew in. I drove about five miles and decided it was not worth the risk to get in an accident. Walking pneumonia is one thing. Getting stuck in a hospital because of a car accident plus pneumonia...a whole different story!
After that, I felt somewhat better and talked myself out of going to the doctor. We had a very busy week with our Life Partners group and I felt better than I had in weeks. I was still weak and would tire easily, but I was able to get up off the couch that week.
On Sunday morning, January 29, I woke up with a horrible cough. This was a new symptom for me and we thought it was an allergy attack. Our neighbors were burning something that smelled horrible and D thought it was affecting us. I went on the church, stopped coughing long enough to lead worship, but went downhill the rest of the day. I could not stop coughing. By bedtime, I had a fever again.
I went to see the doctor on Monday morning. Enough is enough. He treated me for bronchitis, walking pneumonia and also gave me an inhaler to treat asthma. I am not convinced that I have asthma. Once these other things are dealt with, I will take the breathing test again. Sure enough, it took me three hours to go, wait, be seen, get my prescription and return home. When I am not feeling well, that is the last thing I feel like doing! I heard from another friend this week who is going through the same thing. (Note to the husbands, friends and family members of someone who it that ill...please offer to drive your loved on to the doctor. When we feel puny, weak, nauseous, and just plain out of it, we should not be driving ourselves or sitting alone in a waiting room.)
The day after my trip to the doctor, D, B and J were hit with the flu. Oh my goodness. C did his best to keep up with simple needs we had--refills on drinks, tissues, meds, etc. But, since I was not burning up and shaking with fever, I was better off than the three so I was up and taking care of them. During the night, I set a clock to wake me every three hours so we could give meds and keep fevers down. We've been through sickness so often. We've spent the better part of each winter battling illness and trying our best not to get depressed. However, when our bodies and broken, it is very difficult to keep our spirits upbeat. Those were some long, dark days!
I finished the antibiotic and still felt weak and winded. I waited five more days (the nurse explained that the meds would work in my system for up to ten days), then called back and begged for a second script to be called in. I was granted that request and began those meds a week ago. This time I was given "horse pills" that I need to take twice a day. I am finally feeling like myself again.
This is the first week of 2011 that I have been up, off the couch and doing my "normal" routine. School, chores, cooking, etc. D even painted our living room this week. We are trying to knock out some home improvement projects before he returns to his second job (I'll share about that in another post). God knew we (and so many others) needed a boost this week, so He allowed us to have some spring like weather. Every day this week, the boys have been outside for hours on end, riding bikes, hitting golf balls, wrestling, and bird watching. I've been able to open the windows of the house to air out germs and paint fumes. I am certain there are cold spells ahead, but I am so grateful for the warmth and cheer of sunshine! He is still faithful, He has carried us through another valley and He will be there to walk us through the next one. My heart aches for those who suffer year in and out with terminal or chronic illness. Oh, God, grant them the strength to make it through one more day.
"As the day, so shall your strength be." Deuteronomy 33:25
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