So Friday night, I began coughing. I took all my allergy meds and reasoned that perhaps they’re worse right now and I need to move to daily treatment. I didn’t sleep well. I coughed a lot and spent from about early Saturday from the bed to the bathroom to the bed again. I slept until about 10 and upon rising, felt poorly. Because, I thought, I had not slept well. I thought perhaps some exhaustion, some dehydration…
The Mister turned on the air conditioning and I almost froze to death (!!!) so I went out on the porch to warm my bones. (!!!)
Not being one to let feeling poorly stop me, I set out to work in my yard. Just one strip. Just a lil.
That went faster than expected, so I did a few more sections. It was 88 degrees outside and I never did sweat. If you know me but at all, this was not a good sign.
Yeah. So a fever, chills, a sore throat — well it was only sore when I breathed — a wretched cough, some nausea, body aches… three days of that crap. Weekend plans? What? The coughing was the worst. Even now, it’s enough to stop me in my tracks, enough that people ask me, “Are you okay?” but over the weekend, it was body-wracking, muscle-spasm-ing, rib-cracking pulmonary violence.
Zero stars, would not recommend. Or, if you’re being annoyingly positive — Top Notch Virus, splendid in its replication.
I am not good at being sick. All I do is worry about what’s causing the sick and how long I’ll be sick. It’s bad for my anxiety. Bigtime.
I was a sick kid. Lots of pink penicillin and yellow sippy cups. In rebellion, I tried the “rub some dirt on it” method when I left home and this did not work out for me. It just didn’t. We don’t need to get into it. My mother was never wrong in taking me to the doctor, I simply wanted to live more freely, with less intervention, without all the special. I would make my own decisions, see? It was all very YOLO and shit. And I learned the hard way.
No doctor has ever said to me, about me, “It will run its course. Hydrate and rest.”
Doctors have said that to me about my children, but not about me. On the other hand, I have had many doctors tell me I waited too long, blah blah blah, take these horse pills, let’s re-evaluate in 90 days, we’ll be performing emergency surgery, blah blah blah.
I’ve gotten better about choosing to go, choosing to surrender. I’ve heard that’s more important as we age. I am not going to say I’m good at it. Yet. I still err on the side of ‘it’ll pass’. This one is passing.
I’m a weakling. Without modern medicine, I’da done died twenty times over. I’m freakin fortunate regardless. I may fall ill a lot, but I’m a speedy healer. Practice makes perfect!
joeyfullystated 
Hi Joey
I am so sorry you have been down and out…
And I just ranted about our modern sick care in a comment on my blog (not sure if you saw it – but I sure hope it did not come out as rude)
Anyhow – if “allopathic” care has been working for you – I say right on and keep doing what you do.
But for me – when I was sick in 2014 – the mainstream symptom management and prescriptions for everything – well it would have kept me sick and made me more sick if I followed their protocol – like I was given steroids – and later found that it would have made it worse – I saw top docs in my area and they have one mindset – they do not know about a healthy terrain.
And sometimes we need a med or surgery – but too often they will cut and write s lifelong prescription before they investigate enough (no time for deep investigation and it costs too much – cos the money is in surgery – cutting off boobs cos a gene marker is there for cancer but never mentioning the sugar, stress, and for chemical connection to cancer and other illness –
Oh shit!
Sorry I am rambling – but again – if this system is giving you good results I respect that –
But the best book I read this spring was the “dirt cure” and she had post partuk thyroid issues and allopathic care would have kept her on drugs for life – and her whole book is a must read because this MD learned for herself that we can get to the “root cause” of some afflictions – it is such a good book
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I hear you. I haven’t read your post. I’d be dead without the meds. I do use a lot of homeopathy, try it if the doc says I can. I get tips from friends and bloggers like you and Alicia and Craig and I run those by the doc, too. I tend to avoid the big .. how do I say this.. any med whose history is linked to other meds that are on my class action radar, much as I can. Those are my emergency meds, taken sparingly by me, but most people like me take them daily and end up on stronger and stronger doses until they hit the next class and then injections. For life. Yep. No thank you.
Steroids and I have had an on-again, off-again relationship, but it’s been years since I had to do that. *knock wood* I had a run of bad days last June where I thought I might need em again, but I made it 🙂
I am currently on a 90 day course of antibiotics and my last panel reflected reduced bad letters and increased good letters and I’m not willing to give my blood right now, cause I don’t feel so good, but I’m mindful.
Of course lifestyle bears dramatic impact on most of us. I think I stay in the mild to moderate region BECAUSE I’ve changed my lifestyle so much over the last ten years or so. Slowly, and not with gladness, LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I enjoyed your comment reply – and whew – this can be a loaded topic!
I understand a lot more of why you feel the way you do right now.
Oh and I was in the yard Today – pulling a few weeds and I thought of you and the comment I left – I was hoping it came out the way I intended – anyhow – sending well wishes your way 🙏💛
LikeLike
Ive been ill too. Some stomach thing going around here, though, Im sure its just as much as youre having. Im the same way you know. Its a curse. “Is it broken? No Is it bleeding..? How much?” Lol, yea..Ill go in eventually. As soon as its a problem…Lol.
Hope you feel better girly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! It’s like that. LOL “oh body, what the hell?!?”
Sorry your guts are wrong. Stupid germs, man. You definitely wouldn’t be alive without modern medicine, another reason for my gratitude 🙂 You feel better soon, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Going to the doctor takes so much time! I resist like crazy, because I’m afraid they’ll start ordering invasive tests, and I’m not sure I’m really sick (on top of the CFS). So few of them understand CFS that if they pay attention at all, they’re likely to go overboard.
So I’ve cause myself more pain that necessary, because of delaying. I understand.
Do try to stay well enough – a family doesn’t work properly without its mom. And the mom has to be as well as possible. Easy to say, hard to do.
Pulling for you – but keep an eye on that cough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my gosh, Alicia, I almost wrote, no, I did write, but then deleted, “If I give them five vials of blood they’ll tell me something else is wrong…” HAHAHA! See, takes one to know one. I’m minding the cough, I promise. Better every day, Thank Heavens!!! Thank you!
LikeLike
Just treat yourself as well as you’d treat the husband or one of the kids, and you’ll be fine. You SHOULD treat yourself BETTER (to be in good shape to take care of the others), but we both know how hard that is.
I saw something on FB that said, “Take time for wellness, or you will be forced to take time for illness.”
Nag, nag, nag.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL *rolls eyes* LOL *nods* 😀
LikeLike
Missed you. I hope you are feeling better and better. I do understand the concepts you presented personally. I seem to run as the outbreak monkey and when it finally does hit me I am useless for anything! Whatever gets you better, stick with it! I like that you are in this world!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Dar 🙂 I know you get it, I know. I appreciate that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLike
I noticed your absence. Sounds like you are going through hell. I hope you mend quickly and completely!
So there’s a name for it: The “rub some dirt on it” method. There was a time when I wouldn’t even take an aspirin. My body was a shrine, wasn’t going to pollute it with invasive big-pharma product, greener than thou, etc etc.
Then I just got tired of losing large monthly periods of my life to pain and agony. Ibuprofen became my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
Yeah, I wanna be one of those people who can be all, “I’ve never been sick a day in my life!” Always riding horses and sketching in the park or whatever. Sign me up for that immune system next go round! Hah!
IB and I are not friends, but Tylenol is a frequent pal, and IB’s cousin creme de Voltaren is dreamy 🙂 Taking care, however it works!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well that sounds perfectly horrible. I hope by the time you read this the splendid virus is on its way out. I’ve been blessed with a healthy constitution all my life and rarely need medical intervention. Still have my tonsils, appendix and wisdom teeth. Never broken a bone or had a cavity. That being said, menopause is kicking my ass and my body is no longer my own. It is 35 lbs heavier though and that’s just wrong.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jealousy didn’t want me to like that comment LOL
I had a hard time clicking the star, sorry.
You’re so lucky. I am truly happy for you, apart from the current 35lb menopausal crisis. I am thankful to the pregnant horses who provide their urine to big pharma so that I may suffer fewer menopausal symptoms. I’ve heard it’s cruel. I care not one fucking bit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My hysterectomy threw me head first into menopause and it’s been an awful ride ever since. Name a horrible symptom, I’ve got it. For someone who was always healthy? It sucks the big one!
LikeLike
That is the suck. Truly. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry you’re [were?] not feeling well but at least you know how to get over it all. I agree that without modern medicine I’d not be here either, but when you’re feeling lousy such high-brow thoughts don’t help. I also remember many pink penicillin pills in my childhood. Take care. Drink more fluids. Complain vocally and loudly. I have no doubt you’ll be back in the pink soon enough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ally Bean. I am indeed on the mend. I have had a lot of herbal tea and orange juice. I would like more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a horrible way to spend your weekend! I have to be a bit honest here and say I’m rather relieved to hear it because it means that some bug is going around.
My youngest son was also very sick all weekend starting on Friday … and I was VERY worried. My kids aren’t the kind to get sick very often and he was VERY sick … just like you described. I found out by accident when I called him about plans for his birthday this weekend and was prepared to do my SuperMom thing and drive right down to his place.
I was relieved to talk to him on Monday and hear he was feeling much better – except for a headache – and I’m relieved to hear you too are over the worst of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mom to mom, I’m glad my sickness comforted you, I totally understand.
I am definitely on the mend 🙂
LikeLike
Yay! There are too many great moments to enjoy than to be sick!
LikeLike
Rib-cracking…that puts it in perspective. Hope all is well with you–and soon!–Joey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Imma be aight 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Joey, so glad you are feeling better and back in the blogosphere. I was just ‘oddly’ sick last weekend so I can relate. Self-care is so important! We missed you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Self care. Monday was all about self-care. I was smart to stay home and rest. Very good job, Me 😉
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May modern medicine keep doing its wonder for you, my friend Joey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Now that sucks. I am glad you are feeling better and I hope stay that way. Happy Hump Day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, thank you!
LikeLike
I hate going to the doctor, and have to leave for my appointment in about ten minutes. It’s a regular thing I have to do now. I will put medical things off for years, even glasses upgrades and a chipped tooth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, it suuuuuucks. I sure hope your appointment went well 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just posted about it. I’m good for another year.
LikeLike
I do hope you’re feeling better. “…only sore when I breathed” made me stop and laugh. I guess as long as that’s the only time it hurt, you weren’t so bad off.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
It’s like that, though, isn’t it? When your throat hurts with every breath and you just wish you could breathe through your ears! 😀 (or your broken ass ribs!) LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Giving up a weekend to sick is not good! There’s stuff going around now. I caught a sniffle from #1 Grandson that decided to settle in my ears. Going over the mountains to Baby Girl’s Saturday I thought I blew out my eardrum. We spent the night because my ears couldn’t take another trip over the mountains. One ear still aches a little and hasn’t popped so hearing is muffled in that ear. I’m doing what you do self-medicating and telling myself it will pass.
I hope you’re 100% better by this week-end and have great weather to enjoy too,
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so sorry for your ear pain! So owie! I sure hope you’re feeling better soon! Thank you, Deborah!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, poor lady! How can you be so sick and so funny all at once? “Top Notch Virus, splendid in its replication.” OMG, that needs to go on Amazon. Somebody needs to sell a virus on Amazon, so you can post that review. Please be better, Joey, PLEASE! And don’t actually crack any ribs, because people do do that from coughing. HUGS
LikeLiked by 1 person
Seriously, Marian, there were times I thought I might splode of cough. Just rupture my torso like an earthquake!
Thank you so very much, for well wishing and funny appreciation 🙂
LikeLike
Bummer! I’ve been fortunate. Having been a medical assistant for most of my working career, my family all thinks I’m a doctor and ask me for advice for their illnesses. A lot of the time I say the routine – drink lots of fluid, get lots of rest. Sometimes I say “I’m not sure, better see the real doctor.” I must admit I get a bit smug if they go to the doctor and he/she says the same thing. Hope you are feeling better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clever 🙂 Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good gosh, girl! Sounds so miserable what you’ve been going through! Yep, when you are wanting to be out in hot weather, something is not right! Spring sore throats/colds/coughs are the worst. Hope you’re feeling better today. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Barb, I am definitely on the mend 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I also suffer when the seasons change – a weakened pulmonary system from childhood diseases. The lungs and heart never quite heal. Pollen can be as wicked as cigarette smoke. Thus saying, I can never resist going into the garden in the Spring. Feel better soon and let yourself be weak. Your inner core is strong.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Jan, that’s a pity. Sorry to know you suffer like that. Thank you very much for that gem about my inner core 🙂
LikeLike
Get well soon. You owe it to your audience. 😉 (And yourself, most of all!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you are feeling a little better. Kick that thing to the curb. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Geeze, Joey, you sound like me. I’ve been on antibiotics. Some of my numbers aren’t all that great. My doc asked me, “So why did you wait so long? Why didn’t you call?” And of course I had excuses but now yeah now I’m paying for it. Off the antibiotics and doing almond milk shakes to put the weight back on I lost when I was so ill. I don’t like taking pills. But IF it were not for medicine, I like you would not be alive. Glad to know you’re still breathing and getting better. Ya gotta find your groove, what works for ya, so you stay strong and well. I know what kicked my ass, and it’s called taking care of others when ya can’t stop no matter how exhausted you are. Yep. True. I’m on the way upward so you and me, let’s do this together. It sucks being down and ill. I LIKE being strong and well! BIG (((HUGS)))!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand. While I go to doctors a lot for other stuff, some things go like this: it’s nothing, just a little cough, slight food allergy, must be mold or something in the air, maybe I have a cold, progression continues until I say, “that must have been the flu. no one gets that sick with a cold. but I had a flu shot.” I hope you are well soon, if not by now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor sick Joeys. 🤒 Hope you is all better now! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been hacking for 3 weeks and haven’t tasted food in about 2. I thought maybe it was 2 different bouts of foreign pollen, but now I’m likely facing a trip to the doc in the box for a sinus infection. Infection, schminfection. I ain’t got time for that merde!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t believe you da died twenty times over without modern medicine, but that’s just a hunch. I tell myself that every ailment I’ve ever had heals, at least to some extent. Sometimes with modern medicine and sometimes rest and hydration. I have to tell myself that a lot because my imagination is too big. Besides being a speedy healer, you are good at slang. I got to learn a new acronym after I looked up YOLO. Take good care of yourself, Joey. Live on and live well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You ARE lucky to be a speedy healer. I catch the crud and carry it around for weeks. It moves in and forwards its mail. It invites its friends for Sunday dinner. So much suckage. Take care of you and feel better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I refreshed this page three times because I couldn’t believe that it stopped on May 21st. 😮 I hope June is so much fun that you can’t_even_blog.
LikeLike
You are certainly not a weakling. I’m sorry you had such a nasty bout of whatever it was and trust that you’re over it by now.
LikeLike