my xmas gifts
... the flu, pneumonia, and reactive asthma.
Actually, I came down with what I thought at first was a severe cold. By the middle of December I had full blown flu symptoms which worsened, and as a result, Christmas was hellish. On Boxing Day I decided that perhaps I should go and be seen.
Went to the Urgent Care Clinic downtown and after a half hour wait for triage, was seen by a nurse who looked at me sideways as I sat there wheezing and describing my symptoms. I had a wild fit of coughing then. After it subsided, she took my oxygen sats and they were a rather low 87%. Apparently, being able to breathe is very important, because I was suddenly jumped over a queue of about 50 people and laid out on a stretcher with a mask over my face administering a double treatment of Ventalin. I was diagnosed with pneumonia and "reactive asthma." (I've never had asthma in my life and quit smoking over 15 years ago.)
Two more double treatments and five hours later I was sent home after arguing with the doctor that I had been dealing with this for days now and would comply with the medications (puffer and pills). I seem to be responding fairly well and will follow up with the family doctor in a couple of weeks.
Still wheezing with exertion (stairs) and cold air.
Flu shot next year, dammit.
Actually, I came down with what I thought at first was a severe cold. By the middle of December I had full blown flu symptoms which worsened, and as a result, Christmas was hellish. On Boxing Day I decided that perhaps I should go and be seen.
Went to the Urgent Care Clinic downtown and after a half hour wait for triage, was seen by a nurse who looked at me sideways as I sat there wheezing and describing my symptoms. I had a wild fit of coughing then. After it subsided, she took my oxygen sats and they were a rather low 87%. Apparently, being able to breathe is very important, because I was suddenly jumped over a queue of about 50 people and laid out on a stretcher with a mask over my face administering a double treatment of Ventalin. I was diagnosed with pneumonia and "reactive asthma." (I've never had asthma in my life and quit smoking over 15 years ago.)
Two more double treatments and five hours later I was sent home after arguing with the doctor that I had been dealing with this for days now and would comply with the medications (puffer and pills). I seem to be responding fairly well and will follow up with the family doctor in a couple of weeks.
Still wheezing with exertion (stairs) and cold air.
Flu shot next year, dammit.