One week ago today, I learned what had been at the core of my malaise during the holidays; what had prevented me from enjoying my final week off in the manner I wished to enjoy it; and what had plagued me during my first week back at work during which time I felt my energy drain from me daily and, despite earlier bedtimes, was never fully restored.
What was this at the core of my malaise? Pneumonia. Walking pneumonia. Viral pneumonia.
I did not work last week at all except for half a day on Monday, Jan.14. On Wednesday, I recognized that I wasn't going to get any better taking OTC drugs and sleeping. It took me several hours just to clean up and get dressed. Once I checked in at the doctor's office, I was taken into urgent care and the tests began...blood, urine, X-rays. My temp was 102-plus at that time.
My white blood count was off the charts, so they knew there was infection. Then came the x-rays and the pronouncement of what they showed.
I was first treated to an IV of antibiotics. About half an hour into that, I began feeling a bit more upbeat and better. Maybe it's the anti-biotics, of course, but it may also have been the joy of knowing that what was wrong was going to be put right.
Following the antibiotic, I was given a saline drip....and that cheered me up/perked me up enormously. My fever broke with the Tylenol they had given me earlier, and my final temp was 97.6.
I was given two antibiotic drugs to take home (azithromycin and amoxicillin), plus codeine-laced cough syrup.
I'm done with the azithromycin, but will be taking the other (twice a day) for the next week. The amoxicillin is great, but it also gives me sweats.
I'm back at work (second day), am taking my time, and am taking the best care of myself I can.
