Usually I ask more questions when told to take something drug-related, but yesterday I didn't since I've had bronchitis before and inhalers have worked in the past.
I had a thyroid then...now I don't and apparently that makes a big difference. I used the inhaler yesterday and it actually made the coughing worse and of course kept me up all night--I literally dozed off around 5am. Mr. Wonderful was surprised to find me on the couch and told me it was "thoughtful" of me to let him sleep instead of being woken by my best imitation of a TB patient.
According to the giant folded-up piece of literature in the box and Dr. Google, one of the side effects is "sleep problems". Well good God I don't need that now, do I? As I read more, it also said that you should NOT use this if you have an overactive thyroid. Um, while I don't have a thyroid anymore, my TSH is kept in the overactive zone...so wouldn't that be the same thing??
Hence, my night of sleeplessness.
The physician's assistant I saw didn't make a great impression--not very talkative, didn't say much, kind of seemed annoyed. Among the questions she asked: "Smoke? Alcohol? Use drugs? Sunscreen? Seat belts? Eat meat? Last period?" Just like that. I told her the last period was in September, that I had had thyca and that I was in menopause. Guess thyca didn't mean anything to her? I knew I should have said more and questioned the meds, or should have told her that I was thyroidless, but her demeanor wasn't exactly encouraging, and I felt like crap. And I was wearing a face mask that was making me feel claustrophobic and I couldn't wait to take it off. Wasn't that info in the tiny notebook she was carrying and typing my answers? (No, socially, no, always-you see how pale I am? always, yes but red meat not very often, September.)
So, as a result of my passivity, I lost a night's sleep. I have not used the damn inhaler today, and the coughing has subsided a ton. I also had a huge mug of hot water, lemon and honey to calm my cough-ravaged throat. I slept for a little bit, but feel wide awake. Not sure what that will bring for tomorrow, but the plan right now is to go back to school unless I don't sleep again.
Nope, fever is back as of 9pm, so I'm not going anywhere tomorrow. Except maybe back to the doctor's office, but this time I'll ask to see an actual doctor.
Sigh.
I'm thinking of switching to a different practice anyway, and this experience just makes the decision easier.
On a non-medical related note (because I'm determined to not let this rule everything), I finished "Cutting for Stone" and loved it--really interesting twisty story about lands and cultures I don't know much about. I just started "Room" by Emma Donoghue, and I can't wait to finish it to see where it goes. Disturbing but so well written.
I'll take that as a good sign--it's been a long time since I've been able to concentrate enough to read an actual book. Ok, there are boxes waiting for me, but I've missed being able to lose myself in a story for the past couple of years.
And, I got to watch the speeches live online given by Ireland's president Mary McAleese and Queen Elizabeth. Neither woman shied away from addressing the long, painful history of the two islands, and it was amazing to hear the Queen begin her speech in Irish, and watch Mary McAleese mouth the word "Wow!" twice. What was disappointing was watching the Queen walk away from a perfectly poured pint of Guinness placed in front of her earlier in the day at the Guinness factory....Prince Phillip looked longingly at the glass but also walked away. What a waste.
I wonder what he's thinking?
I just like this pic with Michael Collins taking it all in on the wall up there...it was a pretty interesting day.
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