Random Stranger

One of the few positive experiences to come out of my long illness, and recent recovery, is a strong awareness of my body and its relationship with health.  “My” illness, I write.  And I’m aware that there is a relationship between us – I recognize symptoms early, for the most part, I’m aware of how to care for myself in the ebbs and flows of feeling well and feeling ill.  Lupus has become a part of my life and, like friends, family, and loved ones, I’ve learned how to live well with it.

Oddly enough, I’d have to say that I’m a healthy person.  Other than ‘my’ illness, I don’t generally catch flu, cold, etc. etc.  So when a random and strange (to me) illness comes along – I notice it!  It’s a fascinating experience, actually.  I don’t know the ebbs and flows, I’m no longer sure how to best respond to this strange invader inside of me wreaking havoc.

This all boils down to the lingering cold that seems to never go away.  Yesterday it returned with a vengeance that included aches and pains, much sneezing and a stuffy nose, and random chills.  Let me tell you – random chills on a night when its well below zero sucks the big one.  I woke myself in the middle of the night pulling at my ear like a five-year-old and I decided that this morning I’d visit a doctor – this had gone past something that I was going to heal myself.  I didn’t like it, but, I needed help.

And help I got, in the form of a slightly vacant doctor, his confirmation of my own diagnosis of sinus and ear infection, and a little pill.  Anti-biotic.  Against life.  Ick.  I hate the name that descended on this helpful little bunch of chemicals.

Already I’m feeling much, much better.  Of course, I sound awful – and get lots of pity points from people.  Tomorrow night is my final presentation for this semester and I’m hoping to have developed laryngitis by then – not that I don’t want to do my presentation – I think it’ll be interesting – but I think laryngitis is fun.

To each her own … and from here on out – I prefer to deal with my own illness and keep those random strangers out!