not quite right!

It’s been many years since I’ve been seriously sick. In fact, I’ve been busy these past few months working to take better care of myself with calisthenics, walking, and eating better. I’d managed to drop over ten pounds and was feeling pretty good – until August 30.

I fly the digital audio system at church every other week. On Sunday, August 30, I jumped into the box with great anticipation; I really enjoy when my dance with the audio system results in a completely transparent experience for the attendees. All morning I felt like I was in a bit of a fog. There were no major errors (one late microphone start), but the presentation didn’t feel “right” to me. I blamed it on missing breakfast, which has become a part of my “better health” routine.

After church, Anne, Jessica, and myself visited our local Mexican restaurant for our traditional Sunday feast. It became evident that something more was wrong than just missing breakfast. Even though I consumed a reasonable meal (including a giant soda) I was continuing to crash. As the meal came to a close, I requested that we go straight home.

After relaxing on the bed for a few minutes, I decided to take a quick check with the thermometer; it showed a fever of over 102. Definitely not quite right. I was so loopy I couldn’t believe my eyes. I napped for a bit and tried again: 102.9. For the next four days I was eating extra strength Tylenol and trying to swallow any liquids I could get passed my swollen neck. The fever raged daily – at one point reaching 103.3.

Unfortunately, once the flu has taken hold, there really isn’t much that a doctor can do. They can monitor your vital signs, provide fluids, and prescribe fever reducing medications (only Tylenol for me); these were all things that Anne and I could do at home, so we did. Anne really did a fabulous job of dealing with a cranky, partially lucid patient.

Here we are, five days later, and the symptoms are easing slightly. Without medication today, the fever stayed below 101. I’m taking more Tylenol tonight so that I can get the best sleep possible.

I’m six pounds lighter, still have very swollen glands, and am very weak.

The first sidebar? Anne and Jessica have been fighting colds for weeks.

The second sidebar? Mike, the other sound guy, called in sick on Wednesday night… oh boy.