I was under two blankets yesterday shivering, feeling achy, and coughed a "pull" between my ribs. The timing is cruddy because our daughter came home for the weekend. She ended up doing things for me! I went to the emerg. department at our little local hospital and explained my life story to two different nurses. Then a young doctor came in and made me feel like I was doing the wrong thing coming into emerg. and asked about making an appointment with my family doctor. He said, "it's same day service" with your doctor. I said it was NEVER same day service. When I tried to make an appointment two days ago the quickest I could get in was December 1st.
Anyway, after the guilt and wearing a face mask, and being chastised because I didn't know what kind of antibiotics I had been on most recently, I finally received a diagnosis of a lung infection. I said to him, "So, you are saying lung infection, but that's not pneumonia, right?" and he said, "Yes, it's pneumonia. Whenever someone tells you that you have a lung infection, that is pneumonia."
Good lord, so I am going to go to a different town now to get a prescription filled (the small town does not have a pharmacy that is open on a Sunday) and my wonderful daughter is going to go with me and I will pick up a few necessities that she can take back to university with her when she goes back tonight.
I won't be going to work tomorrow.
Thanks for all the advice everyone, and if you still have more advice, I am willing to hear it!!
Holy moley. Keep warm and get better.
ReplyDeleteOh Jenn... you poor thing. I am sick up to my eyeballs with arrogant doctors. Most are wonderful, but it's the few that make life miserable. Hope you are feeling much better. Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of...wine.
ReplyDeleteWith a diagnosis of pneumonia I think you were well justified in going to the emergency department. I hope the antibiotics kick in quickly and that you feel better soon. My only advice is get plenty of rest.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry. Sinus and lungs. You need rest too.
ReplyDeleteBloody hell. Get well soon Mrs Lung Infection x
ReplyDeleteoh boy, sounds like the service we get in Pembroke.
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon. Remember to drink LOTS
Awww, thanks everyone. I haven't had my mother around for many years now, so it's like you are all stepping in for her (even though a lot of you are probably my age!) I've booked off work tomorrow and Tuesday and then we will see from there.
ReplyDeleteFlu season is hitting so early this year. You. Rest. No other advice.
ReplyDeleteHow horrible that they made you feel guilty about seeking treatment there! That is CRAZY! You do NOT want to wait for treatment when you have pneumonia . Trust me- I waited and was sick for months!!!! Blessings-I hope you recover quickly- ox Diana
ReplyDeleteI hope you get better
ReplyDeleteJust rest for now. That is the only advice I have. Rest. Rest. Rest.
ReplyDeleteRest up, drink hot stuff, tea or toddies. We've got this crud here too. Get well soon.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, going. And never let a doc berate you for coming in for help. They are there to serve. I believe the words in the Hippocratic oath about "first, do no harm" mean also to the spirit and dignity of the patient.
ReplyDeleteI'm a pneumonia veteran. Keep your Dec. 1 appointment. There are very intense antibiotics for pneumonia. If they gave you levaquin and you begin to feel tendonitis, let your doc know immediately -- it's the bad side effect of the most effective drug. It doesn't affect everyone (it did me but not the first time I had it) but be aware. Not afraid, aware. Rest like crazy. Riccola cough drops (sugar free or your teeth will fall out) are helpful and soothing. Others have said it -- most important, rest. Don't overdo. Let people take care of you. If they didn't provide prescription cough syrup, don't hesitate to ask if your cough isn't easing up in decent time. The other thing in clearing the lungs (apart from steam, warm showers) -- and upper back massage and percussive therapy, which is when someone cups their hand and "claps" with that hand on your back can help loosen secretions. If you google it, you will probably find instructions.
I feel so terrible for you. It's just a miserable time. Be gentle with yourself. And when all is said and done and you're back on go, cookies for the daughter during finals week! (Or whatever - she sounds just fabulous!)
Glad you got the correct diagnosis and can begin the right meds. Good thing you DID go to the ER. Feel better soon -
ReplyDeleteA judgemental doctor is the last thing you needed. Did he give you a chest x-ray? My mum had pneumonia a few years ago but they couldn't confirm it until she had the x-ray. Rest and fluids, the old stand-bys never hurt
ReplyDeleteBed side manner is not usually a strong skill in many (not all) emerg doctors. REST REST REST REST ... and let other people do things for you. Sending you lots of healing energy & happy thoughts.
ReplyDeleteNot that pneumonia is exactly good news, but at least your trip to the emergency room was validated. I hope you gave him a "So there!"
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