|
 | |||
| Lopez Island | Orcas Island | Visitor's Guide | ||
| Email this page to a friend | ||
| ||||||||||||||||
DAVID BENTLEY'S WEEKLY COLUMN |
Previous
|
|
A DELETERIOUS SPRING
It started as soon as the alders began to pollinate. The sneezing, itchy eyes, and almost sore throat continued through the hyacinths and daffodils, and didn’t get one bit better when the cold snap jerked us out of spring and back into winter. Despite the tinctures, supplements, over-the-counter remedies, chipotle peppers, and eight hours of sleep nightly, I could feel myself getting worse. Eventually I woke up with a severely sore throat, stuffy nose, and wet cough. It was time to see the doctor. I knew I’d made the right decision when I phoned the clinic and the receptionist said, "Oh my, you sound like pooh!" So I made an appointment, dragged myself out of bed, got dressed, and went to the clinic. The nurse entered the waiting room, took one look at me, and said, “You don’t look like you feel well.” Just as I was about to make a smart comeback with a reference to Sherlock Holmes, she added, "Come on back and let’s see if we can find something to make you feel better." Now, a week later, nothing has made me feel better yet. My immune system, compromised from seasonal allergies, allowed me to contract a viral infection. So I continued with antihistamines and a prescription nasal spray. However a secondary sinus infection a few days later indicated a round of antibiotics. Meanwhile the post nasal drip causing the sore throat worsened, with the sinus drainage resulting in a rib jarring cough. The coughing not only made my ribs hurt, but banged my vocal chords around making me quite hoarse. So now I’m sore, exhausted, groggy from the cough suppressant, unable to talk, and have contributed more to the tissue manufacturer than their average stock holder. From here, things can only get better. Eventually all these symptoms will go away. In the meantime, please don’t bring me any spring bouquets.
|
|
|
SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2008 |
|
