Health Update

Its been 10 days now since I first went to the Dr. for the illness that I've been experiencing. I had hoped to be back on my feet 100% by now, but that's just not been the case.

I have now completed a 10-day course of antibiotics. Normally, if I have a bacterial infection, the antibiotics will take a noticeable effect within the first two or three days of taking the medication. Well, after 10 days, I am coughing a little less, but I still have no energy to speak of, and I still am short of breath after climbing stairs, or walking very far.

Sleep is a little better, but I can't sleep all night in the same place. Usually part of the night in the recliner, and part in bed. I find that I still need to get more sleep than usual. Even with the extra rest, I still feel like I'm slogging through molasses in January.

After visiting with the Dr. yesterday, we are leaning toward thinking this might be viral rather than bacterial, because the antibiotics haven't been that effective. It might be a case of bonafied influenza. I'm told that it may still take another 2-3 weeks until I get my normal energy and strength back. We also decided to hold off taking one of my regular medications (Methotrexate) for a couple of weeks. Methotrexate is an immuno-suppressant, and as a side-effect can impact lung function as well.

It hasn't been a lot of fun, for me, my family, or my work. Fortunately, I have my own private RN (My Wife) to take care of me. She has been such a great help to me throughout this ordeal, and tries to keep me from overdoing things.

I don't think I've been this sick for about 15 years, just before we first met. I think I had influenza then too. I was down in bed for a week that time.

All this has taught me to value my health more. I want to do a better job in the future of taking care of my body and be as healthy as possible.

I also have received some insights about the nature of respiratory illnesses as well, regardless of whether this was pneumonia, or influenza. With how much this has taxed my system, and knocked the wind out of my sails, I can better understand how these kinds of illnesses are really nothing to trifle with. I can see how the very young, or very old, or the infirm could actually die from these kinds of illnesses.

I also had a priesthood blessing 10 days ago too. I believe that it has been a great help in all of this. Especially when it comes to dealing with the pain of my strained abdominal muscles. I have been able to get at least some rest. Before the blessing, I couldn't sleep at all. As I recall the words of the blessing, I remember being told that I would get better, but that I would need to have patience before I would have a full recovery. The words of the blessing are coming true. I'm grateful for this blessing, and for my home teachers who have blessed and helped us.

For now, I need to do the best I can to get proper nutrition and rest. I have to pace myself so that I don't overdo things. Finally, as the blessing stated, I need to have patience.