The Critters Flu Crisis, Day Four: Pneumonia

[Critters2]

So, on Tuesday, the doc tells me that I should call again if I don't feel better by the end of the week. I wake up feeling maybe even a bit worse. Throat seems even more sore, earache is worse, and I cough if I even try to take a good breath. So, I call the doc.

I've just come from seeing him. He listened and listened and listened to my chest. Then he said, "The congestion in your chest from the flu has become pneumonia. You need to stay home and rest through the weekend. Lots of fluids, and I'll call in an antibiotic for the pneumonia. That will probably help with the ear ache as well."

Me: I've got this meeting in Des Moines this weekend that I really want to go to.

Him: Well, that would be the opposite of staying home and resting, wouldn't it? Look, I don't think you understand. If you're not better by Tuesday or Wednesday, I'm gonna put you in the hospital, and hit you with fluids for the flu and IV antibiotics for the pneumonia. You're really that sick. So, no. I will not approve of you going to a meeting in Des Moines.

Well, at least I've already got a preacher for Sunday. I've called the meeting organizer and told him I wouldn't be there. And the friend I was going to stay with. And canceled the beagle's boarding kennel reservation.

I'm bummed, though. This meeting is a reunion of participants in a continuing ed program. We met for 24 hours every six weeks for 3 years. These are some of my best friends in the world. I hate that I can't be with them. But honestly, as easily as I get tired, I can't imagine driving all the way to Des Moines.

Oh, so on the way home from the doc, I stopped at Walgreen's to get the prescription (horse pills!!). Also picked up emergen-c, on Parche's recommendation. And a new mint-flavored chew rope for the beagle, who's bored out of her mind when her mom isn't walking her.

And now I'm exhausted again.

[Lyric]

1. Please be careful and take care of yourself.

What you have is serious, serious stuff, which I'm sure you already know.

We're sending you good vibes.

:hug:

[Critters2]

6. I do know pneumonia can be serious.

I missed half a year of school in 1st grade with viral pneumonia. Got sick during Christmas break, was still bedfast and in isolation at Easter. I went back to school the last month, but only every other day, because I'd get so tired. So, pneumonia scares me.

I asked if this were viral pneumonia. He said the pneumonia is probably bacterial, though it's impossible to know for sure without a sputum test or some other kind of test.

Getting me to rest isn't that big a challenge. The slightest exertion just wipes me out! So, yeah. I get that this is serious.

Thanks for the vibes! :hug:

[LeftyFingerPop]

2. Please feel better soon critters...

:hug:

[Critters2]

7. Thank you, philboy!

:hug:

[TZ]

3. Good. Please take this seriously.

Take ALL your anti-biotic however nasty the pills might be...Pneumonia is nothing to mess with..it can be deadly.
Take good care of youself!:hug:

[Critters2]

8. I had a very serious bout of pneumonia as a child. So, I know this can be serious.

And I know that one should take all of one's antibiotics. I do NOT want to land in the hospital! Thanks for the :hug:

[AlCzervik]

4. Pneumonia is teh suck. I had it about 6 years ago and on Thanksgiving day

my husband had to take me to Kaiser and after an xray they had to give a shot of antibiotics in da butt which i didn't even feel due to the 106F temp i was running. Get your rest please and keep hydrated.

[Critters2]

9. You did have it bad. My fever hasn't been nearly that high.

But I will rest and drink fluids. He said my heart rate was elevated, which means I should drink more fluids. I've got my water bottle with me now, and will be better about this.

[KitchenWitch]

5. Oh dear.

That just bites.

I get pneumonia every two years or so (I have decreased immunity and damaged lungs). No fun at all.

:hug:

[Critters2]

11. Thanks, KW. I've been thinking of you. Are you near the fires? nt

[KitchenWitch]

13. No, they are up near Santa Barbara this time.

We won't see any of the smoke from them either.

We will be getting some winds tonight, hopefully the arsonists don't get any ideas this weekend.

[Parche]

10. Fingers!!

YOu have to take better care of yourself, you dont want me to worry about you

In fact i just got some emergenc c at lunch....:hi: :hug: :hug: :hug:

Pnuemonia needs rest

[Critters2]

12. It's true, Parche. I don't want you to worry about me.

Resting is easy--I'm always tired. I know that I couldn't go to Des Moines. I'm just too tired to drive. Still bummed though. I'm taking the emergen-c, and the antibiotic. And resting. Thanks for the :hug: :hug: :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

14. My dear mycritters...

Yup, you're doing exactly the right things!

Stay home.
Take your antibiotics
Drink lots of water and other fluids
REST!

And maybe, once this mess is over...

Get a pneumonia shot?

Just sayin'...

:hug: :hug:

[Critters2]

15. My back hurts from lying down so much. I'm not built for this.

Too tired to sit up, too bad a back to lie down. I'll bet God is just laughin' and laughin'. :grr:

[texanwitch]

16. Take care of yourself and stay home.

I have a neighbor in the hospital with pneumonia, and she is on IV antibiotics.

I had walking pneumonia once, didn't take of it and had to go into hospital.

Listen to your Doctor.