Symptoms

I have been avoiding writing a new post for two reasons. First of all, I have way too much to do every day. My daily to-do list fills a full sheet of paper, and that does not include any of my every-day child and home responsibilities. All of the packing, phone calls, and taking care of kids and hubby leaves almost no time to sit down and write or do anything for myself. The second reason, which is more likely the cause, is that I have not been feeling well for the past several days or more.

Last Wednesday at my appointment I informed my favorite doctor of the presence of a small amount of discolored mucus, but he confidently stated that I did not have a sinus infection. Over the weekend, I started to feel more tired than usual. By Monday of this week, the amount of mucus reached serious levels (especially upon waking) and I also have the body aches that usually accompany my infections. At this point, the aches only start later in the afternoon, so I am able to do my day pretty much as normal, until well after lunch when I lose all energy and feel as if I am suddenly wearing a weighted vest.

Jon and I have discussed the various "whys" and "hows" of why I might be coming down with another infection, when my sinuses were just refreshed and healthy as any other person's. There really is nothing specific to point to, as has often been the case over the past several years. Stress, of course, is always a factor. What could be more stressful than moving? Annaliese just overcame a cold, which is another thing that often correlates with me feeling sick (except that this time I don't have any of her cold symptoms). The weather has been dramatically up and down recently, which could be another factor. We went from the upper 90s last week with high humidity to pleasant 70s and dampness this week. Since we aren't sure if there could be a connection, Jon is looking into doing some data-mining of weather patterns to correlate with my health journal entries over the past few years. Perhaps he's onto something.

Meanwhile, I am debating about calling my doctor. I actually tried yesterday, but had to hang up after 20 minutes on hold. I just can't afford that type of usage on my 240 minutes per month (plus free nights and weekends!) cell phone plan. I meant to call later from the home phone (first call was made while at the library hanging out with the kids, feeling the aches come on hard), but completely forgot in the hustle and bustle of the late afternoon. Today I might call, but it is always a debate for me, since I don't really want to hear what he'll have to say: more antibiotics, maybe even steroids, and possibly another half-day excursion to his office.

For now I am going to keep drinking my water and tea, resting when I can, rinsing, and of course continuing all those vitamin and nutritional supplements that just might help my immune system do its job. It is also the perfect time for me to slow down on the work, as it is nearly finished anyway, and enjoy my three amazing kids who are all finally home with me for the summer. Two days into vacation, and they are actually getting along better than when they were in school! Which is a bonus for me, and proof that prayer does actually work!