While we anxiously await the wise words of my brother, I'll write a short 'filler piece'.
It's entitled: "Wellness"
I don't know what I have anymore. I was sure it was a cold. Then, I was sure it was hayfever. Then, I got worried because the cough wouldn't go away. It was accompanied by a gasping for air, almost a 'whooping' if I may. But I don't want to jump to any alarmingly false conclusions because for the past week or so I've suspected some sort of pneumonia. I was slightly bothered to notice the more frequent, if not mild headaches, and the bright green mucus oozing incessantly from my nose. The earache was almost assuredly from once blowing my nose too hard, but it made playing the violin nearly unbearably loud. Sunday's concert at Tsunoda Sensei's was a challenge because of that problem. All in all, that concert went well, but I was bitter about having to miss the fire-throwing festival in Aso, the town with the volcano, the 'land of fire'. Maybe wouldn't have been able to make the two-hour drive anyway. I thought the cough was getting better, but last Sunday I was coughing again, and the force of it caused me to vomit. I was surprised; I had to throw up right into my hands.
I went to the doctor's twice. The first time, he gave me some cough pills and some other pills to liquify the mucus. They didn't do anything, as far as I could tell. So I went back on Wednesday, having taken a sick day. This time, he prescribed five different pills, to be taken after every meal. I don't think he knew what was wrong with me, actually. So I've been taking the pills, but I don't think it's a good sign that I've gotten a fever twice after taking them! I'm tired, and weary of being slightly ill for nearly a month. So much effort just to get well! I gotta pull it together again and see a new doctor. Everything is good, but I'm sick. Blah. Wellness. Thank you.
I tell of my day-to-day experiences in a funky Japanese town from my American viewpoint. This blog could also be called 'Bizarro World', 'Notes From Kyushu, a Smaller Island', or 'Teaching English in Japan: Smash Your Ego in 10 Easy Lessons."
Friday, March 18, 2005
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6 comments:
Hi Julie--
I remember that when I worked in a pre-school daycare center, I had a cold that would not go away; it lasted for about four times longer than my usual colds lasted. I was told by the staff there, who were not impressed, that I got my "school cold"; the one that passes around the school and room from one to another. I don't know if that's the bug you have. Regarding the green mucus, not to worry; that's just Japanese phlem. (Huh?)
Meanwhile, rest up, do whatever is necessary to take care yo' self. I think seeing the next doctor is certainly in line.
Take care.
Thanks for the insights Uncle Larry.
I'm pretty sure it was something like a 'school cold' at first, but now it's been over a month and I still have a cough. My lungs feel weakened a bit. I just hope it goes away eventually since I can't manage to get the right medicine. I rested this weekend and it's definitely improving. As always, I'll keep you up to date!
I just read that over, and I think it's really stupid that I can't get the right medicine. I need to see a different doctor.
stop smoking!
NEVER, HOO HOO HA HA HA!!!
Sounds like whooping cough Julie. It can last up to 12 weeks and the coughing comes in sometimes quite debilitating spurts. I am not a doctor but because my children are unvaccinated and Boulder is a whooping cough haven I have read a lot about it. I know (for a while at least) Japanese people who were weary of the effects of the whooping cough vaccine stopped vaccinating their children. Then Japan invented a better (less noxious) vaccine but unfortunately it is not as effective. Adults supposedly get it more mildly but who knows. Oh and immunity wears off. Good luck and take care! -Denise
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