The Critters Flu Crisis, Day Four: Pneumonia [View All]

[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.