Around the 20th of February I began to feel sick. My chest felt like someone was sitting on it, I coughed and coughed, my sinuses were all stuffed up and I did not feel good at all (I remember the date because it was right at the same time as our leadership conference). These symptoms progressed for a couple of weeks and around the middle of March I was diagnosed with pneumonia. This led to 2 courses of antibiotics and an overpriced 'puffer' (apparently there was steroids in it but I don't look any stronger).
These symptoms have waxed and waned over the weeks but they continue to persist. Apparently I do not have pneumonia any longer but I am to 'monitor my symptoms' to see what happens.
I don't normally get sick and when I do the symptoms usually last only a few days so this has been frustrating. The worst part of it all has been the lack of energy. Not only does it feel like someone is sitting on my chest, but I think I'm having to carry that person around all day.
Anyways, my point in writing this was not to garner sympathy or steal your time with a listing of my symptoms. What has been intriguing to me during this time is the great number of 'secret' remedies that I have learned about. It seems everyone has some theory on what will 'fix me'.
I have rubbed vicks on my chest. I have covered my feet in vicks and then put socks on to sleep. I have used a humidifier. I have drank hot honey and lemon water. I have made a mixture of garlic and honey, let it sit for 24 hours and then used it in a tea (I couldn't eat just a spoonful). I have tried Cold-FX. I have tried Zinc Cold Therapy. I have tried an immune booster.
And guess what? I'm still not feeling better.
Apparently there is some new, experimental treatment called "Rest and a Few Days Off Work" but I don't want to go crazy and try every little crackpot idea someone mentions so we'll see.
Anyways, if you have some other antidotes I'd love to hear about them. They may not all work but sometimes the; smell, tearing in the eyes, gag reflex, burning sensation etc. at least takes my mind off my other symptoms for awhile.
ps. check back here at 2:30 pm Friday to learn about the guests we will have sharing in our weekend services.
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