So a few weeks ago I came down with a doozy of a cold. Coughing, headaches, body aches, general run-down feeling, all of that. There was honestly absolutely no way I could take any time off work, as my immediate supervisor have just been laid off, and we’re in the midst of a software conversion , and as I result I was the only one who could do a particular large project. I sucked it up and dragged my butt into work every day regardless of how I felt (and looked) and while everyone knew I was really to sick to be there, they all knew this job had to be done.
Big Project 1 was immediately followed by Big Project 2, which again for various reasons, I am the only one capable of doing at this particular point in time. While the body aches and initial cold symptoms went away, the cough and sore throat did not, but again I couldn’t take any time off. Big Project 2 was finally at an out-of-my-hands point by the end of the day yesterday, so I ley my boss know I’d finally be taking a sick day today (about three weeks late) and going to the doctor.
My regular MD was unavailable today, so I dealt with one of his associates whose regular clientele is probably both male and quite a bit older, judging by the posters of “The Amazing Hip”, prostate exam info sheets, and checklists for Type 2 diabetes. It was a little disconcerting when he waltzed in to the exam room without knocking, mumbled an apology and said he’d be with me shortly, grabbed a manila folder labeled “Allergies” and left.
I’d happily managed to get myself gowned, which was an adventure in itself. The nurse handed the pile of fabric to me and said, “Put this one, opening to the back.” When I unfolded shook out the pile of fabric and ties, it was ALL opening. I tuned it around two or three times before I realized that the sleeves were formed with snaps, and I spent a few minutes snapping bits together to form a recognizable gown. I was safely robed by the time the MD breezed in and out, and continued waiting.
As it was, he walked in the second time also without knocking. It wasn’t an issue since I was decent, but I think he’s the only doctor I’ve seen who didn’t even attempt a cursory tap on the door before flinging it open. He ran down a bunch of questions, not interested in any of the information I volunteered but apparently following a procedure checklist in his head. The verdict: acute bronchitis. The treatment: antibiotics, cough medicine with codeine, and OTC sinus meds.
The only thing that I really don’t like about all this is that if I’d been able to take a few sick days when I really needed them, I probably wouldn’t be dealing with bronchitis now. I’ve managed to avoid it for a few years now (living in a smoke-free home really helps a lot towards my respiratory health) so I’m sort of disappointed that I’ve backslid.
Once again, I have to go in tomorrow because there is a job that needs to be run on Wednesdays, and I am the only person at this point in time capable of doing it. But if all goes well, I’ll take off immediately afterwards, and probably take off Thursday as well if I can be spared.
It sucks being essential.
