So I went to the doctor today after five days of this crud. I couldn't shake the fever, which has been as high as 102.5, and I could tell the bronchitis was settling in ... so I went to the doctor. What I didn't anticipate is that they would assume I could have the swine flu. I guess the nurse told the receptionist to be expecting me, because she asked if I was Ashli when I walked into the office.
As soon as I said yes, she handed me a mask. Yes, the mask of shame. I had to sit there in the waiting room wearing it (hiding behind a magazine). But I wasn't there long. I guess they didn't want me getting my swine fluness all over the waiting room, so they shuttled me back quickly (note to self: describe swine flulike symptoms in the future for shorter waiting time.)
The nurse explained that because all my symptoms were characteristic of the dreaded HINI, they had to assume I had it until they could rule it out. So I had to get swabbed (OUCH ... and my mommy wasn't there to hold me and promise me an ice cream cone the way I do my kids when they must endure such trials. So sad.) Then I had to wait half an hour for the results, which were negative.
After that the doctor made quick work of diagnosing bronchitis and sinusitis, which is what I could have told him when I walked in the door. Oh well, at least I left with a Z-Pack.
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What is a Z-Pack? Must be Tupac's brother. I realize you are being a little silly when you say "The mask of shame" but really it shouldn't be shameful. They are all the rage when colds break out in Asia, or so the media would have us assume. All you're really saying by wearing the mask is "I hope you don't get a cold like I did." It's really a humanitarian goodwill effort. I've never had to wear one so I've never been there, but don't be ashamed. The mask is powerful and does its job, otherwise they wouldn't make you wear it.
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