Monday, October 22, 2007

Bronchitis

I have been really sick this week. It seems like I never really blog about the "real" stuff going on in my life, just the fun and entertaining stuff. Sorry. I guess that is a downfall of my personality. It is much easier to talk about everything else than what is on the homefront.

Today I finally took off from work two hours early. I hate not being at work where I know people need me. Being sick is just not something I have time for. But today... I knew I had to stop being stubborn and go to the doctor. Of course, at the last minute, all the offices were booked. I decided to go to the walk-in clinic on Wedington. I guess I was sicker than I thought. I knew I was bad off- vomiting, congestion, wet, wheezy lungs, and a killer ear ache. But hey... I work with kids all day. I am used to picking up "bugs" here and there. I was actually very sick at the dog party, but hated for anyone to know.

They pricked my finger, ran my blood and found my white count low. They gave me a "sinus cocktail." No kidding. Has anyone had this??? It is literally a cocktail of good drugs that they steam and make you breathe out of a tube. Pure heaven on some wheezy lungs, yall. Blissful. Then then promptly rolled me on my side, gave me a huge shot in the hip, and told me I had a serious case of acute bronchitis. I should have figured as much. I have had bronchitis more times than I count over my lifetime. I have had it at the LEAST 5 times in the 6 1/2 years we have been married. David joked that I had bronchitis last night and I told him to get lost. Go figure. That is what I get for being sassy. : )

I have asthma, and I guess it is really a side effect of having a weak upper respiratory system. They basically put me back on albuteral inhalers for the rest of my living years. Anyway.... the kicker is that when I went to pay, I about hit the ugly, green polyester carpet. $245.00!! And that is just for the office visit, kids!! That is not even my prescription filled. What could I do! I paid it cash, right out of my debit card. David despises putting stuff on the credit card, so I did what I thought he would want. He told me I did the right thing later, but seriously, what do people do that don't have the money?? I thought to myself, when leaving, if David and I weren't insane budgeters with every penny we bring in, we would never have the luxury of a walk-out clinic. I guess a lot of people are on welfare, and I understand that, but for that moment I was so frustrated that here I am, educated, and sick, and have to go back to work to pay my bills, while some people don't, and get free medical care. I know, I know... People who are on welfare really do the need the hep. But I watched everyone else in line by pass the cash machine, and when it was my turn, I had to pay up. Sometimes it just doesn't seem fair. I am trying to be big about it, but if you want real honesty from me, it was hard to swallow.

Oh well..... Say a prayer for me. I plan on going in tomorrow. I can't stand not working almost as much as I can't stand being sick. I need a good day of beneficial learning in my room. I need to feel better. Fast. I have Parent Teacher conferences on Thursday!

So for all you budgeters, keep budgeting! When you can't get in somewhere decent and they don't take insurance, you will be glad you saved.
This verse I had hidden in my heart, and it spoke loudly to me tonight:
"For we are under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure.... But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God." 2 Corinthians 1: 8-9

Thank you, Jesus, for loving me enough to provide for all my needs- financially, bodily, and spiritually. Thank you for a husband who handles our finances with wisdom and maturity. Thank you for teaching me something new today- to count on you, and know that all I have belongs to you anyway. I need you tonight, Jesus, and I know you are always there to catch me.




13 comments:

  1. We live around that exact inhaler--and advair. BJ has it real bad. It's scary stuff, not to be messed with. Glad you got seen, even if it cost you an arm and a leg--seriously!

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  2. I'm seriously not dogging on you, but people who don't have insurance and who may or may not be on medicaid or have their kids on AR Kids--use the ER as their "doctor's office" bc they can't refuse service for non payment, unlike other "doctor's offices." Our health care system is royally screwed up-- And there is no healthcare "welfare" for adults who are not pregnant--those people just go without--or to the ER.

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  3. I'm sorry you are sick - it sounds awful. Hope you get better soon.
    And yuck about the dr bill. I loved all the pictures at the end - that was a nice touch.
    P.S. I never used to blog about the real stuff either - just fun things but then I decided this was my on-line journal and I might want to remember one day things I was going through. So I applaud your honesty.

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  4. Hope you get to feeling better! I think its crazy that they didn't take insurance at all. Also thanks for the verse, I needed it.

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  5. WOW! First of all, I hope you get to feeling better!!! Bronchitis is my best friend during the fall/winter months! I can't wait! Just kidding. I understand about the whole insurance thing. Like when you've been part of a group for 5 years, quit, and then have to pay 4x the premium...yeah, it's messed up! Tell David that I prescribed for you a cup of hot tea when you get home this afternoon...at least you'll be able to relax!

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  6. Oh no! My dad gets bronchitis every year and it's miserable. I'm so sorry, and I hope you feel better soon! Don't feel guilty taking off work - you'll do a much better job healthy. =)

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  7. I am so sorry that you are sick. I hate that for you. I have had Bronchitis and Pnuemonia more times than I care to mention, and that is yucky stuff. I will be praying that you feel better soon, and don't get too far behind on everything. Get Well Soon!

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  8. I'm glad you slowed down enough to know when its time to go to the doctor. You have a have a hard knowing when you have to do something else to start feeling better. Sometimes over the counter stuff doesn't cut it, get to feeling better soon Jessica, I know its hard to keep going when you don't feel good.

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  9. Well, the pictures of G and her tutu are posted already. I might take some pictures tonight of Jordan's just so people can get an idea...you tell me the colors you want and I'll make little Bichon a tutu!

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  10. A girl's night sounds fabulous! I've been dying to see you and "girl talk." Name a night and I'll be there!

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  11. I hope you start feeling better soon! I agree that our healthcare system is messed up. David doesn't get health benefits through his job since he works for a small business (it's too expensive for his boss to do it). Literally the only reason I'm working is because I get health benefits. It was going to be around $650 a month for independent insurance--very hard to do on one income!

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  12. Sorry you are sick and hope you are much better soon! Have you had a flu shot yet? Teachers need those because you tend to pick up all the floating germs at school! I am praying for you tonight!

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  13. Wow! I can't believe you get bronchitis that much! I've had it two times now, twice in two years and this year I am petrified! My mom's a Master Herbalist and I went over there and got her perscription for what I can do to avoid getting it this year. All in all, prevention might be a good idea. The first year I had bronchitis, I broke my rib from coughing so much. The 2nd year, I literally thought I was going to die because I couldn't get enough air in my body and I was flat on my back for an entire week - with a toddler to care for (hubby couldn't take off work). It is the most awful experience of my entire life! I feel so much for you and promise to pray for you, you poor girl! BTW, don't EVEN get me started about Medicare! I get so on a soapbox about that one! Irritated to say the least!

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