May Your Year Be Phlegm-and-Snot Free

Apparently, 2006 was just too much for me because I came down with laryngitis and spent the entire New Year holiday weekend in bed. It's been six days of hacking up my lungs, sore throat, headaches, blowing my nose to pieces, and no voice to speak of. Everyone gasps when they hear me try to talk; even people at work are afraid of me. My phone has been shockingly quiet. Apparently word that I have the plague spreads fast around here. Yes, I'm making a mental note....

I am generally one who believes that I can get over colds on my own, that I should try to let my body battle it out, and that I should avoid going to see the doctor at all costs, but yesterday morning I finally admitted defeat. I have no voice and I can barely walk three blocks without feeling dizzy. It was time to get some drugs! I called to make an appointment for this morning.

And this is what I get. NOTHING. Okay, not nothing. He checked to make sure I don't have strep throat, even though he and I were both pretty sure I didn't. I find visits to the doctor almost insulting. Sure, he can tell me whether or not I have strep throat, but beyond that he tells me what my mom tells me: plenty of rest, plenty of hot fluids, take tylenol, not aspirin. I think I should get a discount on my visit since he's not helping me to feel better. In fact, he made me feel worse - he thinks after another 5-7 days, I should be back to normal. 5-7 days??!!! Isn't one week enough?

Happy New Year. Blech.