I have been sick. For. A. Long. Time.
It all started at the end of June with a nagging cough. At the end of July I saw a doctor since I had been coughing for almost a month. He gave me a brief exam, a chest x ray, a nebulizing treatment, some basic antibiotics, and sent me on my way with a "I hope you feel better" And this was a Respiratory Therapist. Over the next few weeks, my cough morphed into a sinus infection and back into a cough.
About three and a half weeks ago I started to feel a lot of pain in my back, around where my kidney is. I also started a fever. My cough was still alive and well. Not thinking the two were related (I just assumed the cough is due to the long term exposure to the "wonderful" Bandung air) I went to the doctor with what I guessed was a kidney infection. She took some blood, asked some questions, gave me a very brief exam that did not involve any stethoscopes, thew a lot of meds at me, and sent me on my way. I started on round two of amoxicillin, but chose not to take the other meds since they were for symptoms I was not having.
Three weeks later, the fever was still there. I really didn't know what to do. Medical care here is not the easiest thing. First, you have to find someone competent. Second, you have to find someone that speaks good English (since I am not fluent in the local language). Third, you have to find someone that will actually listen to you. Apparently all three of these things were lacking in the previous two doctors I visited.
So there I was, very sick with fevers ranging from 100.5- 105, no idea who to see or what to do. It was a week long holiday here and most people that I would normally ask for advice were out of town. I was starting to get worried since three months of a cough + three weeks of fever + living in a third world country could easily = Tuberculosis. After consulting with a few people, they agreed that that was step number one. I needed to rule out TB and then find out what IS causing the problem.
I went in for a bunch lab work on Monday night (still sick of course) and then I waited. By Tuesday afternoon I was pretty sure it was NOT TB since I had no reaction. I arranged to meet with the Physician's Assistant at our school today (Thursday.) I was instructed to pick up my labs before I came.
The xray work up stated that I had an "infiltrate infection in the lung base." After looking at the blood work, the PA said it was clear that I had atypical pneumonia. After listening to my chest and back, she said it was obvious. So that "kidney" pain I was having was just a "big 'ol hunk of junk." A competent doctor would have noticed that.
The sad thing is that I have been sick for so long that my body stopped trying to fight it off. Three weeks ago when I had blood work done, my white blood cell count was at the very high tip of normal (showing that it was working to get rid of something). My white blood cell count from just a few days ago showed that my count had plummeted to well below normal -- my body just gave up (probably why the fever has been here for 20some days and it has been 8 days since I have been below 99).
So here I am, armed with some powerful antibiotics, an inhaler, and some other pills that are supposed to help with this gunk I have to get out of my system. My PA says I will feel a lot better in 24-48 hours. I can't even imagine what that will feel like. To NOT have a fever. To NOT have a cough. To NOT wonder how I am going to make it through another day. I can't wait.
She did say there is a chance that because I have been sick for so long that these meds won't get it all, but I am hopeful. She also told me I need to rest from today through Sunday. To which I replied, "I will start resting tomorrow. Too busy today!"
This is my life, I will embrace it.
Sorry to hear all you have endured in trying to get diagnosed! I will take the health care in the US any day, even with their flaws, after living in different countries and going through some ordeals!
I pray the Lord will minister to your heart as you try to get a bit more rest and healing! I am sure your family will be excited to see you feeling yourself again!!
Glad to hear also that you and your family are safe!
Posted by: Margie | October 01, 2009 at 04:38 PM
Oh, Janet. I really hope those meds starts working and you feel better soon. I'll say a prayer for you.
Amanda
Posted by: Amanda J. | October 01, 2009 at 07:19 PM
I hope you feel better Janet!!!!
Posted by: Gina | October 01, 2009 at 08:36 PM
I'm sorry to hear this, Janet. I know what it's like to feel really bad for an extended period of time. I pray the meds work in the 24-48 hr span.
Posted by: hollie | October 01, 2009 at 08:56 PM
I'll be praying for you, Janet, that the infection heals quickly and completely. Hugs!
Posted by: Bretta | October 01, 2009 at 09:23 PM
Oh, I do hope you get good results! However, have you ever thought about going to a natural health care provider like a chiropractor or homeopath? If your body has stopped fighting....there is a reason....either the antibiotics are telling your body it doesn't need to fight OR your body needs something (certain vitamins, minerals, herbs) that are lacking to help jump start your "fighting power". Just my thoughts based on my own experience and knowledge----learned the hard way, of course. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Posted by: Christin | October 02, 2009 at 03:24 AM
oh my gosh Janet that sounds horrible :( I will keep you in my thoughts and picture you 24 hours from now lounging by a pool with a yummy slush feeling 1000% better.
Posted by: Jen Caputo | October 02, 2009 at 03:36 AM
I can't imagine being sick that long and having to be a parent at the same time. You must be exhausted! I hope these meds help you heal quickly.
Posted by: photojenic | October 02, 2009 at 04:38 AM
I hope you get well ASAP!
Posted by: Kellie | October 02, 2009 at 08:37 PM
i hope you are feeling better now janet!
Posted by: lisa (momy4him) | October 14, 2009 at 02:22 AM