Nov 2: Oink, oink

Went to work last Thursday, actually was there late because a very nice gentleman went into sustained vent tach during the last stress test--welcome back!! Friday stayed home, did several things around the house. Felt tired, but temperature almost back to normal and body recovering. Had one scary episode of extreme dizziness in the afternoon which I attributed to sitting cross-legged for a while. But then Saturday morning I woke up vomiting, felt horrid while running errands. Nauseous, lightheaded, body aches, temperature back up. It's embarrassing to admit that it was only when calling the coordinator to cancel my involvement for Sunday's service that, after hearing my symptoms, he announced to me: "Laurie, you've got swine flu!"

I'd started to suspect it a couple hours before that, but resisted checking the CDC site until after he said that. No mistake. Already had the cough and congestion, but the sudden onset of dizziness and vomiting, recurrence of body aches, the temp going back up again.... Yup, it's the swine flu.

Honestly, it's not that terrible. Just feel tired and achy, although a little lightheaded after activity. Unfortunately, still running low-grade temps, and you're considered contagious until a full day after the temperature returns to normal. Too late now to take the anti-virals. Someone said to me today "Oh, you must feel just terrible, people say they feel like death with this thing!" Well, I've got a different definition of that feeling.... Hey, after you've been in heart failure and gasping for breath a little flu is a piece of cake--this will pass without major surgery.

And, since I'm still taking the antibiotics for the asthmatic bronchitis my INR is wacked out again. At least with the home monitor it can be immediately treated, which makes me feel better. I was running errands on Saturday before the recognition that it was something really contagious, managed to drop off a thumb drive with 284 vacation pics on it (edited down from 971--really!), and my tenant picked them up for me Sunday, which was very nice of her. So having those perks me up--the Stone Henge ones came out really well.

Very frustrating for work--vacation 2 weeks, only worked one day last week, out today and tomorrow at least. And, of course, comparisons being made with the last international trip for two weeks when I came back sick that progressed to severe asthmatic bronchitis and then the finding of the mitral valve disease. They may not let me leave the country again after this!

Will update a few more things in the next couple days. Laurie