Two weeks. That is how long it has been since the cough started. That is how long it has been since I’ve done any kind of meaningful exercise.
I was hoping I’d have a better training update to share. Until the bronchitis started I had been doing pretty well. Now I sit on my duff and sleep a lot. I got a confirmed diagnosis after a few days, a prescription for three days of prednisone and a delay-fill for antibiotics. I got the antibiotics script filled, by the way. I think they’re helping. I think.
Seriously, this is no joke. The first couple of days just walking to the bathroom was too much work and I had to rest. I slept most of the first few days anyway so bathroom breaks really weren’t a concern. This past week has been busy with long days and some emotional stress due to a friend’s death and funeral. I am wiped out and I slept most of the day.
This is the first time I’ve been diagnosed with bronchitis. The little bit of research I did described the barking cough (had it on Day 1) and informed me the cough could linger for up to SIX weeks. Some days the cough isn’t bad. Other times it hurts my chest, head and abdominal muscles because it just won’t stop. Another thing that will not stop is the pressure in my sinuses. I’ve been taking 12-hour original pseudoephedrine hoping it would help. It does – sometimes. My face, upper jaw bone and molars ache from the pressure. I even tried hanging my head upside down hoping it would help the crud dislodge from its hiding spots. All I got was a little dizzy and light headed.
With each passing day of fatigue I can’t help but think about all the progress I have lost. When I start back up again — and when is that going to be, exactly? — I’m afraid I’ll be so far behind I won’t be able to make up the work and get my effort to where I want it to be.
My mum has COPD and has a similar nagging cough. I empathize so much more now.
Thick Chicks Run, Too 