The Chicagoland weather has been beautiful, and I am working some excellent summer hours.
Just when the temperature became perfect for enjoying the outdoors, I got tired -- really tired.
I could not go more than a few hours without napping. My neck began to feel as though I was collecting golf balls in my throat.
As soon as people get sick, coworkers, family and friends go into physician mode.
I was told to gargle, then to rest, then to eat, then to take ibuprofen. I cannot currently understand why people insist on getting a second opinion. I had at least 10, and I still did not feel any better.
By realizing the sore throat and fatigue would not improve without visiting a man with a medical degree, I found out I had tonsillitis once again.
I should have taken bets. I had five people on mononucleosis, three on strep and another on a sinus infection. I am sure someone else would have put money on all three for the trifecta.
Pair this with a penicillin allergy and I have myself a summer of fun.
I understand that it could have been far worse. I could have mono or strep or some other abbreviated sickness.
Now, armed with antibiotics, I thought I would be up and running within 24 hours.
Here is the catch. My doctor told me I needed between 10 and 12 hours of sleep also.
My mouth must have opened wide enough to display my enlarged tonsils because he immediately launched into an explanation. The time limit was not a temporary treatment plan. I was supposed to be sleeping that long every night.
I could not count how many times I had fallen into bed in the wee hours of the morning, only to pop back out when the alarm went off four to seven hours later. I thought I could handle it. I am 22, fresh out of college and should be ready to rock and roll all night -- and party every day.
Now I hit the pillow at 10:30 p.m.
The Fourth of July is coming up, and I do not know if I will be able to stay awake through the fireworks. I was also planning to redecorate my room, have a cookout and spend my time off with friends.
All I see in the near future are Popsicles and a lot of naps. The employees of the local Blockbuster are close to offering me some special membership. I have rented at least nine movies in the past four days.
People like me need something to make them sit down and pay attention. If I did not have the movies or I was not living with my parents, I am sure I would have swallowed my first dose of antibiotics and been out with my friends.
Sounds like what a 22- year-old should be able to handle, but it will not make me feel better in the long run.
When I associated eating a toasted bagel with swallowing a handful of nails, I figured it was time to take it easy.
At the end of the night, or at 10:30 p.m. when I go to sleep, I realized that a few days of taking it easy will prevent me from getting sick again.
I also really like bagels.
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