Life takes fortitude

This doesn't hurt either

Now if that’s not a true statement I don’t know what is.

I’m sorry I’ve skipped a couple of posts.  I’ve been dealing with this health issue, which turns out to be a nasty cold plus a sinus infection on top of that.  Yikes!  I’ve been working when I can but have taken a couple of days off in between to gather myself and try to get over this.  What a nasty business.  I’ve tried every cold med out there and also hot toddies at night.  I remember my grandma making those for us on the farm years ago.  They warm you up and put you to sleep…for a while.

So to fill you in a little, I got sick a week ago Monday.  Naturally, I was working in the coldest spot in the store that day and I think it did me in, or perhaps I wouldn’t be in this shape, even if I did end up with a cold.  I’m rarely sick, but when I am, I’m really sick.

I wore four layers of clothes that day, plus insulated socks because December and January is the worst for cold around here.  I want to be as prepared as I can be because you never know exactly where you might end up working that day.  I was thankful I had all those clothes on but…as it turned out; I was shivering for the last hour and a half of my shift.  Truth be told, I really didn’t think I would make it…but I did through fortitude.

It didn’t help that I had a nasty customer that was so upset because I actually had to cook something before I could put it out.  That never ceases to amaze me that people think they can eat things frozen, or raw.  It was obvious he was eating and not shopping.  He had no shopping cart.  Most of the eaters don’t unless it’s to stack samples in.  I did my best to be polite and told him to come back for a sample.  Of course, this type never does and just stomps off after some choice words. 

I was feeling bad enough anyway because I was getting sick.  The next customer was a gem of a human being and the reason why it’s worth doing this job.  She and her husband came up next and couldn’t believe the way the man acted.  She told me all of us were under-appreciated, but she sincerely appreciates all our dedication to the job.  She was so nice and so was he.  She even gave me a hug.  I really needed one about then.

There are always nice people out there and ones having a bad day.  I thought about that many times since.

I was so glad to get out of there that night and once home, I ripped off all my clothes (like peeling an onion - there are so many layers) and I went straight to bed.  Hubby took my temp and it was 102.  I couldn’t get warm, but finally did.  Needless to say, I called in sick the next day.  The first time I’ve done that at this job.  I really didn’t have a choice.

I’ve been to work a few days since but finally went to the doctor yesterday after they told me at work I sounded horrible.  Laryngitis had set in by the end of my shift on Saturday.  Now, I have lots of meds and am doing very little talking because of all the coughing, so I communicate with hubby using sticky notes.  I’m sure he’s fine with that because I always do talk too much.

Next post will be about my candy road show experience at work.  Stay tuned and stay warm and well.

Be careful of old people medicine

Generic for Fosomax

This is a warning for any of you that are older and perhaps will be prescribed medication you didn’t know you needed.  Such is the case with me.  Until I became old enough for Medicare about three months ago, I didn’t know I had osteoporosis in my back.  They discovered this in a Dexa scan (a bone density test).  This test is among many you get free as a welcome and wellness visit when you sign up for Medicare.

This innocent test was only the beginning of the horrors to come.  Things haven’t been the same for me since getting on a prescription that’s supposed to grow stronger bones.  I’ve felt like I’ve aged at least twenty years.  I’ve been achy and nauseated and that’s disrupted my sleeping and eating.  If I can get any food down, I get severe heartburn so I’ve stocked up on antacids and some ginger ale, which is very good for nausea.  I hate to drink so much soda and haven’t since this was my go-to drink for the hot flashes some years ago.  My hands are so cramped these days.  I can’t even pick up a glass of water.  It’s ridiculous to find myself in such a circumstance.

My doctor and I had quite a discussion about all of this with him assuring me things will get better.  I’m beyond taking anymore of this medicine because I can’t function and I let him know in so many words.  I’m certain there’s something in there that’s disagreeing with me and I’m not touching it with a ten-foot pole.  The jury is still out as to what will be the substitute now.  At this point, I’m ready to take my chances with breaking a bone.

 Generic for Fosomax - Beware if your doctor ever wants to give you this

 

I’ve been fortunate to be a well person most of my life and if I’d never gone for this test, I wouldn’t be any the wiser now.  I eat right and exercise.  Frankly, I can’t afford to try another medicine that may have the same effect.  I need a guarantee for any future prescriptions because I have a job to consider now and it was hard to come by.  I don’t intend to jeopardize that.

Logic tells me that I’ve had this condition for some time and I’ve fallen many a time onto the rocks in the backyard, or the patio, and never hurt myself.  This usually happens every winter around here when the weather is beyond horrible and plants have to be taken care of when a strong north wind is blowing.

There’s no doctor on the planet that’s going to give me a guarantee of not having a reaction to something.  I’m certainly old enough to know that.  I think I’ll be looking around and researching for natural alternatives.  If I find anything, I’ll let you know, for anyone wishing to do the same.