Posted on 03/06/2014 3:56:31 PM PST by Lazamataz
I had a bacterial pneumonia over this last week.
It manifested as flu-like symptoms, at first: Low-grade fever, dizziness, chills, then sweats, and a constant fatigue. I thought nothing of it for the first day, having been the self-administered victim of minor food-poisoning before. However, this illness didn't seem to want to pass. By the second day, Sunday, I became more anxious as to the true cause of the malady. It was less likely to be a true influenza, because I had received a flu vaccine shot this year. So what was it?
I almost thought to get to the doctors, but it was Sunday, he would not be open until Monday morning. I did contact a friend who is a health care professional (an anesthetist) and knowing he was not versed in general practice of medicine, figured he might have picked up a thing or two along the decades. He was quite alarmed at my symptom list and suggested that I might have a bacterial or viral pneumonia. Upon looking the symptom list up, on a one-for-one basis, each symptom listed corresponded to a symptom I was presenting. The various literature indicated that a viral pneumonia was (generally) less severe, although more dangerous because they tended to occur in infants and elderly. Mine was likely a bacterial pneumonia.
The treatment indicated was a good antibiotic, and the one most commonly mentioned was one I just so happened to have: Amoxycillin. It is part of my Grid Down supply kit. I decided -- based on all available input -- to start a 7 day course of 750MG a day.
The next day, before the antibiotics had a chance to work, was the worst. I was completely unable to get into a car to get to the doctor. I genuinely felt at deaths door. I seriously considered, several times, calling 911 to get help, but backed off. It was awful.
Things improved, and now, six days after it started, I am well enough to pen this article.
The thoughts I have had emerge from this event:
1) While it would have been best to go to a doctor, it was an interesting experiment (thankfully, a successful one) to be able to treat yourself with supplies on-hand, with the guidance and expertise of someone in the medical field. It may well be that under the new 'Health Care System' we will be living under, we'll be needing to be a lot more proactive with our health. We may need to be able to diagnose and treat ourselves to the best of our abilities.
2) I do recognize I got lucky, and that this is not my best option while the system still works. However, it was the best I could manage without calling an ambulance, and until Monday, I wasn't that bad. I seriously considered it four times on Monday.
3) SHTF supplies are useful. They were critically useful for me. SHTF does not NECESSARILY mean societal breakdown. The SHTF for me, personally, last week. I am glad I had the proper supplies ON HAND to treat the probable disease.
4) This has caused me to do a mortality check. I am not bulletproof and 10 feet tall. Death is an option for me. I need to have my spiritual house in order, and to try to maximize the order in my physical house.
5) It's important that there be instructions left on things to do after my death. Contacting relatives, friends, and perhaps this very forum, might be one instruction. Another may be an 'unofficial will' ... I have no great wealth, so the various items I have acquired should be allocated by my instruction. Important notes to loved ones might be something I also want to leave.
Shots of Jezynowka would’ve kept it away! Keeps the flu away from me up here in the north!
You’re lucky it wasn’t The Vapors.
:(. Thanks for sharing your story. I am very sorry to hear about how sick you were and its impact on your heart and health. Glad you shared your story. Prayers up for your future health and happiness :).
“I am RUSSIAN and ITALIAN. “
You are so screwed.
Definitely.
Glad to hear you’re okay. Also, thanks for sharing your thoughts on what’s important. Stay well, and if there’s a next time, please don’t hesitate to dial 9-1-1.
2. Never use anti-bacterial soaps of any kind (they kill the 'good' bacteria)
3. Eat fruits and vegetables!
4. Get adequate sleep
Glad to hear it my FRiend. We can’t lose our resident hit it man (and this is com in’ from a female FReeper :). Even I think of you every time there a female picture posted no matter what the numerical value ;). I do pray all is well for you Laz. Being that is sick is no fun.
In Soviet Russia, SCREW IS SO YOU!
Clearly you are not a singer, performer, someone who serves in the healthcare field or one that can't afford extended time off work. Flu shots are worth it in my experience. I wish I wouldn't have gotten cocky and chose not to get one the last two years.
The rest I agree with. I can’t use the anti bacterial soap and stuff anyway as it causes severe eczema on my hands.
Laz, I was riding with Private Malone. He too has Hit It, in mind.
Bump fl reference :)
You brought up some great points about health Laz. I am reminded of how blessed we all are to have each other for this day and to have our health and our life that can be taken at any minute. So wonderful to hear a humane, honest sharing. :). May your life continued to be blessed and thank you so much for sharing yourself and you thoughts with all of us :). You’re a special guy don’t let anyone tell you otherwise ;-D. lol.
It sounds like what my cousin faked to out of the military draft (relax: in Albania!)
Thunder Underneath the Hood!
If you’re superstitious and get your medical advice from old peasant women or from the Internet, (1) AVOID THE FLU SHOTS!
Tagging Along.
Depending on the antibiotic, Tractor Supply, the Feedstore, or a Pet Store, especially one with tropical fish is a good place to start.
If you have a close friend who is a Doctor, that's good, too.
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