Last week, I was taken out by Flu B. My daughter had it the week before and was prescribed Tamiflu so it only lasted about 4 days. For me, the flu lasted 6 days, and then a sinus infection took over for the next 5 days. And while I can finally breathe without the assistance of a NeilMed Sinus Rinse and a warm humidifier, I still have congestion and drainage. It’s been fun. Out of this whole experience, I had two takeaways. 1) I need to start getting the flu shot because I’m too old to be out for 10+ days. 2) I need to find a new primary care physician (PCP) because I haven’t seen mine in the past 4 years and I’ve had plenty of appointments within that time frame.
My PCP has taken on way more patients than she can see. And because of that, the majority of us are repeatedly pushed off to the nurse practitioner (NP) - which is fine - only they change every few months. This time, I started experiencing symptoms on a Friday, and my appointment was scheduled for Monday. After my test came back positive for Flu B, which I expected, they said I would have to wait it out. Then when I called two days later, explaining my symptoms were worse, and also pointing towards a sinus infection I was told I would have to have those symptoms for an additional 10 days before they could look at other treatment options. They told me to stick with OTC congestion meds that were not working. And I tried them all. DayQuil/NyQuil. Theraflu. Allegra-D. Afrin. Mucinex. Ibuprofen. Elderberry. Nothing was touching my symptoms or my fevers for those first 6 days.
Then my congestion got so bad that I couldn’t breathe properly. I started having difficulty catching my breath, and we could all clearly hear the wheezing when I tried. At night, I woke up choking frequently, and I was only getting about 4 hours of sleep (2 hours at a time). I finally asked my boss about a device he used, as he was getting sinus infections almost monthly before he had surgery, and he recommended a NeilMed Sinus Rinse. And don’t you know, that thing worked like a charm? There was a lot of disgusting stuff that came out of my nose within the first 3 uses. And then continued for the following 3 days. But it brought me some much-needed relief. And by Saturday, I was at 75% with a few sinus headaches and occasional stuffyness. But I was still able to run the Cowtown 10k, which is what really matters because I had spent a good chunk of money on that race. And I was able to attend the AMA Supercross event with my family. By Sunday night, I was finally able to get 7 hours of sleep. And it was glorious!
Anyway, all of this is to say that this next fall/winter I'll be getting the flu shot. Your girl can't risk being taken out like that again. And I wish the NP or even my PCP would have given me Tamiflu or a steroid shot. Anything to get some relief and be able to rest. I originally chose my PCP because she didn’t just throw meds at her patients for every little thing. Which I still think is wonderful. However, when you have a patient who has already missed 4 days of work, isn’t getting very much sleep, runs high fevers for more than 6 days, has clear symptoms of a sinus infection, and is having issues breathing - give them a damn shot. Give them something. Telling them that they have to suffer for an additional 10 days and maybe then they can be given something is just ridiculous in my opinion. We’re technically in a “rural” area so options for doctors are pretty limited. But I really wish I could find one with a happy medium. One that doesn’t throw meds at every little thing, but understands that sometimes patients NEED something. For now, she'll still continue to be my PCP but I'll be on the lookout, and seeking recommendations for other doctors.
