Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Sicker - [Updated post doctor appt]

Update at bottom

So much for feeling better. That lasted half a day. I went to work yesterday morning feeling okay, but I began to feel progressively worse by lunch time and by late afternoon I was a real mess.

The coughing, sneezing, sniffling and nose blowing are a real symphony to hear.

Thanks Office Dude for bringing your kids' virus to work and infecting everyone. He proudly (smiling, no less) told me yesterday that he is saying it was H1N1 and he's happy because now he and his family are immune.

First of all, we don't know what it is because no one in the office went for testing. Second, j'ever think other people might not be so happy about getting H1N1? Really.

I called my doc and have an appointment this afternoon to get swabbed for H1N1. Better safe than sorry...although I'm already sorry. My DH is a mess, citing the 28% mortality rate for pregnant women. He has been hovering over me, asking how I feel and whether I feel feverish. The stupid vaccine has not become available in our area yet.

Despite it all, I'm remaining hopeful this is just some errant virus which I'll be over in a few days. Plus, I continue to hear the baby's strong heartbeat on doppler, so that's reassuring too.

I told the big boss and the other supervisor yesterday about the pregnancy. Not exactly how I'd imagined doing it, but it went something like this: "As you know several people in the office have been sick. No one has gotten tested for H1N1, so I made an appointment with my doctor to get tested. We should know what's going around the office. Plus, I want to get tested anyway because....I'm 20 weeks pregnant."

They (both of them women) were congratulatory (about being pregnant, not about being sick), reassuring and supportive. So that's good. The big boss didn't even know people in the office have been sick (hello?).

So I'm off to the doctor's office in a couple of hours. Wish me luck that it's nothing more than the common cold.
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Update:
Doctor says it's not flu because I don't have any of the typical flu symptoms, which include fever, muscle aches and extreme fatige. The symptoms I do have, including sneezing, dry cough and head congestion, are rarely seen with flu and indicate that I most likely just have a COLD. Yay for cold virus! She was also pleased that my lungs are clear, throat is not inflammed and my lymph nodes are not swollen. I told her that "Doctor Google" had me worried because I read that there have been cases of H1N1 without fever. I don't think she ever heard the term "Doctor Google" before, but caught on after a couple of seconds and smiled. So I didn't even get swabbed for H1N1. A cold I can tough out. I might need another day at home, resting though.
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13 comments:

Mad Hatter said...

Oh, dear! I really hope it's a mild case of cold or non-H1N1 flu! I'm sorry to hear that you're sick. Have you taken your temperature? I'm home sick, too, but haven't developed a fever, which I am seeing as a good sign. I am glad you are getting tested. Crossing my fingers that all is well.

Finn's Mom said...

GL, I really hope it's not H1N1! When the supplies are better next month, I'm considering getting it even though not pg. It seems like a good idea to get it out of the way now instead of worrying about it if/when I'm pg.

What a dipshit your coworker is, btw. What if someone had a family member at home who was immuno-compromised, such as going through chemo and brought the germs home without realizing it? Nice to only care about your own tiny, little sphere, bud.

Fingers crossed that you get a negative on a test this time!

Eb said...

good luck at the docs, please post as soon as you know - all worried now.
the best cure for feeling crappy that I know is to lay in bed with a nice cup of tea and some toast & Honey.
But I am English!

Jen said...

Rest up and stay hydrated-

2 of my kids have had it this week-

My doctor has some questions about the vaccine and I have plenty of my own, so even though I could get the vaccine on Saturday, I think I'll pass- no one knows the affect it will have on my babies- and we can't sue if there are side effects- which makes me wonder why a company would ask for the rights for individuals to sue if there are side affects be waived if the company is so confident it is safe-

Please let us know how you are feeling!!!

Hugs!!!

Fran said...

posting from the phone, thinking of you loads. love fran

embieadoptmom said...

Praying all is well with you and your sweet one! HUGS!

cindyhoo2 said...

Very inconsiderate, bad coworker! Has everyone not gone to the CDC site to know what to do and not to do with potential N1H1? (no? that's just me?? well, I will be happy to share a powerpoint if needed) ;0) I think you are smart to get tested as the flu is especially bad for pregnant women. I have gotten both flu shots but I had to go to the health department to get vaccinated for N1H1. As a pregnant woman, you get priority for the shot. When you are well, check it out. I can't wait to know your test results.

Aside from that, you were so cool about telling yor bosses. And I am glad they responded in a good way.

embieadoptmom said...

Thank God for no flu!

Mad Hatter said...

Post Update: Phew! What a relief! Interesting about the no fever thing, because I have what I think to be all the flu symptoms, too, but no fever...I hadn't heard that about there being H1N1 cases without fever. Regardless of what we have, I'm sure our coworkers don't want us anywhere near them until it's gone! I felt like a leper when I was sent home yesterday! Take good care and get better soon! (and thanks for your sweet comment on my blog!)

Alex P said...

silly people. Sharing germs. He owes the whole office candy, or some sort of treat.... but he would probably put his grubby hands all over it, so never mind. Feel better!

Michele said...

Thank goodness its a cold, though that's not fun either. Take care of yourself! Doesn't it just drive you nuts when people come to work sick???

Michele
http://btw-wedidnotjustrelax.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Glad you are not influenza'd! And absolutely take more time off- cat's out of the bag now! You might as well get that immune system back before heading off to work. Where apparently they are thoughtfully exposing everyone to diseases to build up immunity. How lovely.

Thanks for your comments on my blog. Perked me up, been feeling down lately!

stillhopeful said...

Whew - glad to hear it's "just" a cold. Although it sounds like a doozy! But as long as there's no risk to the baby, I'm sure that will make it easier to get through.

And great to hear about the boss's reactions. I was also surprised at the supportive reactions I found, but as the time is now getting closer, I'm a little wary about the conviction behind that support. Hopefully, it will be genuine for both of us!