Friday fragments

On Tues evening Spouse & I met Steven & Thad for flu shots.  The local LGBT community center hosts a free flue shot clinic in conjunction with the local hospital, so we go there together for flu shots and then have dinner afterward.  For many years I didn't get flu shots.  Then about 8 years ago my doctor told me that thousands of people die every year from the flu, so why not get the flu shot and reduce the chances that I'd be 1 of them.  Since then I've gotten a flu shot every year, and thanks to the hospital/LGBT community center its free.

Bugs & Roger are coming this weekend!  Well, technically they're coming tonight, and will be spending the weekend with us. They usually come at least once each year but last year they didn't, so it will be about 2 years since they're last visit.  Fortunately I was able to take off work Sat & Sun to be with them.  We'll probably visit the local arts and crafts festival tomorrow, go out to dinner with Steven & Thad, and then see the Legends show at the Blue Moon.  I'll be performing as Boy George. The weather forecast for the weekend lots great so we'll likely spend a fair amount of time talking and sitting on the screened porch.

We're going back to Palm Springs!  Yes, we were just there in Feb but we had such a good time we decided to go back Oct 13-20.  In Feb it was about 80 degrees during the daytime, a bit cooler than we expected, so this time it should be closer to 90 degrees during the daytime.  We've rented a chic mid-century modern home with a pool and hot tub.  We should get more use out of the pool this time.  Also, our friend Carl is coming with us.  I went to school with him but we lost touch after graduation.  Then we reconnected about 5 years ago, thanks to Facebook.  He's never been to Palm Springs.

Flu shot

Steven & Thad and Spouse & I went for our annual flu shot this week.  Our local GLBT community center hosts nurses from the local hospital to administer free flu shots 1 day every year, so for the last few years we've been going together, getting our flu shots, and then going to dinner.  That kind of makes it more fun than just getting a flu shot and going home.

Have you gotten your flu shot yet?  People DIE from the flu every year, so be sure to get your flu shot!

Flu shot

Yesterday evening I met Steven & Thad and Joe P to get our free flu shots.  Our local hospital does several flu shot clinics this time of year and to make sure we all get one, we do it together.  Spouse did not come since it conflicted with his work out time, but got a flu shot today during a doctor visit.

I never used to get flu shots.  I was like 45 or 46 before I got my 1st one.  My primary care doctor talked me into it by telling me that thousands of people die every year from the flu, and that a simple flu shot can greatly reduce the risk of getting or dying from it.  So now I get one each year. 

After getting our flu shots the 4 of us went to dinner.  That makes it more fun.  We went to Purple Parrot and I had a good taco salad.  It was an enjoyable, early evening.  I was home by 7:00.

Sick

I mentioned in my vacation posts that on Thurs we stopped at the WalMart to pick up some sinus decongestant.  I was starting to feel sinus pressure and congestion.  I took the medication for the next several days but I think it only slightly delayed the inevitable.  I was about to get sick.

The flight home was only tolerable because I felt like dozing and relaxing the entire day.  But I felt horrible and wound up going through an entire pocket-size package of tissues on the planes.

I went to work on Mon and plowed through the many emails and pretty much got back up to speed at work, despite feeling like crap.  But Mon night I developed chills and body aches.  I had on flannel pajama pants, thermal shirt, and socks but just couldn't get warm.  I wrapped up in a fleece throw and watched TV with tissues in hand.  

I could tell I would not be able to make it into work the next day so I texted my team members to let them know I was staying home sick.

I went to bed at 10pm Mon night and didn't get up until 10:30am the next day.  I had a small bowl of oatmeal and a cup of coffee, then collapsed on the couch in exhaustion.  I felt so tired, as if I hadn't just slept for 13 hours.  I continued taking my sinus meds and blowing my nose, but didn't leave the sofa the rest of the day.  

Wed was a repeat of Tues.

Thurs is typically my day off, but having been home sick Tues & Wed I decided to go into work.  It was tough but I made it through the day.  Fri, Sat, and Sun I continued having sinus congestion, but the chills and body aches were gone, so I decided to go to the doctor on Mon.

After talking about my symptoms and having a physical exam, my doctor told me I had the flu on Tues & Wed, and simultaneously had an upper respiratory infection.  He prescribed an antibiotic for 5 days.

Although I'm not back to normal yet, I'm feeling a lot better now and my symptoms are beginning to subside.  Its been over 2 weeks and I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Flu shot

Last week when I had my physical my doctor highly recommended I get a flu shot. I told him I'd never had a flu shot and had never gotten the flu. I reminded him that I work at home so I wasn't as susceptible as most people. He was not convinced.

He advised me that people DIE every year from the flu. Not having gotten the flu before doesn't mean I won't get it in the future. He said it was better to get the flu shot and be protected than to not get a flu shot and be vulnerable. He really made me think about it.

This morning I saw on Facebook that our local GLBT center had partnered with the local hospital to provide free flu shots. So when Spouse got home (early) from work we headed over to the GLBT center for our shots. Spouse gets a flu shot every year because he works in a public facility. Since I had never had one before I was instructed to wait for 15 minutes after getting my shot to be sure I didn't have a reaction. It was a beautiful day so Spouse went for a walk while I waited.

After my 15 minutes were up I was free to go. I exited the GLBT center and walked a few feet down the sidewalk and BAM!! I suddenly felt flushed and nauseous. I could tell I was sweating. Then I lost my vision for a few seconds and felt like I was going to pass out. I put my hands out to try and catch myself as I started to go down. Fortunately I was caught by a brick retaining wall so I didn't actually hit the ground.

Coincidentally one of the nurses walked out of the GLBT center and saw what was happening and said "Are you alright, hon?" I responded "I think I might have left a few minutes too soon." She came over, grabbed my arm and helped me back into the GLBT center. I laid down on the sofa and the nurse said "You're very pale. You stay here and I'm going to check your blood pressure."

My color returned to normal and my blood pressure wasn't unusual. Apparently a very small number of people have reactions to flu shots if they've never had one before. Who knew?

Within 10 minutes I was able to walk around the GLBT center without issue so they let me go home. I asked Spouse to drive, just to be on the safe side.

Crush du Jour: Marco daSilva