Last week I discovered one of the benefits of old age—the luxury of being sick! I have had a sore throat—a really sore throat–for more than a week. Just a virus, I expect, nothing to worry about, but it put me in bed for three days. That’s a very unusual occurrence in any period of my life, but it got me thinking about how differently I respond to illness now compared to when I was younger.
As a young mother who also worked as a nurse, I didn’t have time for sore throats and malaise. If I could get through my day without distributing viruses over everyone I contacted, I carried on as usual in spite of not feeling well. Children had to be cared for whether I felt like it or not, and if I didn’t go to work, my co-workers were expected to pick up the slack. Coughing and sneezing might keep me home, but even then I would use extra hand washing, maybe wear a mask, and try not to get up close and personal rather than take a sick day. After all, if I was well enough to get out of bed, I was well enough to work. Right? Does this sound familiar to anyone? I know I’m not alone.
This week, when I realized that this thing would be with me for a few days, I decided to take the advice that I would give to my patients—I went to bed. For three whole days I stayed in my snugly pyjamas with the quilts pulled up around my ears, and slept. When I was awake, I drank hot ginger tea and cold ginger ale. I ate oranges and vegetable soup, and left the dishes for my husband. I cared for no one but myself. And though I admit to feeling a bit self-indulgent, I didn’t feel one bit selfish or guilty.
This morning I’m feeling better, but I’ve decided to go see my doctor just the same. He will tell me to lay low for a few more days, and let it run its course. All the same, I want some assurance that this is nothing more than a common viral infection. Ten days of sore throat is out of the ordinary and deserves some investigation, I believe. And I don’t want to mope around for another 10 days if a simple treatment can help.
So what is the take away? First of all, taking the time to be sick shouldn’t be a luxury at any age. My health has got to be a priority and if taking a few days off to rest in bed is what it takes to get better, then so be it. My current stage of life makes this easier for me since I have no one to answer to but myself (Dave doesn’t count since he’s completely self sufficient). Caring for the little ailments tends to prevent larger problems from occurring—larger problems that could just prevent me from living well to 112.
Then there is the issue of having enough body awareness to recognize the significance of symptoms. My throat was aching and I had no energy, but my appetite was fine and I was not running a fever (signs that this could be more than a viral infection). But the sore throat has hung on for 10 days with no sign of letting go—longer than a typical virus in my experience. So it’s time to get a second opinion. Catching a problem early will save time and money in the long run for both me and the health care system.
Besides, it was wonderful to stay in bed and be cared for, for a change. I may just try it again when I’m feeling better!