Well, my new year went as expected. On Sunday I started coming down with a cold. By Monday it was the full blown Flu. Being the doctor-loving person I am, I put off calling my family physician (especially it being New Year's Eve and all). So, I was suffering along when I layed down to sleep (which I had been doing anyway) and the room started spinning and I got nauseous. I got scared and did the awful deed of going to the emergency room. I was pleasantly surprised. They put me through something called FastTrak. I got in a waiting room, took off my coat, and they called my name. I was taken into a special ward with few beds. I bet I was in and out of there in 30-40 minutes! Anyway, the interesting news is I have an inner ear infection. It is viral, as I have had symptoms since before my ECT treatments. This infection can cause panic attacks, anxiety and depression. Your senses get so confused that you unconciously panic. This whole episode could have been physically explained, as I went to my family doctor before my psych admission complaining of balance problems. I had to convince them to have a doctor look in my ears while in the psych ward because of the ROARING (unbelievable roaring) in my head. He said I had fluid in my ears and gave me antibiotics. Of course this ER doc said that this had to be viral because it has lasted so long, so antibiotics do nothing. So, long story short, I am seeing a ear,nose, throat specialist as soon as possible!
Now, the great news! My daughter who lives in Miami Beach has decided to send me train tickets to come down for my Birthday!!!! It is on the 13th, so I leave on Monday! What ever comes down has to go back up eventually, right? Thanks so much for your comments and offers of friendship, best wishes, etc. I am feeling much better, though I don't think anything will ever be the same between my mother and I, and that makes me kinda sad. Can't have your cake and eat it too, can you.
Love,
o
PS: I quit smoking yesterday...anybody got one I can bum? ;)
