When I originally drafted this post, the title was “seven.” As you can clearly see, it’s now changed to the word twelve. Twelve as in the number of days I’ve been sick. Real people sick. For 12 days. Seriously.
It started Thursday, Sept 20. I woke up feeling rotten, expecting something worse than a common cold. I was achy and coughing, with an alternating runny and stuffy nose, topped off with a low-grade fever. Saturday and Sunday, the fever was gone along with the achy body. But the other symptoms were still hanging around.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the trend continued. Thursday, I was still sick but with ketones hanging around. Friday, the ketones were gone, but not the symptoms of a head cold. My numbers have been all over the place. The first full day I was sick with a fever, I stayed low for an extended period of time. I also wasn’t eating much. I lowered my basal and kept glucose tablets handy. I didn’t see any significant spikes until I started pumping over-the-counter meds into my body. I usually don’t worry about highs unless they stick around a while or are accompanied by ketones. So far, the highs were short-lived as were the ketone spottings.
I’ve lived off of soup for four days, drinking nothing but water, tea and coffee. I’m keeping tabs on my blood sugars, which require a little extra monitoring when I’m sick. Saturday and Sunday, I had ketones again, so I stayed mostly indoors. I tried to ride outside a couple of days but didn’t get very far — mostly because of that whole being able to breathe thing. I’ve forced myself to get on the stationery bike, even though I loathe it.
I had plans to ride with a friend Saturday, but with a low-grade fever and ketones, decided against it. The big ride is just around the corner so if this germ could leave me alone now, that would be super. I haven’t been to the doctor for several reasons. A) It’s a cold, and there’s nothing anyone can really do for that. B) Steroids aren’t an option for me because of increased blood sugar levels. And C), about three people in my office have had this same viral cold, and it took anywhere from 10-14 days for it to disappear completely. If I still show ketones today, I’ll probably schedule an appointment though. Something’s gotta give.
The inconvenience level this thing has caused hit an all-time high this weekend when it knocked me out of riding. (The weather was the most perfect riding weather we’ve had all year, and I was stuck in bed). This needs to end now. Your prayers would be much appreciated. I have a big weekend planned complete with a Warrior Dash and a 60-mile ride along part of the Chief Ladiga Trail. This cold has got to go. It has sincerely worn out its welcome.