good news

It's not pneumonia or bronchitis. It's a "post-viral cough". Apparently the virus I had over vacation irritated my lungs, and they're displeased with me. We're treating this by getting me more sleep. I've got a prescription for cough syrup with codeine, and directions to take Afrin at bedtime and Mucinex otherwise.

So, no horrible contagious diseases, no enormous pills, and this should go away in a week. I won't say I feel better already, but I'm glad it's nothing awful.

sorting myself out

I've spent so much time lately lying down in funny positions and trying not to cough that the right side of my neck, down into my shoulder, has locked up like crazy and is extremely sore. I'm getting that dealt with tomorrow. I know that getting it worked on is going to hurt too, but I hope it won't hurt so much afterward.

By the way, just in case you all are curious, coughing is bad for the blood pressure. Mine was 136/92 this morning, taken immediately after a coughing fit. They took it again later and it was much better.