IT'S THE FLU

Three weeks ago, I caught the flu.  I immediately had symptoms of weakness and shortness of breath.  I then took a COVID/FLU test which showed type A Flu which can last for two weeks.  My symptoms continued to increase.  My doctor ordered blood work which came back normal.  She appropriately recommended that I stay home to recover as it may last one more week. 

My symptoms kept getting worse.  I made another doctor’s appointment with her, but did not make it as one morning I could not catch my breath.  My husband called 911 and I was hospitalized for four days while they ran every lung and heart test available.  Everything came back normal.  The doctors said I had an infection somewhere which was causing the shortness of breath.  

The doctors also told me that this is the worst flu in 15 years.  The medical staff were so focused on finding where the infection was.  One hospitalist told me, “I researched last night rare causes for your symptoms.  I ran a blood test for that, and it all came back normal”. 

It was very stressful as the unknown is so powerful and scary.  But then, I would feel the love that surrounded me.  I have unconditional love from my amazing family and wonderful friends.  I knew I was not alone in this struggle.  It is all of them that continue to help me move forward.  And for that, I am so blessed and forever thankful.   

IT’S THE FLU 

 

Three weeks ago, Friday, 

I caught the flu. 

Typically, a three-day event. 

I’ll be good to go on Monday. 

 

Each day, I became more short of breath. 

My energy level was decreasing just as fast. 

Taking a COVID/FLU test showed I had the flu; 

                   type A that lasted for two weeks. 

 

The symptoms continued to get worse. 

My doctor ordered blood work which came back normal. 

“You may have symptoms for one more week. 

                   Stay home to rest and recover.” 

 

One week later, we called 911 as I so struggled to catch a breath. 

I was hospitalized for four days trying to find the cause. 

I had every lung and cardiac test that was available 

as my symptoms were a result from an infection somewhere. 

 

It was so stressful thinking, “What will they find?” 

I saw no ending in sight; “Is this my life from now on?” 

But then I was also surrounded by my fantastic family and friends. 

It was what helped me to continue to move on. 

 

In the end, relief was so comforting, when they said, 

“You are so healthy.  All tests have come back normal. 

You are now on the road to recovery as it was 

                   just the flu."