I went to see Dr. T on Wednesday because things have been getting worse and by Tuesday, I felt absolutely terrible. It has been a long time since I've seen Dr. T and this visit, was like some others where I could barely sit up to be examined. My wheezing was so heavy, he couldn't hear my lungs well so I got a lovely chest xray. The good news is I don't have pneumonia but bronchitis, asthma, headache, low blood pressure...or otherwise known as the influenza.
Dr. T gave me a prescription for a zpac just in case it doesn't get better in a few days, a rescue inhaler, and after much arm wrestling, a prescription cough syrup. A few years ago, I was introduced to Tussinex. Tussinex is a hydrocodone time released cough syrup that lasts 12 hours. For someone that is not sleeping because they are so sick, it is a godsend. But it is a controlled substance and rightly so, should not be given out to everyone. After what felt like strong arming Dr. T, I walked out feeling like I might be a drug addict and a prescription in hand. I went straight down to Jolley Pharmacy to pick it up. I love Jolleys not only because they can get my Methotrexate even when other pharmacies can't, but they have a drive up window which was wonderful since I am weak and dizzy. They were out but would have it the next morning. Well worth the wait.
So let me tell you, Tussinex is absolutely awesome and worth the hassle to get. It really does last 12 hours. And I understand it controls the trigger that makes you cough so you just don't. And it has a decongestant so you don't feel stuffy. But boy howdy! That 12 hours of drug induced wellness is amazing. The hydrocodone is no joke. It is a psychedic ride and vivid and imaginative dreams. Thought processes are crazy. But for 12 hours, it is like not being sick again! I could take deep breaths for once in a week. No coughing, No congestion. And who doesn't want that??? Needless to say, the good sleep and lack of coughing irritation has done wonders to help me feel better. I also started the antibiotic because truth be told, I usually need one eventually and I didn't want to waste any days on my healing road. I do wake up quite groggy and hung over but I'll take it!
I'm not 100% by any stretch of the imagination but I think I might live and that is saying something after my last week.
I know Utah has an Opiod abuse problem. I'm a little irritated that it can be so difficult to get medication to help you feel better. I shouldn't walk out feeling guilty for insisting on a medication that I know will help me. I am not a drug addict and my pharmacy history proves that. I was told Tussinex was super expensive but when you don't feel good, you just don't care! With my insurance, it was $10. Complete bullshit. That is cheap on my plan. I would have gladly paid $100 for a good night's sleep....and the inhaler was 3X as much but we never talked about how expensive that was!
Okay. Off my soap box.
No comments:
Post a Comment