NEW DAWN – Mystery diagnosis

APOLOGIES to readers. My column was missing because I was ill.I came down with a sore throat, which I believed was allergy-related. Went to a doctor who gave me a scrip for antibiotics and said I had nothing catching, so I could work.By the next day, the area of my bronchi was sore, and became increasingly painful. I started a dry cough, but nothing was coming up by nose or mouth. Then I got slightly dizzy, felt I would fall, hands a bit shaky, and started breathing more unhappily heavily than when previously involved in joyful heavy-breathing activities.No snottiness, fever, aches and pains, chills, headache, back pain, nausea, or runnings. Total appetite shut down, could hardly eat two mouthfuls, or drink more than a sip of water.I rested indoors for the weekend, hoping that whatever was assaulting my respiratory system would clear up. No such luck. Being low on funds, I decided to go to the A&E of the QEH. Told them my chronic health problems, age and concern that I had become asthmatic as breathing was very poor.All I really wanted was for a doctor to listen to my heart and breathing and let me know if resting alone at home was safe. After the ninth hour of waiting “in-patiently” in purgatory, with diminishing hopes of getting to heaven (inside the area where you see a doc), I returned to the admitting window and pleaded, softly and politely.But I reached a stage where I couldn’t take it any more, not having eaten much for three days, and feeling fainter all the time. So I went to a private emergency service.The bronchial infection, in the absence of a cold or flu, seemed to mystify the first doctor I encountered. He apparently decided – medical literature does suggest it – that I was a heavy smoker and alcohol drinker. After receiving negative answers, he asked me two more times! Apparently he suspected retardation or senility, and dishonesty as well!My lungs were X-rayed, I was nebulised – something like playing Snuffleupagus – and my available money disappeared even faster than my patience. I felt no better. I got through the long, hard day’s night with the steadfast presence of a girlfriend, and concerned phone calls from a male friend.When I went back to the private emergency service a week later, I encountered a doctor who lowered my fears by showing me the clear lungs in my X-ray but obvious bronchial infection. He seemed to believe me that my bad breathing was connected to unavoidable allergic exposure.People recently told me of having mysterious coughs, fevers, or flus, difficult to diagnose. So if your symptoms make no sense and do not fit the textbook pattern, keep on looking, until you find an explanation, or at least a treatment.I have chronic noncommunicable conditions, but try to manage my health: eat well and drink water; use vitamins and supplements; get moderate and regular exercise; enough rest and sleep; a mob-o-ton of smiling, laughing and positive thinking; meditation; and reliance on higher powers and healing energy.• Dawn Morgan is a NATION Senior Writer (Advertising) who is thankful that self-care works most of the time. Phone 430-5495. Email [email protected]