I really am going to live.

I really am going to live.

Unless a truck hits me, I should make it through this. I have coughed so much that my ribs hurt and Dr. Mark Jones said that I will likely cough another few weeks. Great! At least I do not have pneumonia. My apologies to all who were here on New Year's Day. The rest of you are lucky that you escaped. This hit about Tuesday, which means that I was probably coming down with it earlier.

I ended up having x-rays of my lungs because I am old. My lungs are clear, of course. I think the doctor even knew that when he sent me to the lab. What I have is Acute Bronchitis.

Symptoms usually include (and I have them all):

A cough, which is the main symptom of acute bronchitis. It may be dry at first (does not produce mucus) and after a few days may bring up mucus from the lungs (productive cough). The mucus may be clear, yellow, or green. Sometimes, small streaks of blood may be present.

A mild fever, usually less than 101 F. A higher fever may indicate pneumonia. (Mine was 101.)

A general feeling of tiredness. (What's new?)

A sensation of tightness, burning, or dull pain in the chest under the breastbone that usually is worse when breathing deeply or coughing.

Whistling noises (wheezing) when breathing, especially during physical exertion. (Oh, you mean walking!)

Hoarseness.

Most cases of acute bronchitis in otherwise healthy people last only 2 to 3 weeks. But more than 20% of people with acute bronchitis have a cough that lasts more than 4 weeks.

Often it is hard to tell the difference between viral and bacterial forms of acute bronchitis, and many conditions have symptoms similar to acute bronchitis, such as asthma and pneumonia. Because pneumonia can be a serious complication, it is important to know the differences between acute bronchitis and pneumonia. For example, a high fever, shaking chills, and shortness of breath often occur with pneumonia but not with acute bronchitis.

Dr. Jones decided to give me an antibiotic because it seemed as though I have a bacterial form. It worked, so I guess he was right. I am feeling like I might live and, except for coughing fits that last several minutes and take the breath away, I am doing well.

Dad thought I had pneumonia which is why he insisted that I go to the doctor.

At any rate, I am not contagious anymore. 

Sorry about exposing all of you. 

Love, M


*We love you, and sure hope you get better soon. -Shawn