Morning Thoughts--Sick

I have been staying home for a couple of days with a slight cold and a very bad sore throat. This morning I couldn't swallow without it feeling like I was swallowing glass. Maybe I need to walk up to see the doctor today. I hate doing it because I expect that he will give me a prescription for antibiotics. Doctors here like to do that and I don't know if they will help or not for this kind of illness. Okay, I admit it. Getting a prescription for antibiotics is not the reason. I just hate going to see doctors. I have had too many bad experiences in the States with doctors. I avoid them for as long as possible.

But at least I don't have to worry about the cost or making an appointment or waiting in the doctor's office for an hour or more like I do in the States. It is all so simple. I walk into the doctor's office and say to the receptionist that I need to see him. In a few minutes he comes out and gets me. Then he talks with me as long as I like about my symptoms. He checks them out and makes his diagnosis. I leave and pay my two hundred pesos (about fifteen dollars) to the receptionist or to him. I walk across the street to the pharmacy and buy the medication. Easy.

I forgot to mention that when I am at the doctor's office I do not have to completely undress and sit in a cold little cubicle for a long time with nothing on but a tiny paper gown. I get to sit across from the doctor in his office, like an equal.  He sees me as more than a cluster of symptoms. He treats me like a human being. I love that.

Today is market day. I am going to have to get food for the rest of the week. Maybe I will take some photos if I feel up to it. And if I am not feeling better after shopping I will think about going to the doctor. (Most likely, I will just THINK about it.)

It stormed again last night and this morning the clouds are mostly gone but it is so humid that I feel like I just had a shower and didn't dry off. I don't like this part of the rainy season. But being sick puts me in a bad mood. I don't like anything right about now. Maybe I won't write for a few days, until I am feeling better physically in a more upbeat mood.