Monday, February 28, 2011

From the Sick Ward

When my kids were little, one of the worst things that could happen would be for me to get sick.  The kids routine would be off, dishes would remain in the sink, and I'd have to beg somebody to feed the animals.  The kids would stand by my bedside pitifully, hand me kleenex, while I wallowed in a feverish haze of cats and cat hair.  

I've been sick since last week Friday, but the show must go on.  I've continued to answer the rescue line phones, as I carefully stifled coughing fits.  I've been getting lots of sleep.  Gratefully, things are different as my kids are grown and I have far more help.  (One of the benefits of this being Marriage #2) 

I thought I was feeling so much better today, and went to the shelter with a new foster Mom who had never been there.  I had forgotten that Helen liked the more mature cats, so was thrilled when she chose an adorable 3 year old tabby boy, and a HUGE (I mean REALLY REALLY HUGE) long haired 6 year old black cat.  This poor guy was marked for euthanasia tomorrow.  Bless her heart for taking him.  He was rolling around in his cage and trying to get her attention.  He was matted and smelled like his litterbox.  Not a very loveable sight, but holy moly, is he sweet! 

When I got home at 1:30, I literally took off my coat and fell on the sofa and slept for 90 minutes.  I woke up to 3 tabbies perched on my side like they were little birds.  (I was hopeful they were passing out Kleenex, but no luck)   I guess I'm still sicker than I realized.  Maybe it's time for an antibiotic.  I hate to admit defeat - water, rest, vitamins...shouldn't that be enough? 

If I were a cat, I would've taken me to the vets days ago.  I guess that answers my question. 

7 comments:

Unknown said...

This winter seems to be full of colds and flu bugs. I hope all the kitty snuggles make you feel better.

Kea said...

Hopefully you won't need antibiotics...assuming not if it's "just" a virus. Are you doubling up on vitamin C? Or maybe Cold FX or something like that? Antibiotics scare me, humans and non-humans have them prescribed far too much. No wonder we have "super bugs" now.

Hurrah for the two rescued kitties and universal blessings to Helen for taking them!

House of the Discarded said...

Kea: I've got Cold F/X going...vitamin C...you name it, I've been doing it. It's been going on too long and I'm getting worse. I agree about the antibiotics, but I think it's time.

Blah.

JLi said...

Omigosh...I had to laugh (sorry!) but when I opened your blog today (as I do everyday!)...in between my own coughing fits, I couldn't believe your title first off. I, too, have been really sick since Friday. I ended up in urgent care and have bronchitis. It's really bad and my lungs just ache. I feel for you too! I laugh b/c I wake up and can't move half the time b/c I am "weighted down" myself by three tabbies! I won't float away, that's for sure...
They do like to perch on top of us! Feel better soon! Yes, it's been one heck of a season. This is my second round of this.
P.s....I'm so happy you did get to the shelter today for those lucky kitties!

Anonymous said...

oh dear...that doesn't sound good at all...here, have some virtual chicken soup from me :-)

Also, I'm very happy to read about the guys that got out today :-)

Hope you feel better soon!

cindy, Bertie, Sammy, Malley and Batman

Caroline said...

Hey Beth
Hope you're feeling better, must be some flu! Have missed your blog and wondered what was up. I'm glad you and Helen were able to rescue 2 of the cats in need. Whenever I'm sick in bed, I always have my dog on one side and the foster cat of the moment on the other!lol Makes me smile!

Lisa said...

your story reminds me of the time my hubby was really sick. I went to kiss him goodnight and he said, "Don't kiss me. I don't want you to get sick cuz then who will take care of me?" he was kidding of course, but its true that when they're sick you take care of them, but when you're sick you still have to take care of yourself...you just don't have to take care of others lol

Nice about the big smelly guy (smelly cat song goes through my mind)...I have a soft spot for the big guys.