I have been battling an "upper respiratory infection" for the past week. Last Monday I woke up with a scratachy throat and feared I had Strep. It seems that I don't. Over the week my symptoms turned into a cold type bug. This weekend things were getting much better. I used the humidifier in our room during naps and at night. I was starting to taste tiny bits of my food. I thought I was on the mend. Until about 1:00 today.
I was supposed to have lunch with Mary today. Luckily she and her kids were not feeling well either. So I finished my errands and and came home. When I got home I noticed my ear felt like there was more pressure in it. I thought, I need sudafed and a nap. So I took ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine and went to sleep. I woke up 3 hours later not feeling any better. The pressure in my ear was a bit worse and I felt pretty crummy again.
Our friend Tina has been dealing with ear infection issues for a few weeks now. What she has been dealing with does not sound fun to me. And with a trip to Florida scheduled for less than 2 weeks from now, I was a little worried. When my pharmacist student husband came home we talked about my symptoms. We decided to find a minute clinic.
Cub foods in Cottage Grove has such a place. My wonderful husband found out how late they are open and we headed out the door. (I did get dressed first)
At first it was a pretty typical "clinic" visit. I filled out a form that said I had insurance and would pay if they didn't. The nurse asked my symptoms and took my vitals. I wasn't that impressed with the nurse. The CNP came in. She said hi, then mentioned the horrible cough she heard. Yup, that was me. She asked some questions, then checked out my ears. Nick thought she was great because she let him look at my ears. She covered all kinds of questions/answers. She discussed what things I should do at home, what meds to take, side effects, allergic reactions, etc. She also asked about travel. Why yes, we do have plans to travel in less than 2 weeks. She gave me some great pointers on ways to keep my ears clear.
Overall, the experience was a very positive one. She listened to my symptoms and issues. She was knowledgeable with her answers and thorough with her explanations. She gave the proper medical advice and still had the "mom" type care and concern. Oh, and she let Nick look at my ear drums.
If I had an official rating for clinics, I would give it 4 out of 5 thermometers. (5 would have been if the nurse/assistant was awesome too)
2 comments:
So what sort of tips do you have to keep your ears clear? I'm cleared for flying next month but didn't get any advice from my doctor except for the flonase he prescribed...
She said to use Afrin (the only time she suggests using it) one puff per nostril at take off. Repeat with one puff per nostril at "initial decent" time. And do what it takes to keep clearing your ears. Blow your nose, plug your nose and blow pressure out your ears, etc. chew gum... That should take care of it. :) I hope. She said your ears will clear pretty easily on the way up, its the way down that causes issues.
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