Sick Ward

Today marks 14 days since I got sick.  At first I blamed it on being tired.  Then I came to my senses: I was sick.  And not just stomach flu sick, but something living in my belly sick.  Symptoms were similar to giardia, but I couldn't fathom where I could have picked that up.  The symptoms changed daily, first a few days of severe stomach pains and zero energy, then nausea and zero energy, poo of all shapes and consistencies, then one night I had a fever and woke up soaked in sweat, and all along came my good friend, Billy Bob the Budda Belly.  It didn't matter what I ate, a banana would make me feel as bad a ice cream.  Salad would give me as bad of gas as a slice of bread.

But most every morning I'd wake up feeling better.  I'd convince myself I was on the road to health.  I'd eat.  I'd ride.  I'd tank.  I'd curse.  

 

I finally pulled the plug on Vapor Trail, which broke my heart.  My mom said I was stupid to let this go so long without seeking medical attention.  I've heard the antibiotics for giardia will take years off your life.  I've been sticking to garlic, ginger, wormwood and probiotics.  Yesterday I stuck to a veggie and fruit diet.

 

I don't want to jinx it, but it's mid afternoon and my stomach has yet to tank today.  I rode this morning and didn't feel like I completely sucked.  It's amazing how being sick can put things in perspective.  Forget racing, I just want to be able to ride my bike again.  Here's to hoping.  The leaves are changing and the bucket list is still full.

Comments

[Annna]

So you did not go to the clinic. 14 days and still sick? And worried about what antibiotics would do? How about those bugs in your gut?

Mom will always be mom - I worry about you. Sorry.

[Bama]

I took Flagil (Flagyl?) for Giardia. I was told that after taking the meds, I couldn't digest meat, cheese, or milk. The doctor called after 2 days on the meds, and said "stop; you've got Salmonella."

The worst part was crapping in a cup, and submitting it to the lab. The best part was after I got to feeling better, I ate a pepperoni pizza and drank almost a gallon of milk. No after-effects of the meds what-so-ever.

Bama

[Tom Purvis]

We here at Vapor Trail 125 HQ are really sad and disappointed. We also want desperately for you to be better.

I can totally understand about wanting to avoid the western medicine thing. I've been known to be pretty stubborn about that. But promise me and your mom that if things don't turn around soon you'll hold your nose and go get those tests. And if they tell you that you have to take some meds, get on the interwebs and do your research so you know what the risks are, but keep an open mind.

Our health care system gets A LOT wrong. But sometimes you need to pull out the big guns.

GET BETTER!

[Taryn]

Add mint tea to your list of helpful items. And visit a doctor's office. I've been lucky enough never to have anything as ugly as what you've described, but, if I did, I'd give in and get checked out. There are many more rides in your future and we want you to be ready for them :)