The Stages of a Cold, Melisa-Style

One Day Pre-cold
Uh-oh. I think I’m getting sick.
I can’t get sick. I don’t have time to get sick.
I’m going to lay down for a little while to see if I feel better.
I can’t get sick. I will not get sick.
I should start drinking lots more water.

Cold, Day One
Oh gosh, I am. I AM getting sick. I feel it in my chest. My chest is SOOOOO congested.
Ugh, the congestion. It’s so tight. And right on schedule, the cough. Fantastic.
I’m not going to workout today. But just today. OMG I HATE SKIPPING WORKOUTS.
I am drinking a ton of water. I should just stand near the bathroom while I drink my water. It would save me so much time, rather than have to walk all the way across the family room when I have to go.

Cold, Day Two
I feel like crap. And this cough! It’s not productive at all. I might have this cold forever. HOW DID I LET THIS HAPPEN???
I hope I don’t have this cold forever. I can barely remember what it’s like to breathe normally and it’s only been a day and a half.
I really don’t have time for this.
I miss working out.
I should drink more tea. And water.
Drink water, go to the bathroom, repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Cold, Day Three
I’m so tired. Yet I can’t sleep. Stupid cough. I can’t sleep laying down, I can’t sleep sitting up, I can’t sleep in the chair, I can’t sleep anywhere.
I hope Jim doesn’t get it. I would hate for him to feel this terrible.
I think I might die. I shouldn’t think like that. First world problems. It’s just a cold. God, stop being so dramatic.
I think my muscles are starting to atrophy.
I can’t remember what it feels like to be healthy. I’m tired. I need a nap.
And now my voice is going. I better call the doctor. I never want to call the doctor. That’s how bad I feel. Wow, Jim will really know how bad I feel when I tell him I’m calling the doctor. Not that he doesn’t already know, but this will really seal the deal.
I really don’t have time to be sick. OR to see the doctor. Yet here I am, sick and getting ready to see the doctor.

Cold, Day Four
Another night of not sleeping. Wonderful. As if I don’t have trouble sleeping under normal circumstances, now this? I can’t even with this.
The coughing. I sound like a seal. At least maybe this Mucinex is working. I feel like I’ve been sick forever.
Another canceled workout. I hope my friends recognize me, if i ever get to workout again.
My voice. Gone. Well, not gone, just froggy-sounding. I sound ridiculous, yet I keep trying to talk. I’m a talker. I’m a people person. This cold will not deny me my phone calls. I need to connect with my friends.
Thank goodness the doctor agreed that I likely have a sinus infection like I get every year at this time. Antibiotics FTW! Healthy living is right around the corner!
Why aren’t the antibiotics working yet? It’s been two hours. I have stuff to do.
But first, some tea. And water. And a bathroom break.

Cold, Day Five
Wait…I slept four hours instead of two! That’s doubling my sleep time. I may be…getting better? Dare I dream??
Is it my imagination, or do I feel less congested today?
I think I DO feel less congested today!
I’m definitely not one hundred percent yet. Maybe fifty. But that’s better than the ten percent I’ve been living for four days! Half full! Good job, me!
Liz confirmed that I’m sounding more like myself today, and Momo went “Yaaaaay!” when we chatted! I AM GETTING BETTER! I can’t believe it. I never thought it would happen. Okay, I really did have a little faith it was going to happen. I knew it would happen.
I’m still tired and I’m annoyed that I had to skip yet another workout but I’m getting better so I guess it’s good to take breaks every now and then?
Ooh, Missy Elliott’s “Work It” just came on and I did a little seat dance on the couch. That’s the most physical activity I’ve had in days. I’m so happy.
I think I’ll make some tea. Right after I finish this bottle of water and take a bathroom break.
I think I’m going to live!
Shew.