Day Four

When she informed me of my diagnosis, the physician handed me a little pamphlet entitled, "So, You Have Mono," a brochure full of such good news as, "As the illness progresses, most patients will get a very bad sore throat--maybe the worst one they've ever had." Such cheering information. But what if I start out with a very bad sore throat?

So far, the internets don't have much to say about the one-sidedness of my sore throat, but I suppose I should really just thank my lucky stars that only half of my throat feels like it has been sandblasted and then set on fire. This has created a bit of a catch-22, because if I lie down completely to get some solid rest, my throat hurts horribly, whereas I can't sleep well if I stay propped up on pillows.

Being sick does odd things to the passage of time--I notice the change in light throughout the day, and I have seen more hours of the night than I'd care to remember. Those are always the most desperate moments. It's one of those times when I wish time would pass more quickly so I could get well soon. But then I think of people who got sick before the era of television and internet--I imagine they had no other option than to look out of the window and watch a slow-motion world. Bleak, I tell you.

Some more uplifting reading

I've been browsing the 'nets and came across a really nice story about a guy's conversion to commuting by bicycle. I thought it might make for some nice reading, and I'm glad that he's put a lot of that basic information out for people looking to convert to bike commuting.

At some point, I feel like I'm going to have to start working on tips that are specific for biking in Arizona, based on our particular set of challenges (huge roads, abundant heat, ignorant drivers). I get really enthusiastic whenever I encounter people who don't own cars here, but am still trying to figure out how to give them the best possible support and encouragement.

ETA a tidbit:

Many employers show no hesitation about creating enormous parking lots, at a cost of $15-25,000 per space, for their workers' cars. It's amazing -- and sad -- that these same employers vigorously resist creating bike parking areas. One automobile space could be converted to create parking for 10-12 bicycles.

And also: I was informed that because mono leads to spleen enlargement with risk of rupture, I am not supposed to bike until I am well recovered. I really don't know what I am going to do.