Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Wah... wah... what?

I've always been one to follow the rules, listen to my elders, and take my doctor's advice. Doing so has served me well and for all I know I haven't missed out on anything. That's my nature and it's also why what I'm about to do is so hard. I'm about to dis my Dr.

Last week I wrote that I was suffering from a hellacious cold and my doctor have me shot of an anti-inflamatory and enough prescriptions to start my own small infirmary. It's been 5 days of drug induced sleep, cottonmouth, and a pile of tissues piled this high (holding hand way up in the air) and the only things I have to show for it are a sea lion's cough and burning lungs. Ugh!

This morning I met up with my tri-posse at the track for a light two-by-two mile run. The first lap felt fine but during the second lap my chest felt like I sucked in a jalapeno pepper. It burned, my eyes watered, and I started to cough up junk. It sucked so bad I couldn't complete the second two-miles. Not what I would call a real confidence builder four days before an Ironman.

So, a little later I called my doc and made an appointment. I showed up on time. He saw me on time (that's a first) and listened to me breathe and put a little black clothespin gizmo on my finger to measure something about my oxygen levels.

He said, "I don't think you should do an Ironman on Saturday."

"Can you say that again, Jerry (I love calling my doctor by his first name because he's younger than me) it sounded like you said I shouldn't do an Ironman on Saturday."

"Ummm... yeah, that's what I said. Also, I want you to get a chest x-ray before you leave the hospital today."

"Wah, wah, what?!"

"I want to make sure you don't have pneumonia."

"Are you sure, doc? I mean is an x-ray really needed?"

"Yeah. It is."

(silence)

He sent me away with a bunch more prescriptions and a form to deliver to the radiology clinic down the hallway.

I walked past the clinic, jumped in my car, and made a promise to return to get the x-ray...

... next week.

Tonight I pack for Florida.

Stay tuned...

27 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh Boomer!!! I sure hope the new meds do the trick!!! Staying tuned ...

SRR said...

You will be fine baby...as I told you earlier in the day...no need to listen to the doc. I never do!

Jill said...

All will be okay! Just keep repeating that to yourself - it can't hurt.

Best of luck in Florida.

21st Century Mom said...

Dude! Good luck!

Brent Buckner said...

Clearly, fundraising counted more than ego in your choice to push forward - that has to count big in your karmic balance on November 4th. We'll be pulling for you out there!

Iron Pol said...

Boomer, as a long time pulmonary patient, here's my suggestion. Go with your instincts on IMFL.

And be ready for the consequences, later. I had a bout of walking pneumonia when I was about 20 and was told to "take it easy." Take it easy included staying out late and doing a century bike ride.

When the full on pneumonia finally hit, I was turning blue by the time my sister got me to the hospital. Three days later, after I woke up...

Just go easy in the race. The doctors gave that warning for a reason... And yes, I would ignore it, too.

:) said...

I agree with your decision, but take it easy out there Saturday...

Lots of fluids and don't push it too hard.

Good Luck!

(i'll be watching)

Fe-lady said...

Ouch...heal quickly! And please drop out or don't even start if you feel horrible. You don't want to do permanent damage by pushing yourself over the limits...
Let's hope it will be just some nasal congestion the morning of the race! Best of everything!

Jeremy said...

Best of luck Boomer! Rest up for Saturday and you'll do great.

Pixie said...

OH MAN!!!! Take care of yourself, you know your body and its limitations. I'll be praying for you A LOT!!! Have an awesome race!

Holly said...

Boomer ... can I meet you at the finish line with some high power meds?

Your in my thoughts .... keep it low key until race day.

Barb said...

Oh Boomer... now I'm worried about you! An already difficult journey will be made more so. You can do it! Just take it easy... no need to push this! Lots of fluids, chicken soup and pottie breaks.

Do what feels right. We're all behind you!

Lance Notstrong said...

Good luck man, I'm pulling for ya :-)

J. C. said...

You will be fine. I just raced with what sounds like the same stuff. Breathing was a little harder than normal, but fine. I almost ALWAYS get sick before a good race.

You will have a great day.

RunBubbaRun said...

Hang in there boomer. Hopefully the clouds will part from your head and chest so you can have a great day. Good luck to you.

Unknown said...

Iron Boomer!!!! How wonderful!! And what good you are doing with your effort. Enjoy -- and take all the time required to get back to 100% health!

Brent Buckner said...

Congratulations! IronTriBoomer!

Best wishes for speedy recovery from the day and from the infections.

Spokane Al said...

Congratulations on a great race. I will be looking forward to reading your race report.

Fe-lady said...

CONGRATULATIONS! You DID it! You are an IRONMAN!!! And not feeling well to boot...you are quite the man! What a day you had! Hope you are celebrating well!

Jeremy said...

Boomer,
Congrats on an amazing race! You are an IRONMAN!

Laurie said...

Congratulations!

I am glad your sickness didn't hold you back from fulfilling your dream of becoming an Ironman. You did an awesome job. I can't wait to read you report of the entire experience.

Anonymous said...

Dad, I am so proud of you!
The french people that I have been bragging to think you are insane, but give their congratulations! You are amazing!

Vickie said...

Congratulations! You made it, sick and all before. I'm sure carrying all those names made the journey lighter in some way. Thanks for caring.

Tracy said...

I know you haven't posted yet, but I couldn't wait... what an incredible race!! Congratulations!!!

Unknown said...

congrats! benny and i clicked a pic of you as you crossed the finish line! we'll send it to you this week!

way to go, ironman!

Anonymous said...

Yaa Hoo Boomer! Congratulations.

Nancy Toby said...

You rock, TriBoomer! Thanks so much for the kind call today - I was busy navigating in traffic so sorry I wasn't a little more talkative!! I hope you had a great beach walk and a safe trip home!!!