These last two weeks a new truth has dawned on me (or more like hit me in the face). I can never be sick again. Or at least not the kind of sick where you lie around in bed feeling sorry for yourself. Or the kind of sick where you watch bad television all day. Or even the kind of sick where you take cold and flu pills, and pretend that you're not really sick, whilst walking around on a medication cocktail.
It all started two weeks ago when I started vomiting one evening. Just the usual evening but with a dose of vomiting. Not self-inflicted, obviously. I hardly touch alcohol these days due to the breast-feeding business, which is also the reason I can't take flu pills. Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes, vomiting. There was much vomiting. The vomiting was followed by aches and pains, sore throat, and general flu-like symptoms. Now, I'm sure you've all had a nasty flu-like virus. You're probably thinking I can spare you the details. But in the interests of painting you a picture of my misery, I'm just refreshing your memories. I was practically on my deathbed, or at least it felt like it.
Unfortunately, my employer – aka Bundle of Joy - did not care. Did she let me call in sick? No. Did she skip her 5am feed? No. Did she let her mother lie in bed and recuperate all day? No. In fact, she laughed at my misery. Coughing and sneezing is, apparently, rather hilarious if you're a 6 month old baby. And that my good people is the story of how one young mother vowed (somewhat fruitlessly I suspect) never to fall sick again.
PS – I would like to dedicate this blog entry to my mum. Thanks mum. And Isabel, if you're reading this twenty years from now. It's never too late to say thanks.
PPS - I am now trying to get the flu jab. But my GP tells me that they only have enough vaccines for 'at risk' groups. I have to be 'invited' to get the flu jab. I tried the 'I have a 6 month old baby' plea but they weren't having it. Old people and asthmatics outrank me.
