Cough, cough, cough...

I've survived. A week later and I'm finally over one of the worst coughs ever. I know a bad cough when I get one, as 20 years ago I had pneumonia. This cough took second place. I can't believe I felt so ill. It actually hurt to talk. It was mixed blessings for my family, as on one hand, I felt too ill to do anything other than mope about or drape over the sofa, reading or sleeping and was in no fit state to do stuff for anyone else. But, on the plus side, they said that I was talking a quarter of my usual amount and so it gave all their ears and brains a rest. So, that was nice. Anyway, on a plus note for me, my husband was really caring, bringing me hot lemon and tea in bed, making me food, driving our daughters where they wanted to go, etc. He was smiling a lot more and kissing me on the forehead when he went out. What was happening? I think it's the lack of nagging, both daughters agreed. I was too weak to argue or even ask him to do anything. Surely though, it's not officially nagging, if you ask nicely for the odd thing to be done?

It was quite surreal being so quiet. I actually started to enjoy feeling more introverted and thoughtful. I was in my own little world (just a bit more than usual). I felt calmer and at peace with life. The only thing getting right on my nerves was the non-stop coughing. It was constant, in between moments of stillness and enlightenment. It was painful to eat, so I lost my appetite. My cough was so dry and harsh that it jerked my lower back with such force that I now need to go and see an osteopath. I can barely bend down and it hurts to walk. I ended up having to wear...horror of horrors...Tena Lady to catch the wee wee that happens when you cough so strongly, as a child-bearing woman of a certain age. Thank goodness my personal hell is over now and my bladder control is back to normal. I now feel like my two year old puppy, full of energy and chatter. I can hear my family collectively groaning from here.