Good Thing There's No Worldcon Going On

[kevin_standlee]

Today is my 43rd birthday. Normally in my life, this has meant one of two things: either school is about to start (boo) or Worldcon is either here or about to be here (yay). In both cases, birthdays are something that I haven't had much time to consider.

This year (and next), with Worldcon at the first weekend of August instead of the North American Labor Day weekend, I don't have that consideration. And, with the health issues I'm having, I'm just as glad.

The dizziness is almost gone, but the double vision has grown worse. I'm having to squint heavily in my left eye in order to get both eyes to focus, and it's mainly easier to just close my left eye entirely. At Cheryl's urging, I will call my regular physician later today and see if he thinks I should see him (or some other specialist) about this, or keep trying to wait out the labyrinthitis.

Update, 11:30: Anyone just coming to read this one -- go read my next entry first. I do appreciate the messages of support, but there's no further need to tell me "get to the doctor" for I have a call him to him right now.

Update, 11:45: And now they've called me back. I found the message reassuring. Yes, my symptoms are potentially part of some pretty nasty problems; however, I don't have any of the other symptoms you'd expect in such a case, so the best thing is for me to keep resting and probably spend less time in front of the computer.

Comments

[controuble.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday!

Yes, see your doctor - the original symptoms you described sounded like vertigo to me, but the double vision getting worse - that's BAD. Get it looked at, pronto.

[galtine1.livejournal.com]

Ditto. Been too busy to comment on this before, but this has gone on TOO long to be dehydration symptoms.

For labyrinthitis, a week is the longest I'm seeing symptoms should have been lasting. And there's medication for it if it's caused by a bacteria vs. the viral version. (http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/644/main.html)
(http://www.webmd.com/brain/tc/labyrinthitis-treatment-overview)
(http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic290.htm#section~Treatment)

One question: did you actually do Bed Rest for the first few days? Or did you work through it? That seems to be the common thing here...and I think it's so that the "blockage" or fluid can weave itself out with your tossing and turning in bed...(see Home Treatment comments about hanging off the side of the bed on the 1st or 2nd link).

[kevin-standlee.livejournal.com]

I've only had the symptoms since Saturday, so it hasn't been a week yet. And no, I've not stayed in bed. I can't afford the PTO days; I'm using them for trips later. But I've worked from home and taken things moderately easy.

I've not had any nausea from this. My appetite remains good. (Maybe too good; I've gained weight these past few days.)

[danjite.livejournal.com]

Alas, labyrinthitis can go longer than a week.

When I had it, I lost nearly a month.

Most terrifying thing of my life.

[kevin-standlee.livejournal.com]

The whole package is consistent with an inner ear inflammation, because the eyes get some of their cues from the balance chamber in the inner ear. But I'll call my doctor and see what his office has to say.

[kalimac.livejournal.com]

Yes. See doctors. See more doctors. See double vision of doctors, whatever it takes for a real diagnosis, not a brushoff.

You look pale and wan in your user photo.

[kevin-standlee.livejournal.com]

As well I should. That photo was from a year or two ago when I was down with one of the worst bouts of 'flu I can ever recall.

[mkillingworth.livejournal.com]

Make the call NOW! The double vision is a Bad Thing, especially as it is getting worse. You should be getting better by now, not worse.

[kevin-standlee.livejournal.com]

It's possible that I didn't realize how bad the double vision was while I was dealing with the dizziness. When the dizziness started fading, I started realizing how difficult it was to see with both eyes open.

[gridlore.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday.

Now get to the doctor!

[kevin-standlee.livejournal.com]

I will do so if my doctor says, "Get in here."

[twilight2000.livejournal.com]

Because one more couldn't hurt -- really, ask Cheryl to drive you -- she can't be *that* bad at driving on the wrong side of the road :>.

[kevin-standlee.livejournal.com]

She'll do it if my doctor over in Palo Alto says he wants me to come see him.

[twilight2000.livejournal.com]

Fair enough :>

[crookedfeet.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday!

[danjite.livejournal.com]

Double vision = twice as much cake!


Wishing you well and a happy birthday.

[theresamather.livejournal.com]

happy birthday, and best wishes.

[katster.livejournal.com]

Happy birthday, Kevin.

It sucks to be sick on your birthday. My sis gave me the chicken pox as a birthday present once. That was miserable. :) Anyway, feel better soon.

-kat

[chocolatescifi.livejournal.com]

Happy birthday, etc.

[redneckotaku.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday, Kevin. I hope after this that the rest of your year is better than the last.