Allergies and colds

The last few months have taken their toll on me due to allergies, which exacerbated my asthma, which had been under wonderful control for a long time. I seem to finally be getting a handle on it again, but I am amazed at how tired I have been due to allergies. It is the increased energy (along with the ability to breathe through my nose again) that was my clue that the end of seasonal suffering is near. THANK YOU! This whole past month has set in motion some interesting problems that I will go into detail on in a future post.

Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to discern allergies from colds, which was the case last week. It was only through some careful reasoning that I really realized I had a cold at the same time. I've been left with a nagging cough from the cold, but my lungs are clear, so it seems to be post-nasal crud. Or part of that particular virus' signature.

Getting those good feelings... and the bad

Once in a while in EMS, you get to hear from those you help. And it makes a difference to hear that they are doing much better than when you saw them. After all, when we get involved, they are generally having a VERY bad day.

My EMS partner and I received just such an email today. It was nice to hear that this patient was doing well, and that the care we provided to this patient probably saved him from paralysis.

Ironically, the same day this happened, we had another patient who isn't fairing nearly as well. Not from any problem with our care. We stabilized what were major injuries, helping to save this patient's life. The head and spinal injury he suffered in his accident are critical injuries. We just hope he recovers.