lizardinlaw's New Writeups

April 24, 2012 (log)

2012-04-24T14:48:21Z

I am negative for pertussis and influenza.

However, I had a rather occult strep. Didn't show up on the throat culture or quick strep, but two blood tests are positive. ASO and the streptozyme was high. And it's affecting my vocal cords, which no doubt has to do with both me tending to talk too much and a grief reaction. So I am off work for the whole week. And I am not supposed to talk, unless it's to a doctor.

Friends are bringing soup, so the Introverted Thinker Mermaid is getting fed. Me too, as much by kindness as by the food. They gave me that old fashioned massive penicillin shot, and I feel rather weak and rotten. A bit whiny and grumpy too, which is a reassuring convalescent sign.

I am puttering around the…

Occam's Razor (essay)

2012-04-22T14:38:57Z

Katherine's corollary:

If extraneous details aren't accounted for, look for an additional explanation.

That is, do not ignore the details that don't fit your explanation.

For example, we had an outbreak of parvovirus B19 in Colorado when I was there. Fifth disease, with many adults presenting with the arthritis. One patient, however, had symptoms that didn't fit. I sent labs for another cause of adult infection arthritis: rheumatic fever. Both sets of labs came back positive. I was incredulous and sent her to a rheumatologist.

Yes, said the rheumatologist. She has both Fifth disease and rheumatic fever. And for the rheumatic fever she needs monthly penicillin shots for the next five years, to prevent it from recurring and damaging her heart.

So the simple explanation is not always the best. Make sure every detail is accounted for or think again.

BrevityQuest12

April 16, 2012 (log)

2012-04-16T01:23:35Z

Say a prayer for your lizardinlaw.

Went to the emergency room at 2 am for throat closing down. I got iv steroids. They think grief reaction. Right now any talking triggers it. No work this week.

It is scary. So I have to be silent. Not my best skill, eh?

I am not reading message, tired, have to do zen meditation breathing all the time to keep swelling down.

Been building up to crash over last 2 months, couldn't even listen to memorial. Crying makes it swell closed too. Sigh. Save the crying, it will keep.

bye for now.

....tired. vocal cords finally relaxed. antibiotics and loving friends kicked in....