I know it’s been a while since there’s been a Whimsical Wednesday post around here.  Guess I’ve been too busy to be whimsical!   But now, I’m just getting over a sinus infection, which brought this whimsical post topic to mind. 

You’re probably wondering what’s so whimsical about a sinus infection.  There is only one fun thing about having one, and that is: I get to scare doctors I’ve never been to before.  And, I find that amusing.  I think it’s because in my experience, doctors are always so in control.  So, seeing them taken aback is pretty funny in a sick sort of a way.

I had no sinus trouble until I contracted the mother of all sinus infections when I was 30.  I was out of work for over 2 weeks.  My boss didn’t want to put me on short-term disability, so he suggested that I come to work on the 10th day I was sick.  I showed up in the morning, attended a meeting, then he sent me home.  He said he was afraid I’d keel over and cause even more trouble.

Ever since then, a sinus infection is my illness of choice.  Well, not choice, I guess.  But, I don’t catch colds and rarely have the flu.  I usually either feel fine or I’ve got one of these darn infections.

But, I should probably get to the funny part.  As I’ve lived with this ridiculous ailment, I’ve discovered that the only way to get rid of them is to break down and get some antibiotics.  So, I don’t wait any more until I’m half-dead.  I drag myself to the doctor as quickly as possible.  I can get a full-blown infection in just a couple days.  At that point, I look fairly normal, so any professional I see for the first time is usually convinced that I’m just a hypochondriac.

And, that opinion lasts until they look in my ears with one of those lighted scope thingies.  I’m not really sure what they see in there, but it seems to scare them.  The best reaction I ever got was from a doc who was sitting on one of those rolling stools some doctors favor.  He took one peek in an ear and was so startled, he rolled halfway across the room, saying “WHOA!”

This time, I just stopped by a local clinic.  This doctor had better control.  She looked into my ear and said, “OH!  Well, this is going to require a bit more than I had anticipated!”  Then, she cocked her head to one side and mumbled almost to herself, “There’s not really much room in there for much more of anything…  in fact, I’m not quite sure how there’s room in there for your eardrum”.

So, that’s my story.  I don’t try to forewarn these folks.  I just wait quietly, patiently enduring their slightly patronizing approach, and enjoy a silent chuckle at their expense.

Guess that’s kindof weird - but when you’re sick, you have to take your fun where you can get it!