blogger profile

Floridakelly

Baker/Freelance Writer

READ MORE

Gesundheit!

Maybe I'm allergic to doctors?

I’m having allergy issues. Blah!

For some reason, I always wait way too long to go to my primary care doctor. When it comes to the optometrist, gynecologist, or dentist, I’m great at making appointments and keeping them—but when there’s something actively wrong with me and I really do need to go get treated, I usually ignore my symptoms until it gets pretty unbearable.

Don’t ask me why I’m so stubborn. Maybe it’s something in my genes, or some sort of head-trauma I received as a child.

But I’ve got this persistent cough at night that keeps waking me up and interfering with my sleep. This is a serious pet peeve of mine, especially when I’m having fantastic dreams involving international adventures, romances with celebrities, and/or dinosaurs.

This morning, I finally dragged myself to see a doctor, who confirmed that it’s allergy-related. A lot of waiting and a few prescriptions later, I’m hopefully on the road to recovery.

While I was waiting for my prescriptions to be filled, I browsed herbal remedies and supplements at the drug store. When I was younger, I was a big believer in alternative medicines, but now I’m much more skeptical (remember “Airborne”?  http://www.nytimes.com/inc_com/inc1204579617407.html?ref=smallbusiness).

Despite the fact that I try to keep a scientific eye on alternative remedies, I constantly find myself wanting to try them. I’m on a kick now where I keep wanting to try an “herbal cleanse.” I talk myself into and out of the idea on a daily basis.

Skepticism, though, is a big part of my life and I almost feel guilty buying into something that is almost assuredly a waste of money. In any case, more on skepticism, herbal remedies, and health later!