Last week i picked up a sore throat that has turned into the worst one i've ever had. The strangest part is that it just snuck up on me. There was no preceding sinus problem, or drainage, or even a cold. Started in my throat, grabbed hold, squeezed tight, and won't let go. I've been miserable for four or five days now, partially from the pain of swallowing, but mostly just because i get bored from sitting around trying to rest and recover. I'm really a terrible patient, mostly because i'm so impatient. Can't this thing just go away so i can get on with my life?

But, there's a silver lining - i can't talk much. Most people wouldn't see this as a positive, myself included sometimes, but it's actually been okay. I have since decided that if i were able to choose which functions i had to lose, speech would be pretty high on my list. Not that i really want to be mute, but when compared to sight, or hearing, or walking, or whatever... i'd definitely give up speech first. Facial expressions and gestures seem to be good enough for most people and most situations. Plus i've noticed then when i talk less, other people talk less - and you know how long you've been waiting for those people to just shut up! When i do talk now, it's in a whisper, which has the odd effect of turning everyone else into whispers. Try it sometime, people will follow along without even realizing it. Suddenly there's a whole different mood in the air, and no one knows for sure why.

Okay, so it's not all roses in mute-land. I haven't really been able to make any phone calls for the last few days because my facial expressions, gestures, and whispers are completely lost on whoever is on the other end of the line. And i had to cancel a counseling appointment because there was no way i could scratch my throat for a whole hour. Yelling at the kids can be tough too, though the finger snap i perfected to get my dog's attention seems to be universal. And of course after sitting at home all day by myself trying to get better, when i finally do see someone, i really want to just talk and talk and let it all out... which really hurts my throat. All in all, it's not such a bad thing being speechless. Now if only i could be so resigned with being work-less.

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3 Comments:

At 5/14/2006 6:32 PM,  my imperfect offering said...

Awww, I do hope you feel better soon!! :)

 

At 5/15/2006 1:14 PM,  Anonymous said...

haha do you snap your fingers at mr. intern. that would be funny!

 

At 5/17/2006 2:53 PM,  Lunafish said...

Sorry you are sick - love the photo! I've been saying all week that I need a zipper over my mouth to shut out all the words that I want to say (found out ex hubby is dating a topless dancer and HE thinks he is NOT having a mid-life crisis)
Perhaps it would be a better world if there were more no talking zones.

 

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