Who Needs a Doctor?

I spent the day in bed trying to recover from self-diagnosed bronchitis. I broke down and said I needed to go to the doctor today and found out that I can skip that step in the process and simply request the medicine I want at the pharmacy. I contacted my supervisor as I need approval from the school to get medical attention if I want reimbursement (I think they offer a little leniency here in emergencies). He said I could either go to the hospital (clinic) or, if I know what I have, just go to the drug store and pick it up. Having had bronchitis numerous times in my life, I know this is what has kept me miserable for the past week, so I opted for the latter.

A kind friend helped me explain my ailment to the pharmacist, who gave me the requested antibiotics and some other kinds of gel tabs that are also supposed to help. The package informed me that not only is the medication good for bronchitis, but also if I happen to have sinusitis, a skin rash, or gonorrhea. Good to know! I, like many, am weary of taking excess medication, but after having tried some traditional Chinese herbs and still feeling like crud 6 days later, I am ready for the western medication route.

Interesting to note the different advice I've gotten from Chinese friends here to cure my illness. I am told under no circumstances to have orange juice...and just need to stay away from all cold drinks in general. (I was reprimanded for having ice water with dinner last night.) I am also not to have "cold" food and instead only have "hot" food or fruit (but not oranges). Porridge or gruel is highly recommended. And also, to my surprise, tea can interfere with medication, so I can't have that either. I'm advised that hot water is just the best choice. I think this all has something to do with Qi, or the flow of energy in the body, but I don't know for sure. Either way, I am following the advice and hope to feel well enough to get back to teaching and giving my open lecture next week on campus.