The Body as a Machine

Today marks the third straight week I've been sick. Coughing, sneezing, nasal drainage and pressure, you know, all the typical cold-like symptoms.

I'm sick of being sick, if you know what I mean.

I had not been to the doctor until last night.  I hate going to the doctor, and they don't always give me antibiotics.  I always have the wrong kind of cold (is it viral or bacterial or something? I can't remember) to get the drugs.  I HATE spending money on the doctor, but it makes it worse if they don't even give you a prescription.*

Yesterday when my teeth started hurting, I became convinced that my simple cold had transitioned into a sinus infection (which is typically worthy of antibiotics) so I ventured to the doctor. Now I have medication and will hopefully be feeling better in just a few days.

But first --before I went to the doctor--, I took my car in to get the oil changed.  It made me realize that I'm much more faithful in taking proper care of my car then I am of my body.  I get my oil changed regularly, never going much past 4,000 miles between services (Monica can testify- she usually has to drop me off at the car place to pick it up).  This is partially because I know nothing about cars and partially because I'm over 100,000 miles and trying to ward off replacing GeorgJetta as long as possible.

The point remains, though, that I put off going to the doctor for three weeks just hoping I would get better, but I took my car in on the first available day.  Why would I not treat my body with the same respect and care I give GeorgJetta?

However, even with this realization, I don't expect things to change the next time a sickness comes a'calling.  I will probably still put off going to the doctor. It's just the way I am.  And actually, the doctor did say that it probably was not a sinus infection at first and it morphed into one (morphed is my word, not hers). If I had come earlier, I might not have come away with antibiotics.

What about you? Do you go to the doctor as soon as you get your first symptom or put it off as long as possible?


*Much better to spend money on delicious Moe's or similar.