A Day at the Clinic

John woke up feeling like he had been hit by a truck. He was definitely feeling under the weather. His head was pounding, and every time he moved, his neck felt stiff. He knew he had to come down with something serious because he rarely felt this lethargic. He tried to drink some tea, but his throat was so sore it felt like he was swallowing sandpaper. He looked in the mirror and noticed he started to break out in a small rash on his chest. It was time to call the doc and get an appointment. At the clinic, the waiting room was packed. He sat down and tried to keep his chin up, even though he felt like death warmed up. He knew that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but he was already past that point. When the nurse finally called his name, she led him to a small room. What seems to be the trouble? she asked. John explained that he had a sharp, excruciating pain in his lower back that seemed to shoot down his leg. The nurse took his temperature and blood pressure. You are burning up, she noted. She told him the doctor would be in to check him out shortly. John just wanted to hit the hay and sleep for a week. Doctor Smith entered the room with a warm smile. I hear you are feeling a bit off-color today, he said. John nodded, explaining that his joints felt rusty and his stomach was in knots. The doctor examined Johns ears, nose, and throat. He checked the lymph nodes in his neck and poked at his abdomen to see if there was any tenderness. It is just a nasty virus, the doctor concluded. I am going to prescribe some rest and lots of fluids, the doctor said. I know it is a bitter pill to swallow because you wanted a quick fix, but your body needs time to heal. John realized he had to bite the bullet and take a few days off work. As John left the pharmacy with his medication, he felt a bit relieved. He knew he was not out of the woods yet, but at least he had a plan. He reminded himself that health is wealth. Back at home, he followed the doctors orders. He stayed hydrated and rested his weary bones. Slowly but surely, the color started to return to his cheeks. A few days later, John was back on his feet. He was not quite as fit as a fiddle yet, but he was getting there. The excruciating pain had vanished, and his energy levels were rising. He promised himself to take better care of his health in the future. After all, you dont know what youve got until its gone. He was grateful for the medical staff who helped him through the rough patch.