A history of what happened to me recently.  I nursed myself back to health.  I didn't even have anybody to talk to at night.  I logged on to my IM accounts every night and didn't see anybody... I could have used somebody to talk to.  So, I realized that I have to rely on myself...

<strong>02/26 (Tuesday) </strong>- Started getting headaches and body aches.

<strong>02/27 (Wednesday)</strong> - I took a sick day.  Apparently I had a "touch of the flu bug."  Fever hits 100.8 at it's peak.  Drank lots of water and took Tylenol Multi-Symptol cold.  Works pretty well.  Start using Irish Spring Soap.

<strong>02/28 (Thursday)</strong> - I felt worse but went to work.  Should have taken this day instead of Wednesday.  Most of the time, you have to feel worse to get better.  Started get red itchy bumps.

<strong>02/29 (Friday)</strong> - I am feeling better.  Went to work and the gym.

<strong>03/01 (Saturday) </strong>- Went to Alabama.  Had a good time.  When got home after going out, my head and my heart were beating like a drum.  Took Tylenol.  Think that was a bad idea.  Alcohol + Tylenol = Bad Idea.  Found more red itchy bumps.

<strong>03/03 (Monday) </strong>- I worked from home.  Not only did I have red itchy spots, but I had skin infection.  Large areas of raised white bumps.  Look similar to the hives.  Bought Calamine lotion and Benadryl to combat.  Doesn't really work too well.

<strong>03/04 (Tuesday)</strong> - I already had doctor visit scheduled for cholestoral check-up.  Show her skin infection via photos (as the articles on the internet say to take pictures because these bumps will come and go).  She says it's a viral infection.  Give me a shot (Hey, it's steroids... now I am like a professional athlete!).  I told the nurse about the symptoms I had the previous week.  Nurse says that there has been many cases of the bug I described.

<strong>03/05 (Wednesday)</strong> - On the way into work, I break out into the skin problem from the day before.  This is 3 days in a row.  So, I scheduled an inpromtu doctor visit for the skin problem.  This doctor 2 agrees with doctor 1.  Says that if it doesn't get better by Friday, call and they will send me to dermatologist.

<strong>03/11 (Tuesday)</strong> - I go to drug store to get a prescription filled.  I walk around and look at Dial soap package.  Notice that it contains a warning: "Stop use and call doctor if you experience irritation and redness."  So, I look at the Irish Spring.  I has no such warning.  I decide to buy Dial soap (which is what I was using until I bought the Irish Spring).  The itchy skin goes away.  Maybe I had an alergic reaction to the soap?

<strong>03/12 (Wednesday)</strong> - Had a good day.  Went to gym as usual.  However, I broke out again.  I had the same red itchy spots as before.  I didn't freak out, but I finished my workout, went home and showered.  The itchy skin goes away again for last time.  I am now sure that I had an alergic reaction to the soap.  Comes to find out that Irish Spring is one of the most harsh soaps.  Buying it becomes a very bad decision.

<strong>03/13 (Thursday) </strong>- I had to schedule a lab visit for liver lab test (to recheck my liver enzyme levels). I tell the tech about the noticeable beating of my heart, particularly when I laid down to sleep.  She puts me in with the doctor.  The nurse takes my temp, blood pressure, etc and all was normal.  Then, I had an EKG done.  The doctor looked at it and said it was normal.  Apparently, I have heart palpitations.  (These are not dangerous but are irritating).  Doctor asks about alcohol use.  I tell her that I only drink on weekends.  And I have like 5 or 6 (well, sometimes I have 7).  She tries to tell me that I am a binge drinker and an alcoholic.  However, after further questioning, she finds out that I only drink on Saturdays.  So, we agree that I can have no more than 2 (well, I say 3).  So, that constitutes a reduction in my drinking of alcohol.  While I enjoy drinking, I will curtail my drinking to save my liver mostly... the heart palpitations I attribute more to stress/anxiety and caffeine...

<strong>03/14 (Friday) </strong>- The heart palpitations stop. I haven't felt them since.

<strong>03/17 (Monday) </strong>- Doctor's office calls but leaves no message.  The have not tried to contact again (not by mail or phone).  I only know this because of caller id.  Without the caller ID, I would have never known they called.  I have not contacted them but perhaps I should.  If this was something that was really important, would they have not tried to contact me again?  I would think so.  At the very least, leave a message for me to contact them if it was/is something serious.

Since 03/17, I have felt 100%.  No red itchy spots.  No headaches/fevers.  Nothing.  I have been going to the gym regularly and am back to doing my strength training as well as my cardio.  I have not had any alcohol since 3/1 and I don't really miss it.  But when I goto Athens, GA in a couple of weeks, I plan on having a couple of beers...

If you made it this far or even read this at all, you are a true friend and I thank you.  Comments are not necessary but if you wish to leave, feel free to do so. :)