random thoughts – Day 2,203 (Sunday) – revived

After 3.5 thoroughly miserable days of a sore throat and swollen glands plus extra loud and pitchy tinnitus, today, halfway through the afternoon and 24 hours into the recently started penicillin regimen, there was a miraculous return to life. Evidence of renewed life included the following: I could stand for several minutes (in a row!) without feeling lightheaded and sprinting to lie down; I could swallow without misery; and there was energy for conducting basic vital human functions like showering and preparing food.

Food that isn't soup!

The food thing was huge. There were plenty of ingredients on hand but nothing to eat. Days passed with zero energy to assemble the plentiful pantry ingredients into edible dishes or even to plan and place an order for delivery. 

Today’s physical revival led to the assembly and baking of a casserole made of turkey from the freezer with chopped fresh broccoli and onion, vegetable soup broth, cheese, gnocchi, and cornbread stuffing. This was real cooking that required boiling water, stirring, chopping, layering, the delicate spooning of small amounts of broth and gnocchi until it seemed just right, and sprinkling seasonings. It was delicious. Or maybe I was just starved for something that wasn't soup. I like soup, but moreso when it's an option and not because it's the least painful food available.

The throat glands are still enlarged and tender to the touch, and it still hurts a little to talk, but overall, things feel much better. I’d rather type than speak most times, and having more food options is wonderful.