I'm back, sort of

Here's an update on what's been happening this past week. I went to the doctor last Tuesday complaining of a sore throat, and bronchial congestion. He gave me an antibiotic, Singulair, and an albuterol inhaler. I was doing fine until Saturday morning. I was having chest pains that began on my left side and radiated to my back, plus I sweat so much my clothes were wet. So, off the the emergency room we went. They hooked me up to all the usual wires and tubes, and according to all their tests, my heart was ok and my lungs were not in bad shape, the congestion still remaining mainly in the bronchial area. The doctor thought the pain was brought on by the coughing. He prescribed an industrial strength cough syrup and a prescription to extend the dose of antibiotics another day. And he sent me home. Saturday night: more pain. Sunday: more pain but not as much. Yesterday: a little uncomfortable but no major pain. Groggy from drugs. Today I went back to my regular doctor, then to the pharmacy. I'm now taking three different inhalers, cough syrup, and two different pills. This afternoon I'm going to make a chart to sort out the different times I have to use this stuff. Maybe I should have paid more attention when the doctor demonstrated how to use this paraphernalia. Dorothy was there so she can help me figure it out. Next week, I have an appointment with a pulmonary specialist. Depending how that goes I may have to do a stress test. You know, with the treadmill and all? I asked if they would give me time to get in shape first. He said no, I need to take the test to see if it's safe to get in shape.