Strep by Numbers, 1-2-3

Day One

Number of swollen tonsils I woke up with: 1
Temperature: 98.9
Minutes on Hold only to find out the doctor works impossible hours: 30
Number of Times left message for said lazy doctor: 1
Number of times my call was returned: 0
Number of times I've wanted to kick myself for listening to the nurse who said 98.9 really isn't a fever and there's nothing wrong with me: 5,934,578

Day Two

Number of swollen tonsils I woke up with: 2
Temperature: 99.2
Number of times I tried not to cry from the pain while at work: 7
Cost of stronger antibiotic and 15 minute dr. visit: $34
Minutes spent arranging & waiting for 15 minute doctor visit: 40
Doctor's hourly rate based on said visit: $120
Minutes in tearful phone call to my mom where I rant about the Great American Rip-Off known as health care: 30

Cost of manicure & pedicure Mom said would make me feel better: $40
Cost of books to read & DVDs to watch (now's a good time to tackle that wishlist):  $80
Cost of throat-friendly groceries, OTC meds, and comfort foods to last until I get better: $80

Day Three

Number of swollen tonsils I woke up with: 1
Temperature: 98.6
Hours slept: 9
Number of "strep throat weekends" I've had this month: 2
Pain pills I've taken in the past 3 days: 14
Antibiotics I will have taken in a month's time: 50