Rookie Reflections

NOTE: I realize the irony of this post coming immediately after my resolution to stop oversharing.

DISCLAIMER: Personal health discussion ahead. Not for the weak of stomach or those who think I'm perfect in every way.

I get bladder infections ALL. THE. TIME. because I can't leave my classroom to go to the bathroom when I need to if there are students in there. To me, this is one of many bad parts of block scheduling.

Anyways, I called my doctor (again) and got a round of antibiotics (again) to help. I have been taking the antibiotics for about five days, and today I'm just feeling generally crappy. So, I decided to Google the antibiotic to see if there were any side effects. BIG MISTAKE. See below:

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: muscle weakness, mental/mood changes, new lump/growth in the neck (goiter). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: blood in the urine, change in the amount of urine, confusion, persistent headache, neck stiffness, seizures. This medication may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) allergic reactions and other side effects such as a severe peeling skin rash (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome), blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia), liver damage, or lung injury. If you notice any of the following, seek immediate medical attention: skin rash/blisters, itching, swelling, persistent sore throat or fever, paleness, joint pain/aches, persistent cough, trouble breathing, easy bleeding/bruising, yellowing eyes or skin, persistent nausea/vomiting, unusual fatigue, dark urine. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur while receiving therapy or even weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.