Every single winter for as long as I can remember, I've gotten a sickness that will last the entire Winter. It just starts suddenly one day, and ends suddenly three months later. It's not contagious and I rarely have a fever; I wake up every single night (BEFORE I've had a full eight hours of sleep) with a clogged nostril, and a sore throat from trying to breath through my mouth. I LOVE sleeping, but during these hard times, I will stay up as long as possible just to avoid the hassle of trying to de-congest myself.
Being a vocal music major for an entire year was very difficult- half of the year, my throat was so dry that I could never sing the full range I was expected to. I was basically told I had to fix the issue or I would be kicked out of the Music School (I know what you're thinking: "Rude. It's not like Alli had any control over this! I'm sure she tried emergenC, and chugging water. I'm positive she purchased an expensive humidifier to help keep her vocal chords moist! UNC was being unfair!" You're right. It was out of my hands, but they had a point. How could I do this for the rest of my life if I'm really only able to do it for HALF of the rest of my life?!) I HAD to figure out what was wrong with me, and fast!
In my freshman year of school, I spent a lot of money, and went to a lot of doctors to figure out just what was wrong. I was tested for bacteria that may just be growing in the cold. Nothing. My sinuses were check for misshapenness (it's a word). Nothing. I was checked for allergies. Three times. Nothing. Not a single person had a cure for me (which is why I'm no longer studying Music Education and UNC). I've thrown in the towel. I will never get better, so I might as well just push through the harsh winter months.
Two nights ago, as I was sleeping, I was woken suddenly at 5:30. The flood gates were open. My nose was suddenly uncontrollably runny, but so clogged I couldn't blow at the same time. This is literally my least favorite feelings ever. Give me cramps. Give me cold feet. Touch my neck! I don't care! Just don't let my nose be one big contradiction!
Last night, I put an ice cube in my mouth to sooth my sore throat, sprayed my nose (which I'm very cautious about!), and laid perfectly still on my back. At 6 o'clock, I got up. Still able to breath out of BOTH nostrils! Ahh! Relief! This will happen two more times this Winter. I'm never lucky enough to have it happen more often.
I hate winter. Part of it is the cold. Most of it is this sickness I'm dealing with. My whole life. This is what I'll be dealing with all winter; I'm not okay with this, but I'll get through it. I've gotten through it at least.... eighteen times. (I don't remember much before eighteen years ago...)
I'll let you know when Spring is upon us.
Alli! I love your blog. It makes me wish I had spent more time with you while we were both in Greeley... but I can't turn back time :( Ah well, I'm so glad to see you're happy. Next time you're in Denver, we should def go do lunch or something with Marylou. Let me know! -Shareeta
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