I have a bit of a dilemma.

I am sick. Tomorrow, I will have been sick for three weeks with a sore throat for all but two days. I’ve dropped out of two mountain bike rides – Sunday’s Copper Harbor ride and last night’s Monday night ride – because I just didn’t have the energy. I feel worn down. I feel useless. Ugh describes my physical state quite well.

I have been told by many that it has taken a month for this little disease to run its course. A lot of people have been spending a long time being sick. Frankly, I’m sick of it. I am considering heading to the doctor to determine why I feel so sluggish. I don’t mind being sick, so much, but feeling like a slug and not being able to enjoy being an obsessive compulsive cyclist brings me down.

The problem is that I have VA care and I hate my clinic. If I go in to be treated for my illness, I want to be treated for my illness. I don’t want to be harassed for most of my morning about how I should have five different screening exams done. I’m not cool with that.

Last year, I got out of a couple of the tests, but still went through the blood draw. I don’t mind blood draws, but I have definitely learned to appreciate the difference between a phlebotomist and a nurse. Two VA nurses have unsuccessfully drawn me. No phlebotomist or med tech has had a problem. The next time my VA doctor wants a blood sample, I will choose to decline any future needle experiences with the VA nurse and insist on them sending me to Portage Hospital so my preferred phlebotomist can draw me.

Yes, I hate going to the doctor. Yes, I refuse to put myself through anything that is uncomfortable unless it is part of that OCD cyclist thing. When I’m sick, I like to get down to business. I want to get in and out. If I need medication, throw that in the bag, as well.

Maybe I’ll wait. I’ve been doing well with getting back into a regular exercise routine, but I think super-gentle riding and walking will be the order of the week. I hope my immune system steps up and saves me from this horrible form of socialized medicine that my current lot in life has subjected me to.