Coughing Fits

During the weekend I had a sore throat, one of those annoying ones which just appear out of the blue, no accompanying cold or temperature, just a sore throat. I also became quite hoarse, which was embarrassing as I went to lunch with some new sisters and was unable to do more than croak at them. Last night was unpleasant, but not bad enough for me to justify skiving my medical duties, so I came to Crewe and attended a lecture..at the conclusion I was having a chat with a colleague when I was overcome by a severe coughing fit. As wrapped up as I was in the immediate problem of how to get rid of it, I was also aware of how awkward a situation it is for everyone around you - you're coughing and spluttering, tears streaming, and clearly you are unable to continue the conversation, or do anything much really. I gradually recovered, although for some reason it takes a while before your voice recovers fully - mine was quavery for a good ten minutes, and I didn't feel normal for at least half an hour.

Thinking that was it for the day, I made a few phone calls when I got home. In the middle of a discussion with the University's Student Services Centre, I again began to cough violently and uncontrollably. After attempting a strangled 'Sorry!' I was forced to hang up and continue my paroxysms in solitude. After a Google search, I am none the wiser about how to deal with this problem, so far I have been drinking lots of water and having Halls Soothers..I have been informed that coughing fits are typical of whooping cough, but as this isn't the first time I've had them, I assume not.

By the way, on Friday 25th November, there is going to be a conference at SOAS on Chechnya, with the very same Dr Khassan Baiev I blogged about speaking and doing a book signing! I'm definitely going to get mine signed..does anyone know any choice Chechnyan phrases I can employ? On a serious note, it is a major ongoing conflict in which horrific human rights abuses have been carried out, and sounds very interesting. Apparently concessions are only a fiver (£15 for everyone else) so students should have no excuse. I've reserved two tickets so I'm counting on someone to take up the other one and come with me..