2002-11-06-2:59 a.m.

I have a sinus infection. After reading about the symptoms online I've come to that conclusion. I pride myself on never being sick, and for the better part of the last 7 years, I haven't been. I've also never had a sinus infection this bad. There's no way to explain exactly how this feels, it's one of those things I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

First off, there's the actual sinus congestion and runny nose thing. Most people have felt that and that's a good place to start.

Next though, comes the real bad stuff. My head feels like it weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 to 20 tons. When I wake up and sit up it takes almost all my strength just to lift my head up off the pillow. My neck is killing me.

If that wasn't enough, my teeth hurt, like my gums. It's like having a full mouth of cavities and bad root nerves. I feel like pulling all my teeth out of my mouth and soaking my gums in a vat of novacane.

Needless to say, I don't get a full night's sleep.

Then there's the basic loss of strength in my limbs. I can't barely open a bottle of soda, and this is the 7th time I've had to take a break from typing because my hands get fatigued so easily. Let alone my joints ache so badly I can barely walk.

I feel 80 years old. I'm miserable. I have no health insurance and no money. Feeling hopeless and helpless.

And sick.

d.