It all started last Thursday with an excrutiating sore throat. I am one to actually have a pretty high pain tolerance, but worried it could be strep or something, I went in to see the doctor first thing Friday morning. The strep test came back negative. My throat killed the rest of the day and later that evening, a minor cough started, and some nasal congestion. I tried everything under the sun...Vitamin C, Advil (for the pain), Benadryl-D (for the congestion), Sudafed (the kind you have to ask for at the Pharmacy counter and get ID'd for), saltwater gurgling & nasal drain, a homeopathic remedy of apple cider vinegar mixed with honey (it actually wasn't too bad, but had a sharp kick to it--making me wonder if that's what liquor is like). I didn't get much sleep having to wake up every hour to blow my nose, oh...and to wipe away the icky goo from my eyes (I am grateful I only had "upper" issues though!). Great, now I wondered if it was pinkeye. I took precautions by using my own towel, washing my hands a lot, and using a separate washcloth for each eye.
Sunday morning I was out of commission. I could hardly talk and when I did it was more of a croak. The eye goop was worse. Feeling miserable, I took it easy, spending the whole day in my PJs.
Monday morning I went to the doctor again, and another $20 copay later, I was told it was a cold and I could expect to fight it for up to 14 days. She gave me some eyedrops for the eye situation and prescribed some cough syrup. I took the rest of the day off work.
Yesterday my coughing fits were probably at their worst. I popped cough drops all day. That helped with some of the throat soreness but that was about it. Last night I found a magical potion however! This:

Good ol' Vicks Vaporub worked wonders. I actually slept through most of the night without coughing!!!! It was amazing!!! My mom made me some hot apple cider with honey (which I never really liked but now I'm slightly fond of) and that soothed my throat.
Today I feel MUCH better. I look a bit odd with a very wintery outfit (scarf around my neck because I put on some Vaporub), but hey, at least I'm not barking. Oh sweet relief!!!!