I took only one vicodin yesterday.   I really tried to make it without.  I took a nap in the middle of the day before I went to the gym.  I walked the long walk with Lucy - usually helps.  But I had to teach class and I just couldn't do it without some help.  I don't know if it is the relief from pain that gives me the boost or if the vicodin has an uplift impact psychologically.  I have to keep in mind that the second could be true because it is the second that causes addiction.  Still...I'm doing pretty well. The ear infection lingers.  I used to have a rapid response to antibiotics.  One of my students gave a speech on meningitis - which really freaked me out.  I continue to worry that the herpes virus is active in my neurological system - even my brain and spinal fluid.  The doc says there will be other symptoms if that's true.  I wonder...do I really want to wait and see?  Then I wonder...do I really want a spinal tap.  That would be a "no."  So I guess I'll put my hopes in the Valcyte and hope I never find out.