Many years ago I learned that interval scales can be used with high reliability and validity in experiments. This past week, when I felt pretty weak (see My Condition below) and my wife asked me, “How do you feel – from 1 to 10?” I decided to rate how I feel each day on a 10-point scale. A “1” would indicate that I feel the way I did at the restaurant last Monday. A “10” would indicate that I feel the way I usually do – excellent. A “5” is just okay under the circumstances.

My Condition

Today is Tuesday. Just over a week ago, on a Saturday, I felt really out of it. That translates as too weak to get off of the recliner. Scary. Here’s the way it’s been going.

Saturday (just over a week ago): Rating Scale = 3, I felt weak.

Sunday Rating Scale = 5-6, I felt a lot better.

Monday (at the restaurant at 2 p.m.) Rating Scale = 1, I was shaky and weak until I digested some food. I went to urgent care. Found normal blood sugar.

Tuesday morning Rating Scale = 4, I went for lab tests. Two non- specific blood tests (CRP & ESR) showed relatively high inflammation or infection.

Wednesday Rating Scale = 4, I went to my doctor. Chest.

X-ray okay. More blood tests showed the inflammation or infection score was lower. Other blood tests were okay, and still others were pending.

Thursday – Saturday Rating Scale = 4, House rest.

Sunday Rating Scale = 4, Out to a class in the morning. Monday Rating Scale = 5-6, Finally feeling a little better.

Tuesday (today) Rating Scale = 5-6, Feeling okay – wish I was 100 percent.

Hey – I just got a call from my doctor telling me that the blood tests were all okay.

Funny, I think I’m now at a Rating Scale of 7 or 8!

I must have picked up a virus, maybe from the plane trip home a few weeks ago, or maybe from a friend’s wife who had a similar condition. Maybe the virus sat dormant until I exhausted myself working on my yard projects a couple of weeks ago. Yes, I have been resting, drinking lots of water, and eating portions of food every few hours. I still will take it easy and rest, even if I feel like a 7 or 8.

It’s amazing how much we appreciate our better health when we have been feeling down.
Thank God for a good wife like I have. She looks out for me. God bless.

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.com