*Disclaimer: This blog post was written under the influence of pain mediciation, so I am not responsible for any grammatical or spelling errors.
Last week at this time I was living life and now my claim to fame is getting out of bed on my own.
May not seem like the biggest feat, but after the week I’ve had, it’s progress.
This past week has taught me a lot of life lessons.
- When your body is in pain, listen to it.
I can’t begin to tell you how many doctors stressed this one to me. Last Saturday, following lunch, I started feeling pretty sick. Thinking it was something I ate, I went home to rest, hoping it would pass. As the night progressed, the pain in my abdomen became so severe, all I could do was cry out in pain. I searched the medicine cabinet for anything that might take the stomach pain away, but those efforts were wasted when I spent the next hour throwing up everything in my system (apologies, that’s graphic). My husband begged to take me to the hospital but I refused. I have a fear of doctors, and even more of the ER. Finally, out of pure exhaustion, I fell asleep.
I awoke the next day, feeling slightly better. My entire abdomen was no longer in pain, just my right side, like a bad, bad, bad, bad cramp. The overall pain did return later in the evening, but again, I decided to wait it out and hope I would feel better the next day.
When I woke up on Monday morning, still in discomfort, I knew I should probably call the doctor. Okay, fine, I did not want to call the doctor but my husband and parents pretty much made me.
After a 10 minute examination, my doctor uttered the words I had been hoping not to hear, “I think you have appendicitis.” He then proceeded to send me to ER and put me in touch with a surgeon.
This can’t be good.
Fast forward to Monday night, they are prepping me for surgery to remove my appendix. My first surgery ever.
- The appendix is a hollow organ about the size of your little finger and serves no use, but to cause you pain.
Good riddance pesky appendix, see you never.
- It’s okay to take a break sometimes.
This week has forced me to lay low and not do more than read, watch TV and nap. I’ll get to napping in a bit. Normally, I do whatever I can to keep busy, but when not able, I was actually forced to relax. Aside from the stabbing pain every time I move, it’s nice to just do nothing for a change.
- Finally, naps are good.
Generally, I don’t sleep much, but the combination of pain meds, lack of ability to move and healing from surgery means 2-3 naps a day. The doctors said, “whenever you feel tired, sleep, it will help the healing process.” I’m only following doctors orders.
“Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.”
P.S. I have to thank my husband and parents for taking such good care of me this week.
And special thanks to my dad for really capturing the moment.
