Lessons Learned as I’ve Been an Impatient Patient

I promised you an update on my health situation so here it is.  The first round of blood work was NEGATIVE for Lyme Disease.  But my doctor says Lyme sometimes takes a while to show up so I went and had another blood test.  I'm waiting for the results.

The fever and aches started 2 weeks ago and though I am feeling a bit better physically, I'm still not myself and that's bumming me out.  Simple tasks like emptying the dishwasher are exhausting and require me to sit down afterwards.  I folded a load of laundry yesterday and then had to lie down.  It's been really hard for a high-energy person like me to suddenly have no energy.   There's so much I have wanted to do professionally and socially, and I've had to cancel all of it.  I'm sick of being sick.

But in my never-ending quest to make lemonade out of life's lemons, I want to share with you some of the good stuff that has come from this ordeal.

• I'm learning how to be more patient as a patient.  Whatever this illness is, it has to run its course.  The medicine needs more time to work.  The lab needs time to process the blood test results.  I can not force or rush any of this.
• I'm learning how to give myself a break.  My body is in "couch potato" mode so I'm allowing myself time to rest, nap, and watch a lot of TV.
• I'm learning to ask for help.  I've had to ask people to walk my dog, bring me tea, and take out my trash.  I don't know how I could have gotten through the first week without them.
• I'm learning to accept help when it's offered.  I appreciate the friends who have offered to run errands and bring me food and medication.
• I'm learning to be more empathetic.  To all of you who are struggling with pain and/or lethargy, I feel for you.  I hope you are getting the help and healing you need.
• I'm learning to appreciate the simple pleasures. The photo above is of a flower that my guy brought to me when I was bedridden.  Since I couldn't get outside to see the beautiful hydrangea plant, he brought a piece of it to me.  And it made me smile.

So thanks to all of you for your patience while I've been sick.  I hope to be feeling and sounding better soon.  But in the meantime, I'll keep practicing being a more patient patient.