
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.