It seems a little bit strange to dedicate an entire blog post to my health, but enough people are inquiring that maybe some will find this information interesting.
After a long, sleepless night of what the doctor called “productive coughing” (you really don’t even want to know what that entails, it’s not pretty), I feel as if I have turned the corner this morning on this crazy illness. The fact that I am even on the computer is a sign that things are moving in the right direction. I’ve not been able to sit up, let alone hold my laptop or book or even my phone to read, between being insanely weak and from he room spinning each time I’d attempt to sit up. I’ve had to drive myself to the doctor and once to the medical center 3 times this week, all of them studies in impaired driving.
I’ve not been this sick since I had mono years and years and years ago. I don’t want to be this sick again ever. Yesterday, my doctor reamed me out about rest, stress, sleep, nutrition and exercise–5 areas of life that are sorely lacking for me. I need to take her seriously, though, if I want to be around long enough to see my children raised, which I do.
This illness has been a huge financial hit. Co-Pays, Medication and being out of work for over a week has been nearly disastrous. I’m going to have to work over the Christmas break when the office is closed to make up some of the time, as well as some Saturdays before the end of the year. And I’m going to have to do some reworking of the budget in order to survive.
I’ve got a ways to go yet in recovery, but things should improve drastically from here. I am quite weak and tire easily; buying groceries this morning has nearly put me out of commission. I need to gain my strength back. There is some permanent damage done to my lungs that will result in scarring and the potential for increased asthma like episodes. Mentally and spiritually, I am beat up. I have work to do–soul and mind work.
I am grateful to have avoided a stay in the hospital; I am grateful to no longer be making strange sounds as I breathe, and I am thankful that coughing has slowed down because I’m not sure my ribs or my torso could take much more. Talk about an ab workout!! I should have a six pack with all the abdominal muscles that have had to work overtime!
I am still in need of prayer–that I will continue to get well, but also for my mind and soul. For peace and sleep. For continued recovery over the weekend in preparation for returning to work on Monday. I’m in need of prayer that I’ll be able to read and write today and tomorrow, and to catch up on the tremendous amount of housework and desk work that I am falling further and further behind in. But most of all, I am grateful for all the prayers that have been prayed on my and my crew’s behalf. We do not take your prayers for granted.