I'd like to say I graciously accepted this change to my state of health, however, in all honesty...I was immediately in a bad mood. Well...things took a turn for the worse when my temperature spiked and all the muscles in my body got achy and shaky. So I thought "what the heck, I'll take a weekend to get better." And I cozied up with my BF and my new agnes and dora leggings and watched BYU play football from the comfort of my own home and spent a few days being lazy with my friend Netflix and a few good books. But the fever never went away and the headache only became worse. Whatever right? Like, you're from a family of doctors: take some ibuprofen and get over it already.
Ibuprofen didn't help. Aspirin didn't help. Heck, excedrin didn't even begin to put an end to the splitting pain constantly whirling and twirling behind my eyes and at the base of my neck.
Nearly three weeks, 15 blood tests, 2 MRI's, and a few different doctors later and guess what? I'm sick. SURPRISE!! But really, I'm sick, like, I'm actually sick--I have infections galore having a DP in my blood and meninges and stomach and intestines. It's party rock in the body of kciarahcook and everything smaller than an aphid is invited indefinitely.
I'm being dramatic--because I feel like I can be. The point is that I have not just one but SEVERAL confirmed viral and bacterial infections raising heck inside of me and the best part is? There ain't nothing no body can do about it! It's called "supportive treatment." Taking it easy, get lots of sleep, drink lots of fluids, and don't overexert yourself. Oh, and forget about exercising for a while you're spleen might burst or your liver might explode. That type of thing.
It could be worse: my signs and symptoms had me self diagnosing myself with all kinds of cancers and autoimmune diseases on MayoClinic's website. And a few phone calls from my doctor had me convinced I wasn't far off in my extreme thinking--nothing is more scary than finding out things might be worse than you EVER anticipated. So I am really grateful it's not worse than it is and that in a few months I'll be feeling like myself again. The only problem is, I just finished midterm week and to say that I am exhausted would be an understatement. It is so frustrating when your body physically limits what you are capable of doing.
Thank goodness for the priesthood and healing blessings and father's who are worthy and grandpa's who keep consecrated oil around at all times. I know that I won't have a ton of energy for a while and that I might not feel like myself for a few weeks but the church is true and I know that I would be a lot worse off without the gospel in my life. It is comforting to know that I have been promised help to stay on top of school work and continue developing the relationships I have with others. But the coolest part about my blessing was this line: "It is no coincidence that these things are happening to you right now. Your Heavenly Father is aware of your circumstances and this is part of his plan for you and for those around you. Just be patient. Be patient with yourself and with others."
It gives me something to think about that really amazes me! That this illness has been perfectly planned to happen right now and that this trial has a purpose--and not just for me but for other people as well. For someone studying Public Health and infectious diseases and having at least a basic understanding of incubation periods and how infections begin and things, it really must not be a coincidence! It is pretty neat to think about.
So I want to give a shout out to my friends and family who have been so patient with me. To my mom for the late nights of holding my hand and getting me medications. To my dad and aunt for taking so much time to get me in with specialists and organize all the tests I've been taking and helping me understand all the results. To my friends for just going with the flow and handling my mood swings. And to my poor lab students who get me at the end of my rope each Friday from 11-2. (I'm so sorry biology 130 section 11. I'm not usually this dead!) You've all been so sweet to me and I appreciate it!
I am really lucky! I really am! And it's fall! It's boot and sweater season! And I have been soaking up the pumpkin spice candles, the scarves, the spooky craft ideas on pinterest, and hot chocolate!! I need to get better because tis the season for desserts and high calorie meals (so running needs to become a part of my daily schedule again). It's beautiful outside!
excuse the pictures taken from behind a closed car window:
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