Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Being the PATIENT taught me real lessons on being PATIENT

 It all started 6 days before Christmas. I woke up with swollen lymph nodes and I  just assumed I was getting "something". What I had is/was a Massive infection...but being a daughter (my Mom was here from Chicago) and we had lots of fun Christmas Outings to do. Being a Mom and a Mimi, I wanted everything cooked, Baked and wrapped as usual, being sick was not going to stop me from getting stuff done!!!!Well so I thought.I did go to the Dr. the second day I was sick, I was given two prescriptions and told to come back after the medicine was done if not better. I finished the medicine on Christmas day and was NOT better. On Monday, my Dr.'s office was closed, so my family insisted I go to the Emergency room, I really did not want to go as I knew it would be crowded and I might catch something even worse then what I had. As soon as I walked in and they saw my swollen neck, I was immediately brought back and an IV was started and a CAT Scan was taken. It was determined the hospital near our house could not take care of what I had so I was taken by ambulance to a hospital in Scottsdale. It was this hospital I remained at for the next six days. Now the only bed available for me was on the orthopedic floor where most of the patients are in there for hip and knee replacements, I clearly was very SICK, but perfectly capable of walking.I realize the three days I was on Heavy pain medication, I needed assistance. But once I was gradually taken off these drugs, being a Prisoner of a TWIN Bed for three days taught me many valuable lessons. I  could order anything I wanted to eat.....liquid for several days, but none the less, I would order my meals and Wait for up to an hour or more. If I needed to go to the bathroom, I had to call for assistance. If I wanted to wash my face, comb my hair or brush my teeth, I had to call for assistance. I was in a bed with an alarm attached to it. It was daunting to just LAY there, especially once the antibiotics started working and I felt better. I have a Whole New outlook on Phone calls to Loved ones and people who stop by to visit. I would get so excited when my phone rang or I got an unexpected visitor. MADE MY DAY!!!!I now have empathy on ALL shut ins....elderly and even Prisoners, imagine me not feeling  sunshine for six days. Imagine them not feeling rain, sunshine, cold winter wind on their faces for Years. I also have a new realization of how Cruel some people are as well. I never in all my life, could imagine people "laughing" at you and your feelings. This world is filled with some very cruel people and it is sad.
I am now HOME where my Heart is, resting and recovering and taking 3 oral antibiotics for the next 2 weeks. I appreciate ALL my Blogger friends so MUCH. YOU all are more valuable then you will ever know. I so appreciate all your Prayers, Love and Concern. And finally to me.....if I ever forget that Patience is a Virtue, I hope I re-read this post over and over again.
God Bless you all and Happy New Year


13 comments:

Buttercup said...

So, so glad to hear that you are recovering. Some time in the hospital set my priorities straight last year. Know that you are in my prayers and sending love and hugs!

just call me jo said...

Oh, Jamie! I'm so sorry. I didn't know. I didn't visit or anything. Can you forgive me? What caused the infection? Who laughed at you? I'll punch their lights out. I hope you're dancing and smiling soon. I need to work on that patience virtue also. And I'm not even sick--well, I have a cold, but that will pass.

Corie said...

SO happy you are all better! Know that we are always here for you and LOVE you! Don't ever let the 'haters' as I call them bring you down either. SO glad you are healthy now....we have an exciting year of fun things planned! Ready, set, go...let the fun begin:)

Blondie's Journal said...

I'm happy to hear you are on the mend. Being in the hospital is anything but restful. You have really been through the mill. Take care now and follow the doctor's orders!

Sending a big hug!

XO,
Jane

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh! I am so glad to hear youa re on the mend....there was a lot of BAD viruses going around...no doubt about it! Take care of yourself! Sandy

Julie said...

I'm so glad you're home now Jamie. Do they know what your nasty infection was? After having Ryleigh and being in the hospital for 4 days, I had a new appreciation for being a patient. Those hospital beds are SOO uncomfortable!! And waiting to get things you needed was so frustrating.

Mevely317 said...

Sending hugs and (continued) prayers! .
It's been a couple years since I was hospitalized (also with a massive infection from dog bite) but I'll NEVER forget feeling soooo frustrated and, yes, imprisoned. Love your philosophy, and I hope others are touched by it, too.
Better days ahead!!!

Jenna said...

Oh Jamie, you just don't know how relieved I am, to know you are home and on the way to recovering. Never mind the mean ones, they aren't even worth talking about. I'm just glad to see you are ok :o)
Have A Very Happy New Year Sweet Friend! Hugs and Love, Jennifer

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

OMG Jamie,
I had no idea you were in the hospital for that long. My goodness dear you really went through quite the ordeal. I am so sorry for all you went through and I am amazed at how you can still look at it with such empathy for others. You are amazing my dear!
I am so happy to hear your on the mend now but still I feel bad that I didn't know it was this serious.
Your in my thoughts and prayers and I look forward to seeing you this winter too!
Big Hugs my dear,
Cindy

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh good grief Jamie, I am so sorry I didn't know, I should have been there to see you and help. What a terrible friend I have been. I have had a house full of company since the week before Christmas and I am so far behind in reading and keeping up. I am thrilled that you are out of the hospital and better. Wow, this had to be so scary. Some of the girls are coming to town next month, so maybe we can all get together for lunch again. Hugs, Marty

Deanna said...

Dear Jamie, Sending you a hug! I have not been on your blog for awhile and didn't know your details of being sick. Truly are sorry that you have been ill. Will have to check up on you more frequently.

My prayers are with you.
Please get to feeling better soon.
God bless you in 2012.
Rest,
d

nancygrayce said...

Oh, I'm so sorry I didn't know you were sick! I sure would have been praying but I know many were! I'll be praying for your total recovery!

I know what you mean about being on a floor for one thing and not having that. My husband had a procedure and the only room available was on the cardiac floor.....the nurses didn't have a clue what to do for him since his heart was fine. They were really sweet though and that was good!

So glad you are even up to blogging!

Rettabug said...

What a relief that you are home & on the mend, now, Jamie. I was really worried about you! What a nasty experience you went through...Ugh!

Take it easy & rest as much as you can until you're back up to your normal warp speed. LOL

Hugs,
Rett