Nov252009
Out of the Frying Pan and into the Hospital
Filed under health by Kim at 7:11 pm on Nov 25 2009
Well, it seems that events have conspired to thwart my November daily posting goals. Friday, during my first day back at work after bronchitis, I started to have sharp abdominal pains. I knew what it was right away, because it’s just not something you forget easily. And I saw it all playing out just like it did in 2002, but I resisted for a few more hours anyways. By about 10pm though, I knew it was no good. So Jack and I bundled up and headed to the ER – knowing I probably would be admitted to the hospital.
I kind of hate talking about the problem because it seems embarrassing, though I’ve always been one to discount the impact of embarrassment because life is too short for that kind of nonsense. But the problem is diverticulitis. So, you know, colons are gross.
It’s really interesting that I can go back to Livejournal and read the stuff that was going through my mind (or close to it, I’m sure there was plenty I didn’t express) while I recovered the first time. I was on third shift at the time and I can tell you what I cannot imagine trying to get back into the swing of a night shift while also dealing with the side effects of Cipro and Flagyl. When I read my entries I can sense the overall unwellness I was feeling at the time – that I’m feeling almost identically right now.
The hospital visit itself went almost exactly the same way. Show up, get IV, drink contrast, have CT scan, get admitted, lie around for three days eating only liquids. There was an added bonus of “please don’t let me need surgery” and a chest x-ray (I was still coughing from bronchitis) and pelvic ultrasound (timing is key) thrown in for good measure. It was made more pleasant by understanding what was going on and by the fact that I want to be a nurse so my relations with all the nurses and techs were more interesting. A kind classmate from Microbiology snuck in to see me under false pretenses, gifting me with a pick-me-up just when my spirits were flagging the worst. Oh, and I sure as hell didn’t have an iPhone last time, giving me a way to know what was happening in the outside world.
Most embarrassing moment: the transport guy (orderly, though I gather that word is no longer used) wheeling me in my sad little hospital gown with 2 days of filth on me says “You look familiar.” Turns out he was in my Chem class. We had a nice chat, but, ugh! Howard Community College represent, though.
I feel like I’ve been out of commission for weeks, and there is this whole swirly guilt/depression/fretfulness storm surrounding me. I know that as I feel more confident in my healing (and can stop taking these drugs) it will lift but for now, I just have to deal. I will be listening to a whole mess o’ Pema to get through this – and by the way meditation techniques really help in a hospital setting.
1 Rachelon 25 Nov 2009 at 7:36 pm
Yikes. I hope you feel better soon. (I just discovered Pema. Need some of the audiobooks, methinks.)
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Kim Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Thank you! Definitely check out the available audiobooks, they have some lectures as well on audible.com.
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2 CSueon 25 Nov 2009 at 9:06 pm
Tom’s dad gets this sometimes, so we know how awful it can feel. Get well soon!
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Kim Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Yep, I am an early bloomer with this disease. I tentatively feel somewhat recovered and am back at work. Thanks!
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3 MikhailBorgon 25 Nov 2009 at 9:14 pm
Hey, we’re still colon buddies, right?
Hope you kick this in no time!
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Kim Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Yes, I am in the colon club.
I feel a lot better this week, crossing my fingers and taking care of myself for now. Thank you!
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4 Meganon 25 Nov 2009 at 9:21 pm
Hang in there, Kim. It will all pass and you’ll be fine and right back into running the crazy race. If I can do anything for you, I’m just a ping away.
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Kim Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Thank you so much.
I am back and sort of walking slowly alongside the crazy race, eyeing it suspiciously.
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5 Corion 26 Nov 2009 at 10:27 am
I’m sorry you’re having to go through this again – I’ve seen the pain it has put my mom through over the last few years.
I don’t know if it helps, but my mom has discovered that by having ground flax seed with her breakfast cereal, she has managed her diverticulitis to the point where she hasn’t had an attack in over a year.
(Personally, I find the flax seed with cereal REALLY awful. But with yogurt, it’s actually quite good. And filling.)
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Kim Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Once I am back to introducing fiber into my diet (they have me on the low-residue thing, aka toast and overly cooked white meat chicken) I will check this out. Thanks for the tip!
I went 7 years without a flareup, almost exactly, so I’m hoping this is the last I hear of it for a while.
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6 Beckion 26 Nov 2009 at 11:09 am
I’m thinking of you and sending “get well” wishes your way. I’m always up for a phone chat if you feel the need to talk.
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Kim Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Thank you! I meant to call you when I was in Norfolk since it seemed like I would have some down time but I ended up sticking with concentrated parent time. Sorry! I will try again later!
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7 Christineon 27 Nov 2009 at 8:34 am
Ack! I’m so sorry. *hugs*
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8 Mpomyon 28 Nov 2009 at 8:05 pm
Ahhhh, aren’t the holidays great? I’m just glad you are on the mend and feeling well enough to post, tweet, etc. Another thing we have in common is colon trouble – diverticulitis, meet ulcerative colitis; different afflictions in the same patch of real estate.
Anyway, feel better and stay out of the hospital, as a patient anyway.
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Kim Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Ah! Another member of the colon club! Sorry to hear it but thanks for commiserating. I seem to be on the mend…
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9 Skyeon 29 Nov 2009 at 8:02 pm
Oh ouch, I’m so sorry! But thank goodness for the iPhone.
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Kim Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Thanks. Indeed. The iPhone made this whole experience a little more comfortable.
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