Monday, 23 April 2012

Week 7: Monday - Rest and Patience


It has been almost a week since my last entry.   Although I try to keep up with it daily, last week I needed to put my energy elsewhere.  Isn’t this the whole point in taking care of ones self?  I can’t just write about it and not practice it…I mean, I could but for me it would not be right. For the next while I need to focus on tending to what my body needs right now and that appears to be rest and patience.


Last week my ears started to give me some trouble.  The doctor found fluid has accumulated in them.  I am opting to deal with the discomfort and pressure before the doctor does anything to drain them. The doctor passed on a few things I could try that are natural. They seem to be working rather well.  I realize I will have to watch for infection.  I am being monitored closely.

A skin infection escalated rather quickly within a weakened area that in the past was the access site for 4 or so surgeries. It is under control but is not going away; rather, another area of the scar tissue has opened up.  I see the HCV nurse tomorrow.

A rash has surfaced on my lower torso and this morning I noticed a spot on my upper torso starting.  Each of the injection sites has turned red.  Up to this point, they were not visible. The drugs are known to cause rashes so this is not a surprise to me.  My immune system is taking a bit of a beating so the infection is understandable.

It is my responsibility to get as much rest as possible. With my blood count being so low I need to be mindful when it comes to exposing myself to folks with colds, flus, etc..  I am keeping my skin clean and hydrated.  Rest and patience is the best thing for me right now. Is this easy?  Certainly not but I know I am not in this alone.  If health care professionals, family, friends and neighbors are willing to help me as much as they are, I need to be on board to do my part in the best way possible.


My new brain food – as I shared in a previous entry, my son purchased an iPad for me. I am playing ‘scrabble’ and ‘draw me’ which both help in keeping my mind active and certainly do bring some humour into my day.  The treatment drugs cause brain fog and I find these games are helping lift it a bit.  I can play these games at my own pace and friends are accommodating.  They are so much fun! My mind gets a work out, I get to socialize a bit, and I can stop or start when I choose.

Thank you to all those who remind me I am not alone in this journey.  Thank you for bringing laughter into my day. ;)

Deborah

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