Oh sweet September where did you go? So much happened and yet so little too. Our actions follow our focus and my focus as been everywhere, anywhere, and nowhere. The month started with a wonderful vacation with our little one down in Florida. He has officially experienced the beach. He also saw sharks up close and personal...like three feet away and we didn't even have to pay an admission fee. I learned many lessons on this special family vacation- it is completely different to be in the parent role vs. the kid role. I miss the kid role. I love the carefreeness of having a destination without worry about the details. I enjoy the play time without distraction of a schedule. Or concern about prices. Parents have to figure out this stuff and try hard not to hassle the child with the details. My husband and I both looked constantly at our watches to figure out meals, beach time, while still penciling in naps, and baths, and yet still look smily for the camera. It was amazing, but different
I have had many of these perception lessons on this HealthFULL Journey. And by the end of the month I had an upfront kick in the stomach kind of lesson. It is time to get focused. Health matters. Remember in June I said I hit rock bottom. Apparently not. Once again I have left scheduling the doctor appointment on the back burner and it boiled over yesterday. I had an episode...during the day.....no warning.....at work. Not fun! So I ended up in the ER for seven hours and walked away with a prescription. and a somewhat diagnosis.
It started with me at work : double-knotted stomach cramps, followed by hands on fire and bright red with a little tingle in the mouth and hands, lots of sweating as if I ran a marathon (which I have never accomplished but imagine I would "glisten" this much"), and the urge to take a nap on the cool bathroom tile as my light-headedness increased. It was tempting (gross idea) but in the moment sounded heavenly. Why did I not actually crumple to the floor? Because it would be awkward to describe my actions and the place will give you the heebie jeebies when one feels well. I attempted returning to my desk and finishing my work. But I was still feeling bad, still sweating, and couldn't divide thoughts in my head. No multi-tasking bragging rights here. My only focus was to get home to get to the hospital. I don't know if we ever outgrow the need for family - as a kid I wanted my mommy when I was sick - I now choose my hubby. Someone to answer those tough questions (age, allergies, history) when all I want to do is nap. After alarming my office as I tried to downplay the fact that I was sweating like a linebacker I focused on driving which took all my mental capacity. I picked up my husband and went to the ER. We arrived and only one person sat in the waiting room. My information was immediately taken upon arrival. Things were looking good. We were informed there would be a slight wait. No problem (30 40 minutes) but we're optimists. Ha ha ha on my optimism. Several people came in immediately after me - some with blood exposed and they were seen before me. I get it my symptoms had subsided. But figured I should still see a doctor and figure out what had happened. Two hours pass (a couple visits to the front desk - any ideas about when we'll be seen? No? Great. . .so we wait - tick tock tick tock - losing my mind. And then they call my name - but do I hear it? No I had given up hope and was ready to head home. False alarm let's catch a nap. But he was persistent and I moseyed over to him. I was feeling better but still off. He escorts me to a room - mentions he'll move the curtain to cover up the window. And mentions the camera in the corner. By the way we use this room for our mental patients. Awesome! And I feebly attempt a joke - Well nice to know what you think of me. The nurse gets a bit defensive and semi yells Its the only room we have open. Thank you. Finally a bed to lay down. Another forty-five minutes pass and a nurse who either was unhappy to be there or just had one of those days takes my history. (Don't you love with this new technology you still tell your symptoms and allergies at least three - four times?) Then the P.A. comes in shortly after and says "All I know if you feel strange". Great (found out at the end of the day this is what they wrote in my chart - reason for being seen: the patient states "Feels strange". Awesome - now I do really question the reason for the mental patient room. Well after my fourth chat about the symptoms the PA decides to run blood tests, urine sample, and to give me fluids. This is how I know I wasn't completely on my "A" game, it took me three whole minutes upon her departure that I realized what she said. "Give me fluids". Wait a minute - does that mean an IV? I asked my hubby and he nodded that is usually what that means. Ohhhh I hate needles, shots, IVs! I have squiggly veins according to most nurses. I am so blessed! Well we got through that event without too much drama. And the result . .. it appears I had an episode of too high blood sugar. And with a couple of other facts about my medical history it appears I am diabetic. This isn't like a gasp moment of shock. But it is a head down, hmmm really? Like I don't want it to be true but it makes sense. So they sent me off with a prescription and advice to find a doctor. It only took six 1/2 hours, three administrative personnel, six nurses, one P.A., one doctor, and one call to the pharmacy.
Here it is - my gift, my motivation, my warning to set my health as a priority so that the blessing in my life count and that I can enjoy them now and many many more years to come. It means exercise, it means nutritious choices, it means check-ups, and it means making smart choices now. I am not cheering for this news but I am accepting it. No more snoozes with this wake-up call. I ask you to join me in this HealthFULL Journey once again, especially now that stakes are so real. . .
May your blessings come when needed, your loved ones gather when you can cherish them, and that every day you feel gratitude in your heart. "Til we meet again. . .
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