It is incredible to me how quickly a health issue can alter your life and change your perspective on well-being. I faced my first health “challenge” this past week and experienced just a taste of what many people battle every day of their lives.
Without going into the details (as they really aren’t as important compared to what I’ve learned), I got an infection on my face that caused half of my face to swell (definitely not going to be pictures). On Monday, I didn’t think it was all that bad. The dermatologist said: “Ah, I’ll give you a prescription for antibiotics. Should clear up in a few weeks.” Thanks, jerk. What am I supposed to do in the meantime with this ogre face?
Well it didn’t get better. In fact, it was three times worse on Tueday morning. Besides being a complete blow to my confidence and vanity, my most immediate concern was for my vital organs – my eyes and brain. My mind was reeling with crazy thoughts as I drove to the second doctor on Tuesday morning. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but being a young, healthy, 20-something, I figured they’d give me some more pills and I’d bounce back in no time. It was when the words “infectious diseases” and “IV therapy” came into play that I felt completely vulnerable.
Back in my car after seeing the third doctor (Infectious Diseases guy), I broke down and cried for the first in a long time. I cried because the doctors kept asking me if I had someone to go with me to the IV infusion center – parents? Boyfriend? Friends (that aren’t working normal hours)? No, none of those here in the town I decided to make home. I was all alone in the struggle to make this ailment go away. I understand now why the support of friends and family is so vital to those battling tough diseases. The emotional battle is so much more difficult than the physical battle.
I felt so silly for feeling so down-troded over something so menial compared to cancer or other life-altering diseases. But the reality is that this infection was going to make an impact on my life and my emotions – no work, no working out, no social activities (ogre face, remember), and definitely no first date with the new guy in my life. What happened to the routine schedule and happy hours? Instead, I got cabin fever and daily IV infusions at home. Not winning.
I digress. Here are the top six things I learned this past week:
1. Beauty is definitely fleeting, and it is not near as important as your health.
1. Beauty is definitely fleeting, and it is not near as important as your health.
2. We were not designed to live life alone – family and friends are incredibly important.
3. Medical care is expensive, but that doesn’t matter. There is no expense spared when it comes to taking care of yourself.
4. As always, God is in control.
5. Mom was right again – don’t touch your face!
6. Take the aggressive treatment. The IV meds that I got worked like a miracle drug.
I am happy that things are definitely looking up for me now. I have two more IV infusions left before going on oral antibiotics for a few weeks. The swelling is almost all gone – now I just look like I got punched in the face. As for the missed first date, I decided to let the man friend come visit me on Wednesday after my mom and best friend convinced me that this would be a good “test”. He showed up beautiful flowers and acted like nothing has changed in my appearance. Yeah… I might keep him around for awhile :).
Like my dad always says, “This too shall pass”. And I’m so thankful to have this infection on the way out the door.