Resilient, Whether I Like It or Not

April has been a struggle. Between issues with Bill and my own health, it's been one challenge after another.

First, I came down with a respiratory illness that kept me coughing for almost three weeks. Just as that was starting to clear up, I got conjunctivitis. Then a UTI. Once all of that finally began to heal, I still couldn't get my strength back — I was just tired all the time.

A talk with my primary care doctor uncovered the problem: she had lowered my thyroid medication based on recent bloodwork but hadn’t considered that I was also taking B12 supplements. I'd been on the same dose for twenty years! Once she realized, she promptly increased my thyroid meds back to my regular dose.

Slowly, my energy started returning. Feeling optimistic, I decided to go swimming yesterday. I did great in the pool — but when I got out, I slipped on the wet pavement and landed flat on my chest and ribcage, knocking the breath right out of me.

Luckily, a couple of UTMB resident doctors happened to be nearby. They rushed over, helped me up, and got me back to my apartment. They strongly suggested I head to the ER — and I did. Thankfully, no broken ribs, no lung damage. Just badly bruised muscles. It’s pretty tough getting around, but I'm powering through.

The ER doctor told me that with my osteopenia, I was lucky nothing was broken. He even called me "resilient." Where have I heard that before!?

It’s also comforting to know there are so many medical folks living in my apartment complex. They even gave me their personal numbers so I can call if I need help. A definite advantage! 

This morning, I got up, got dressed, and decided someone else needed to cook me breakfast. I headed to America’s Kitchen for a pancake breakfast! After that, I’m off to UU service and then to the symphony.

I'm not letting this keep me down!