I’m quite suddenly on a few medications for my kidneys: Percocet 5/325, an anti-nausea to combat the effects of this painkiller, and a prostrate medicine (tee hee!) to help my body pass stones. I also continue to take potassium citrate – I’ve been on this chemistry-correcting salt since fall last year. Oh, and finally in the world of What I’m Up To, I get to strain my pee on a little stone-finding mission, so they can analyze the stones. It’s like gold panning, but not so glamorous.
I was reluctant to be on pain meds and had quite the discussion with the friendly be-ponytailed physician yesterday. He convinced me otherwise, and an ER trip for pain management is uncool in my book for several reasons, so I came home and started dosage. But Recovery seems to have affected me physiologically, not just mentally and emotionally. Because even at the minimum prescribed dose of Percocet I am nauseated and high. More nauseated than high. As in, I can’t move around too much or ride in a car, or I feel I’m going to throw up. Boo. Because let me tell you, when I’d get some pain meds I used to enjoy the effects – and drink on the effects – and I never, ever got sick. So a little over a year’s worth of Recovery has left me intelligent with regard to prescription misuse or abuse, but with a staggeringly low tolerance. I suppose I’ve known this about myself for some time, I’m pretty sensitive to drugs. Probably one reason why I didn’t end up an addict or even an abuser. Yet. I hope never to end up there.
It is a bit difficult for me to rest most the day. I mean a lot of resting. Take a shower, rest. Then get a ride to a meeting, briefly. Then rest. Rest and more rest. Bad vampire television, and rest. Eating ice cream and steak, drink cup after cup of tea, and rest. Yes, I know many would love a day off like this, but this is hard for me. I have a sewing project I’m wanting to get to, more than anything. It would be a mistake in so many ways, to try to do it. At this point I’d like the relief of doing dishes or going thrift shopping. It’s funny how only two days of inactivity is hard for me. But, there it is.
I am fortunate because I know this is temporary. Isn’t everything? Soon I will likely feel better, and I’ll get to sew. And that will feel wonderful. Today I tried to reflect on enjoying my life today. Not waiting to enjoy it, not enjoying it ONLY if I felt better. Whatever handicaps, whatever setbacks I might have: can I enjoy my body, my mind, my family and friends?
The answer today is “Yes”, and I’m glad that’s true for me.
Awe, I’m sending *speedy healing* thoughts your way. I’ve heard kidney stones can be the most painful to pass. May you be on your feet and bouncing around before you know it.
@Michelle
Yes, kidney stones hurt! The rumors are true. Thank you for your well-wishes. [ hugs ]
I, too, am sending healing energy your way. I hope you’re able to pass the stones with as little pain as possible, though I know that’s not likely to happen – my father equated his kidney stones to being in labor. I can relate to the difficult to rest part – I’ve been a bit ill myself lately and had to rest, so I’m behind on so many summer sewing projects that I may have to just throw in the towel and buy some summer clothes for Maeve for her vacation back east at grandma’s.
Speaking of which, Maeve wants to put purple streaks in her hair and I was wondering if you knew what volume lightener your friend used on Phoenix’s hair last year to get it so white. I have to bleach Maeve’s before I do the purple so that it will be a good color and I’m kind of at a loss as to what product to buy, never having done that part before. Hopefully it’ll turn out as good as she thinks it will, since she wants to shock the hell out of my über-conservative in-laws.