Here we go again.

[Papa J]

The new year seems to have ended just the way the last one ended. Just after New Year's, I ended up at my regular doctor with an allergic reaction to some unknown substance which caused an asthma like attack. About the same time, I started experiencing other urinary tract problems. She referred me to a specialist, who can't see me until next week. Those problems have intensified recently.

Last Tuesday, our oldest daughter fell and broke her leg. Since she lives on the second floor of her apartment, she cannot live there for the next month. So, she has moved in with us. There are now three adults in an apartment with 2 beds. My wife is sleeping in her recliner (where she frequently sleeps anyway). I have her bed and our daughter sleeps on my bed. It's going to be a LONG month. All I can say it's destabilizing for all of us.

Overnight, I woke up with some serious lower back and abdominal pain. It corresponds with my symptoms that got me a referral to the specialist. I went to the ER and spent a good deal of time there. After a CT scan, blood work, and other tests, all they found was a small kidney stone, but on the side opposite the pain. They don't know exactly what's the problem. Other than some male enlargement problems, but that should not cause my pain. Am I imagining things?

So here I am tonight, suffering from discomfort/pain, having my emotional state feeling like it's all over the map, wiht our daily routine thrown in chaos. And only 3 1/2 more weeks to go. Oh goodness gracious.

(name removed)

[Jonesy]

Hi Papa J

You sure have much going on - that's enough to throw anyone into a spin. Hopefully you will get some answers soon regarding that unexplained pain. My thoughts are also turning to your wife - has she taken on 'nurse' role for the 2 patients?

[Papa J]

Jonsey,

My wife is taking care of my daughter some. We are getting used to having an extra person in the house. As far as me, I don't need a lot of nursing or care. I am pretty used to taking care of me. Usually, I am the one taking care of my wife. Having my wife helping with our daughter is a help. It doesn't all have to fall on me.

[Harmony]

Dear Papa J,

I don't know if this fits for you but it is my own experience. I love to take care of others. On the other hand it feels compromising to be taken care of. My job before retirement was in health care. No surprise. Now I am facing needing to have something done in the hospital in March. I will be unable to drive or even walk normal for quite a while. I share some of your feelings.

Although my other half is very willing to help and support me I am frightened. Our room is upstairs which will mean difficulty for me getting around. I hate to be an inconvenience. Maybe part of that is having been told I was such a burden as child.

So lets get this straight. Today we are loved by our families. We are NOT a burden but a treasure to be healed back to our normal selves. We are not attention seeking we are physically healing. So long as I carry the proper perspective (and don't become a prima donna) things will be ok. That said most of us like things as normal. There is nothing normal about being sick.

No big answers only camaraderie here. Heal well. Hope the pain gets better. Please come and visit me at isurvive in March when I am bedridden.

with understanding,
Harmony

[Papa J]

Thanks for the support. I fell a little frazzled and emotional tonight. Just want to hide and cry. But cant do that right now.

[Xanthia]

Hi Papa J,

By now, I trust that life has returned to a more "normal " state for you, your wife and daughter. May you enjoy many positives at the moment.

Wishing you a very happy celebration of your birthday to start your personal new year.

Sent with whatever you would find most helpful for your healing journey.

Warm regards,