A little more than a week ago I came down with a cold. No big deal, except this cold had fever, chills, nausea, and a bark-like cough. Maybe it was more than a cold. I don’t really know. What I DO know is that it knocked me on my backside and I was down for the count. As a rule, I don’t get really sick. I’ll have a sore throat and some nasal discomfort that will last a few days, and I can usually work through it with little aggravation.
Not this.
I couldn’t read. I couldn’t focus. I certainly couldn’t drive. I went to Church last Wednesday and was promptly sent home. I guess I looked as bad as I felt.
Now, there was a time when I’d have fought tooth and nail to be there. Not this time. I was sick, I was tired and I needed rest. When I realised I had two very capable people who could take the service for me I came home, changed into my pjs and went to bed. I woke up 9 hours later feeling more like a human being. But still not well.
I struggled through the rest of the week. Drinking copious amounts of tea, water, eating toast. Not really much of an appetite, and I was determined that I would be well enough for Sunday. And I was. Barely.
I preached and celebrated both services, but little else. Thankfully I had licensed lay ministers who made sure the other parts of the service were covered. It worked well. And after service we postponed Bible Study, I came home and went to bed.
Monday was a full day, as was today. Tomorrow is a full day, as is Thursday. And Friday I’m finally getting my hair cut.
There was a time when I could shake off a cold. I could fight through it. Not anymore. And as I reflect on how weak I still feel, I am horrified that I used to work when I was sick, so sick I would share my sickness so others would be sick. That’s not good for anyone.
I finally got to the chiropractor and realised it had been two months since my last adjustment. The intake process took the better part of an hour, and I was finally adjusted. It was a loud adjustment and I felt much better. Today I’m sore again, but thankfully I see my chiropractor again Thursday morning.
Now I need to find a registered massage therapist, a family doctor and a dentist and I think my health care team is in place. One thing at a time.
I think I’m beginning to get the hang of this self-care model. Look at me go!
