2023 is still young, but it has not been kind to me. Other than the birth of my granddaughter, the rest of the year has been a train wreck. It’s been one health issue after another. Either somebody up there is trying to tell me something, or somebody up there really hates me. I guess I’ll find out which pretty soon.
The ongoing saga with my back and shoulder continues. I did finally learn what is wrong with my shoulder, and it’s a long list of things. I’ll be starting physical therapy next week for that. Hopefully, physical therapy will address the back issues too. If not, I’m sure surgery is in my future.
I got the results back for the heart tests I had done, after a trip to the ER. The doctors are leaning more to the possibility that I had a pulmonary embolism, instead of just a pinched nerve. My ECG looked terrible. I can’t believe I didn’t have a heart attack or stroke. That news left me a bit rattled, especially the more I thought about it. I’m still very tired and weak from it. I’m very lucky that the clot broke up, if that’s what happened. I’m very lucky to still be here, period.
Maybe somebody up there does like me after all, because it could have easily gone bad, really bad. I’ll have to go through some more tests to see what’s going on and how to prevent future clots, but whew, scary stuff! I’m too young for this.
It’s made me realize that I need to take better care of myself. The day before the palpitations was a rough day at work, where I was on my feet for 8 hours, lifting heavy things, and straining injuries I already had. Yes, it is time to call it quits on that job. I just have to do it in a way that won’t leave me in the poor house. That’s what I’m working on.
Hopefully, a medical leave will allow me to heal and find another job or go back to being self-employed. But I have to stay for a while for the health insurance. So, I’m stuck in a bad situation at the moment. People shouldn’t have to struggle so much when they’re dealing with serious health issues. It drives me nuts that people have to in this country. It shouldn’t be this way. If I ever get on my feet healthy and strong again, I’ll be lobbying hard for a better way.
One very good thing has happened recently, and that is my granddaughter being born. To my dad’s delight, she has his red hair. She looks very Scottish, like the Hay Clan, and she’s probably going to be a little firecracker. She’s been a very bright light in an otherwise not-so-great year.
All of this has made me realize that I have to get healthier. If I have to sell everything and start over, I will. Nothing is worth ruining your health over.
I sure wish I could hit a fast-forward button to get past this part of my life. I’m so ready for smoother sailing.
