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We have had flu and every other fun thing in this house all month and I was taking it a little easier than normal. The kids have all been taking turns getting sick and I have been more concerned with taking care of them than I guess me.
I was cleaning this afternoon, bent down and got dizzy. I've been congested and just kept taking more cold medicine for the past few weeks. The diziness scared me, so I went to the Doctor.
My normally calm, kind Doctor yelled at me. He said my blood pressure is up, my sinuses and ears and glands are infected as well as bronchitis. He turned around and said Jeannie you take the kids to the Pediatrician for a whole lot less, and you would have a fit any Mother let their children go so long. I said of course. Then he told me that I had to know something was wrong with all the yucky colored crap coming out of me. I said yeah, but I have been dealing with the kids, worrying about their Doctors and their medicine. He then asked me why I think I deserve less. I said I don't I just haven't had time. He said no excuse. He proceeded to give me a lecture about taking care of myself, that I am just as important as everyone else. I told him I know that, and he said I couldn't prove it by my actions. He said I was completely irresponsible, and I got offended and said I am very responsible and he said sure to everyone but yourself.
I was a little offended at first and then realized he is right. I tell otehrs to make time for themselves, take care of themselves, etc. Too bad I don't follow my own advice.
He put me on antibiotic, cough medicine and told me that he wants me out of work for a week. I said that isn't possible. He told me it was the only possibility.
I called my boss and expected an argument as we are short handed, she just said she was glad I had gone to the Dr and they would see me next week.
I guess it is time for me to start concentrating on taking care of me.
We've all heard of someone that "can't see the forest for the trees" I think Miss Jeannie can't see the illness thru the green stuff (ack!)
Taking care of your kids while you are getting sicker and sicker isn't looking at the whole picture. Who would take them to the Dr. if you were too sick to get up, or even worse in the hospital?
I'm glad your Dr. opened your eyes, it's worth a lil defensiveness. Take care, hon.
Christy
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If we think that miracles are normal, we will expect them. And expecting a miracle is the surest way to get one.
I'm so glad you got help for yourself. I heard something at a face to face meeting a long time ago, and I have found it to be so true in my life. When you get on an airplane and they explain how to use the masks if the plane crashes, they explain to put the oxygen on yourself first, so that then you can help your children and others to put their masks on. Without oxygen yourself, you are in no position to help others!
Please don't guilt trip yourself. Of course you were doing the best you could for your family. This is just another wake up call, and shows how basic taking care of ourselves is.
Thanks for sharing with all of us. Your being here helps our recovery, too.
I find self care very difficult as I was not cared for as a child. I really do find it difficult to know "when" I should be taking care of me and how. I try to break it down to day by day and turn it over. I do find it extremely difficult and puzzling though. I can take care of the A easily. I pull back from doing that so much now because he can literally demand all my time and energy and I want to give more to me now.
I am glad that you did not get very sick (I have). I am also glad that you are taking time off to rest. Having a cough can be debilitating.
LOL I had a counselor tell me about a year ago..."If you don't take care of you, who will?" kind of stuck with me......I try to get the right amount of sleep and make healthy food choices, (not all the time, I am eating Easter malt balls right now, LOL) Be gentle with yourself, and take care of you!!!!!
Jeannie, I took my kids to the Ped. a looooong time ago. The dr. said I am not worried about them I am worried about YOU. I was shocked. I was incredulous. He was right too, just like your doc is.
Isn't it a trip how we seriously will forget us when we are moms and dads, and just take care of our kids?
I am sure after all the crap you get with A and the parents etc, that when someone talks like this to you, at first you are over sensitive. I am glad you are taking care of you. Are all the kids in school so you can really rest? How old is the youngest now??? I remember when you were freaked out and pg.
hugs and love, debilyn with her mask on...no no jeannie not so close no no
So are you feeling any better after having your meds for 24 hours? I hope so. Take care of yourself. If you are sick, it makes it hard to take care of the kids. Trust me, been there, done that. The kids & I all had strep back in Nov. What a nightmare! They needed me to do for them and I couldn't even do for myself. Of course my A was of no help....in fact, he managed to disappear for a couple of days. Go figure.
