Health & Mortality
Day 4 of the 12 days of Christmas has just arrived. Today’s topic of health and mortality is serious but essential. Only part of this is directly related to COVID, but other illnesses have touched other friends and family. I have come to detest the three C’s - Cancer, Cellulitis, & COVID. In the last week, two people I knew died from COVID. I have not kept a count of how many that makes. Terry went to school with the 1st person to die from COVID in Nebraska. That seems like a lifetime ago.
I know a few people fighting cancer, and each case is unique. You pray, send words of encouragement, other gifts, and your love. When sending flowers, make sure you know what they like. Life is ironic because as this was all happening, I found out I was cancer-free after five years, and we all know that is a cancer milestone. Through all this, I remain optimistic because that is how I roll.
I am now battling cellulitis for the fourth time since early September. The first part of the story is in an earlier blog: https://www.theoptimisticba.com/blog/my-travel-adventure. I got sick over Labor Day, and I thought I had COVID. I had a negative test, but the symptoms were still hanging on. When my leg was red and hot to the touch, I felt it was cellulitis. I was right, but I was in quite a bit of pain and physically sick. They had to do an ultrasound to rule out a blood clot. The ER almost had a new skylight when they pressed with the wand. I asked for morphine at that point, and after hardly any food, I was rather entertaining
I discovered I would have four-layer compression wraps to help take the swelling down. Until the end of November, I had home health care and now go to the hospital twice a week to see a physical therapist. Since the hospital, there have been three recurrences. It mainly has to do with open sores, but one of the times, the foot swelled up more extensive than the initial hospital admission. Yesterday, I saw an infectious disease doctor, and I now have two more antibiotics. If this doesn’t work, I will have IVs. I won’t tell the entire story, but when the valet drivers, the screening people, and the entire PT department at the hospital know your name, it is not like Cheers. Cellulitis is better than having a staph or septic infection.
Mortality ties into most of the events of the last few years. I didn’t mind when I turned 60 a couple of years ago, but I did become more conscious of mortality. I have always stressed telling the people you care about that you love them while alive. If you do that, you will not have any regrets! Health is much more valuable than all the money in the world. No, I don’t have an orchard of money trees, but I believe I have my priorities straight. I also love Christmas especially playing Christmas music 24-7 on the radio and the constant Christmas movies. Yes, I am the Optimistic BA. Through my cellulitis battle, I keep thinking of how some bizarre things will fit into future motivational presentations. Until next time, please keep your glass at least half-full!
