About 2 months ago I developed a little rash. The kind of “oops I shouldn’t have eaten this or that” rash that results in itchy little hives that subside after 48 hours or so. The problem with my little derma-episode is that it is now impossible to know whether or not it was directly related to the events that followed.
A few days after the rash went away, my hands and feet started to swell. They got big and puffy and sore and then, inexplicably improved. A few days later it started all over again but this time did not improve. In fact, after days of being stubborn and progressively immobile, I found myself literally stuck in the bathtub at 1am. I reported to the hospital the following day and was given copious amounts of anti-inflammatory and morphine.
When I got home the following day I was helped into bed, where I stayed, for several days. I marked improvement by how long it took me to get to and from the bathroom and whether or not I was able to get there alone. Day 1: 28 minutes. By day 6, I was getting back and forth in 6 minutes or less without help. Triumph!
I am not good at being still. And worse yet at being cared for; that’s my job! Not having a choice in the matter was the best thing that could have happened. I was forced, by pain and people stronger than I, to heed doctors’ orders and rest.
The people in my life amazed me and I am so thankful!
My children were patient and gentle.
I and my kids were cared for by “The dads”: my dad, my kids’ dad and his dad.
My father slept over! My EX-father-in-law slept over! (they took turns so we’d never be alone).
My EX-husband stepped up and took the kids for meals and over a weekend that wasn’t his. He also, it should be noted, took me to the hospital and stayed with me for many hours.
My mom took the weekend shift when I was a little better and could spend the night alone (as the kids were with dad).
Every thread of laundry in my house was washed, folded and put away. I and my children were fed and entertained. MM visited with goodies and, with Pdot’s help, gave me a pedicure that I was powerless to stop 
.
I missed a solid week of work – something I have never done outside of vacation or maternity leave – and went back to work sooner than I should have.
Now, more than a month later, I am much better than I was though, for the most part, have ceased to improve and am dealing with a certain level of pain each day. Doctors are running tests and I am maintaining a medication protocol designed to allow me to function and keep the swelling bay (I can wear shoes again!). I am hopeful that whatever it is will work its way through my systems and that I will be myself again soon.
