Physical Crises

In the past 24 hours, I’ve had news of three people in my family with physical issues.

Maureen, my sister-in-law in Pittsburgh, is in the hospital on bed rest awaiting the birth of her twins. She went into labor on Friday, but it was too soon. She and the twins have to hang in there until Monday when they reach week 34. Everyone seems to be safe and healthy at the moment. I’m sending positive energy and anti-contraction thoughts her way.

Tod woke up yesterday with pain in his side. After some Internet research, he believes he has a kidney stone. The pain is mostly bearable and manageable with Advil right now, so we’re hoping the stone will pass through on its own in the next day or two, like Wikipedia says 85% of them do. If not, Tod’s off to the doctor for testing and stronger drugs. It is very hard to see him in pain and scared. Kidney stones don’t generally kill or maim but they hurt like hell.

My mother woke on Tuesday feeling off balance and hinkey on her feet. By Wednesday it got bad enough that she was dragging her right foot around behind her, so she called the ambulance and went to the ER. An MRI of her lower back indicated a nerve inflammation; they dosed her with steroids and made an appointment with the spinal specialist. With Mom, limitations and restrictions spark creative solutions. Her theatre friend is bringing over a walker from Mom’s prop room, she’s taking sponge baths in the powder room sink, and she’s ordered a week of Meals On Wheels. All is under control and I hope the specialist gets her back on her feet quickly.

If you are in my family, you might be safe because bad news comes in threes, right? Otherwise, please take care of yourself.

Posted by kuri at January 14, 2011 09:00 AM