
When I sat down to write the last post, it surprised me to find that I had been away from the blog for so long. Oh I had stuff….tons of stuff. Just not the time. And even then, when I did have the time, all I wanted to do was put my feet up, or walk the dog, or open a book.
During my absence, I was sick. I had managed to get the flu in all of its feverish, mucus-filled glory. This was the visitor that wouldn’t leave. For two weeks it held me in its grip. I hated to even move my eyeballs, but I did. And I survived.
Towards the end of the flu, I suffered the sudden loss of my Aunt Anna, who was also my Godmother. I got a call on Monday that she was in the hospital and that after the testing, I could call to ask how she was doing. On Tuesday, before I could make that call, my mom called to tell me that she had died of a blood clot in her lung. It was enough to steal my breath with its suddenness. The rest of week entailed the business of death. The viewing, the funeral, the burial and then the business of reconnecting with family. I saw cousins that I hadn’t seen in years, the same cousins that were in my back pocket for the majority of our childhood! They (and I) have gotten ‘thicker’ and grayer, but the smiles are the same, as is the laughter. We are all hoping to start having a “Pot Luck Cousin’s Dinner” every other month. I hope that we do. Those links are far too important to lose.
Then last Saturday, on Babygirl’s 18th birthday, I was felled by a sudden pain in my stomach. It was so bad, that a trip to the ER was required. I was diagnosed with diverticulitis and promptly put into a room that would be my home for the next few days. I took tons of antibiotics, ate lots of jello and had more than my fair share of broth. I was a good girl and they let me come home on Wednesday, armed with more antibiotics and a list of “dos and don’ts”. Now I feel normal and I have been doing my usual routine of yardwork, laundry and dinner.
It feels like a never-ending list of things. I hate getting sick. I try to eat well and take my vitamins. I stopped smoking, and although I enjoy a drink or two now and then, I am far from being a raging alcoholic. At what point do I become a healthy adult? *Sigh* At least I have it better than many others….
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Mik said:
on November 2, 2009 at 11:30 PMCarolyn has diverticulitis among other things, so we feel your pain (or she does). Luckily we have missed the flu but one of our grand kids was here on his way to the doctor and got diagnosed with swine flu!
Metalmom said:
on November 3, 2009 at 12:12 AMMik-Since this was my first attack, I was put on a very strict diet for the next two weeks. After that I get to move up to a ‘bland diet’ (Oh joy!) And then…..colonoscopy! I hope it won’t be as horrible as I imagine it to be!!
I’m glad you didn’t get the flu! That stuff sucks!!
Grant said:
on November 3, 2009 at 10:27 AMPoor thing. I volunteer to become Babygirl’s new godparent. Does she take to the leash okay, or do I need to break her in first?
As far as I’m concerned, you’re still an amateur in the sick arena. I’ve now been ill for 17 months. The doctor’s bills are still arriving.
Coal Miner's Granddaughter said:
on November 3, 2009 at 3:21 PMOh, honey. Sounds like you’ve had a horrible time of it. I’m glad you’re feeling better. Much love, darlin’.
phinz said:
on November 3, 2009 at 3:29 PMHope you feel better! I hear they can put you to sleep or in twilight sleep for the test, maybe ask about that. I also hear the worst part of the test is having to drink the stuff that cleans you out beforehand–better stock up on good mags for the bathroom–or a good long book!
Finn said:
on November 3, 2009 at 6:06 PMSorry for your loss, darlin’. I’m glad you’re feeling better. Getting older sucks, no doubt about it!
Trukindog said:
on November 3, 2009 at 6:31 PMSorry to hear about your aunt darlin & I’m sorry you had the flu & the diverticulitis…is that an ongoing thing?
Now lets not gloss over this monumental announcement of Baby Girls 18th Birthday ! Happy Birthday Baby Girl…your 18 now so…call me
nudge nudge wink wink no what I mean say no more 
Metalmom said:
on November 3, 2009 at 7:03 PMGrant-While I sat in the hospital day after day, I thought of you and our friend Jean. It made my troubles feel small compared to yours. And when I tell you about the sharts, you KNOW i’ve been on a liquid diet!!!
(And Babygirl is housebroken!)
Metalmom said:
on November 3, 2009 at 7:05 PMCMG-I got by with a little help from my friends.
I was fortunate enough to have a couple of friends who are RNs and they urged me (more like threatened) to go to the ER. It would have been bad if I had ignored them.
Metalmom said:
on November 3, 2009 at 7:06 PMFinn-Oh yes, there is much suckage to go around!!
Metalmom said:
on November 3, 2009 at 7:08 PMTrukindog-From what I hear, the diverticulitis is an ongoing thing, but it’s not the end of the world. I just need to be very careful of what I am putting into my mouth!
I’ll pass your number on to Babygirl, but I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you! 
fantastagirl said:
on November 3, 2009 at 10:22 PMOh, feel better soon!
Metalmom said:
on November 3, 2009 at 11:07 PMphinz-Thanks for reminding me about the ‘twilight’ thing. That is good to know. I don’t think the ‘leaning out’ will be too horrible since I have been resting the colon.
Metalmom said:
on November 3, 2009 at 11:07 PMfantastagirl-Thanks honey, I feel much better already!
Marty said:
on November 4, 2009 at 9:07 AMSorry about your Aunt and glad you are on the mend.
I hope you keep us up to date on the colonoscopy cause it’s something being routinely recommended to us kids of a certain age.
Metalmom said:
on November 4, 2009 at 9:44 AMMarty -Why don’t you just admit it? You want to know about all things related to my ass! “Cheeky” devil, that’s what you are!!
I was thinking the same thing about the scope dealy.
Sybil Law said:
on November 4, 2009 at 6:36 PMI am so glad you’re feeling better!
Life can just be a major suck from time to time, that is certain. I was sick, too – but not with the flu and it was only one day. However, I really haven’t felt myself since then, and that was almost 2 weeks ago!
Fucking germs and bugs.
xo
Metalmom said:
on November 4, 2009 at 7:23 PMSybil Law-Those germs and bugs are here with the colder weather. School starts and suddenly EVERYONE is sick with a cold or the flu.