The one gift of the pandemic was time at home to think. I used that time to think about how I could better take care of myself. All the issues that plagued me, I dealt with by scheduling appointments.
I had my eyes checked by the optometrist. I also had my special glaucoma screening because I’m at an increased risk for glaucoma because of my vision issues and family history.
Next, I saw a podiatrist. Ever since I was pregnant with my twin sons, I have had issues with my feet. When I returned to work after giving birth, I started wearing orthotics and special shoes. During the pandemic, my feet were really sore. My podiatrist said she had an increase in patients coming in because most people had been at home and not wearing their orthotics. She said I had plantar fasciitis and tendonitis. Now, I’m doing my stretches and wearing shoes for part of the day that aren’t houseshoes.
I finally saw the dentist. I was there earlier today getting a cavity removed and a temporary crown put on. I will get the permanent one in a few weeks.
I had a few telehealth appointments to figure out a treatment plan for my newly diagnosed eczema. So far, I have been itch-free!
Last Friday, I talked to my doctor for a while to figure out the best plan for my health. For those who have been following me for a while, you know my reproductive system is a hot mess. I take two medications daily to keep it under control. It has plagued me since I was 13. Later this month, I will be 37, and I’m tired.
Weeks ago, I had an ultrasound done. I saw the nurse outline a big circle on the screen and label it fib. I knew that stood for a fibroid tumor. These lovelies just keep coming back like zombies in a horror film. This fibroid is almost four times bigger than it was previously and it is taking up a significant amount of room in my uterus. I had one the size of a golf ball before, so I already knew what was up.
I can have another procedure to temporarily treat the issue or get a hysterectomy. Do I want to have a major surgery during a pandemic? The reality is I should have done this earlier. I have endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and constant fibroid tumors. I don’t want to have to take pills every single day.
I’m going to do it. Now, it is just figuring out logistics. I need to schedule the surgery at the least disruptive time for work. I know some people think I shouldn’t care about that, but I do because I work in a school. I need to make sure my sons are still completing remote learning and someone has to cook for Mr. Barnes. Honestly, Mr. Barnes can cook … but I’ll still try to get him some support in that area.
If you are like me and the pandemic has made you more aware of taking care of your physical health, don’t keep putting it off. We don’t know how long this pandemic will last. In the meantime, we should take care of ourselves so we can take care of others.