I was hoping to start the new year with a bang, but instead it started with a whimper.
I won’t go into the gory details; let it suffice to say that I have a chronic gut condition. I ended up spending six-and-a-half hours in the ER at Vancouver General Hospital on Jan. 2. Now there’s a place bubbling with action! Because of all the ice on the roads and sidewalks, about 80 per cent of the people at the ER showed up with broken hands, arms, legs and dislocated shoulders.
Apparently, my possible intestinal obstruction offered a refreshing diversion for the doctors and nurses. We’re not talking extravaganza here, but they certainly sat up and took notice.
I guess the term “intestinal obstruction” is akin to saying “Dr. Smith” when making a reservation at a swanky restaurant, because they got me in right away to see an intake nurse. Then it was a lot of hurry up and wait until I saw a doctor. Then it was another hour or more until a nurse brought me some vile liquid to drink before my CT scan. Then, I had to wait another two hours after I finished it before they’d do the scan. Oh joy.
I know a lot of people bash our medical system, and yes, there are undeniable improvements that could be made. But for the most part, it’s pretty efficient. And the ER staff work like Trojans.
Gone, however, are the days when doctors actually ask you to disrobe so they can examine you properly. They do it all through your clothes. Or if you’re lucky enough to get a gown, through that. There’s very little “laying on of hands” and instead, loads of expensive whirring, humming equipment. Old school chit-chat, that doctors used to engage in with their patients, is also a thing of the past. Now, it’s all business. I can’t complain though, I got my CT scan within five hours and the diagnosis an hour and a half after that.
As a result of this experience, I decided to test drive a new concept — gratitude. No, I’m not grateful for feeling unwell. But I am grateful for this cosmic/spiritual reminder to honour my body and take care of my health. I’ve lived with a chronic gut problem for nearly 38 years, and it’s taught me a lot of valuable lessons:
• We only get as much as we can bear. (God clearly has a heck of a lot of faith in me).
• “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.” (Friedrich Nietzsche)
• You have to put your own oxygen mask on first, before helping others.
• Taking care of ourselves is priority number one. This is NOT selfish. It’s smart. Because if you’re sick, you can’t help others. Do the math.
So, after getting home from the ER, I accepted my fate, took my RX, donned my bathrobe, and awaited the arrival of good health. Or at least, better health. It only took a few days. Now, the sun is shining, it’s gloriously crisp outside, and the world is a pretty spectacular place. I am thankful for all those things.
Check out gratitude, it’s kind of awesome.
Shelley Civkin is a retired communications officer with the Richmond Public Library
