By the time I schedule all the kids’ appointments, rearrange my work schedule to get them to said appointments, drive to the pharmacy to pick up any required medications, and add in-home nurse to my resume for the duration of said meds, the LAST thing I want to do is schedule and attend appointments for myself.
That’s how I landed myself in the emergency room.
These days I look at a glass of milk and my stomach starts to turn. So it shouldn’t have been a surprise that after a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked (the best flavor, hands down) my stomach was in turmoil. Instead of learning my lesson, I opted for the next best option, Pepto Bismol. Unfortunately, my tried and trusted dairy chaser let me down and a few hours later I was writhing in pain on the couch, unable to make myself comfortable no matter how hard I tried.
My paramedic husband took my temperature and as the thermometer registered 104 he kindly suggested I take a trip to the emergency room. Not thrilled with the idea of paying for the emergency room co-pay I said I was going to wait it out until morning and if I still felt like crap (literally and figuratively) I would head to urgent care. When I reached the point of tears, it was no longer a suggestion, but a requirement, and off I went.
That is when I found out I was having my first diverticulosis flare up, diverticulitis. Not only did I get the privilege of paying for an ER co-pay, but I earned myself a two-night stay in the least fun place you could possibly imagine. It’s also when I learned I had diverticulosis, a condition that would have otherwise got undiagnosed, and where refusing to take care of yourself can land you. Fun times.
Thanks to this unfortunate discovery, I’ve upped my preventive care game and quit dragging my feet on taking care of myself. Because if I’m unhealthy and heaven forbid, no longer around, I won’t exactly have the luxury of completing all those little mundane parenting tasks for my kids. Turns out they actually need me to stick around and I kind of love them and would like to do the same.
So this is your sign to SCHEDULE THAT PREVENTIVE VISIT!!!
Get on the books for that mammogram.
Check in with your dermatologist.
Have your annual physical.
Get that colonoscopy.
Schedule your pap.
Go see your dentist.
Chat with your therapist.
Taking care of your mind and body is so important. And if you won’t do it for yourself, do it for your kids!
Because you know they’re going to need a chauffer to sports practices, someone to complain about their dinner to, schedule their appointments, and someone around to wrap them up in a big hug at the end of a bad day!
So let’s all collectively agree to do our best to be around for the long haul! Yes?
Happy scheduling, mamas! You’re worth it!
