I haven't been out of the house since getting back from the ER on Tuesday. During this time, I've thought a lot about pain and the numerical pain scale, where 0 equals no pain, and 10 is exruciating -- a number that hardly anyone ever reaches.
My personal points on the pain scale were previously something like 3 (joint pain most of the time) to 9 (serious knee injuries). When I couldn't stand up to walk yesterday morning, the pain made me want to shriek. I couldn't stop crying until the Tylenol and double dose of Robaxin took effect. Movement was difficult most of the day. Definitely right up there on the pain scale, maybe the worst of my life. Maybe not a 10, but damn close.
And then, almost suddenly, I felt better at the end of the afternoon. I had a good evening. I decided to sleep in an armchair and, in fact, got a really good 4 or 5 hours. I feel so lucky to have a warm, easy-to-navigate house. I don't feel compelled to check off a to-do list. Mostly, I wonder how people who don't have access to health care manage in a situation like this.
In the past when I've been sick, I've dreaded Friday because it's sometimes harder to deal with health issues on the weekend. This time, I know I'll be OK and find myself thinking "TGIF".
