I couldn't tell you the name of any of the books or any of the advice, other then the phrase above.
It became my mantra. Not because I felt guilty but because worry was the emotion that I lived with the most. I thought a lot about that sentence. It is very, very true. Intentionally, I worked to remove worry and fear from my life.
It worked too. Most of the time. For a while anyway.
Here in Mexico it isn't something I even think about much any more. Life is simpler and easier with not much to worry about, other then falling or other such silly things.
However, this week, I started worrying. Needlessly, for sure. Some of the thoughts that kept me awake. How would I find a Doctor? How would it all work out schedule wise? Should I drive or fly? On and on and on til I was driving myself crazy. As my friend Ron always says, "That's a short trip".
In my mind, of course, I know that a month or two from now this will all be behind me and I will laugh at the silliness of it.
Actually today, with sunshine warming my bare toes while I sat on the roof terrace, an unspoken conversation raged within me. At the end, I was calm and decided to stop worrying. It will all work out.
Then, coming to the computer, there in front of my eyes, were the names of TWO doctors in Houston who perform the gallbladder surgery. One even has his email address. Relief washed across me as this doctor is an assistant professor at UT in the med center. Amen.
Monday will be D Day. Make as many calls as possible in an attempt to nail someone down to get this over.
It's too pretty out to worry. I refuse to participate. Thanks Dr. Wayne Dwyer for such a wise phrase. It has followed me for all these years. Always when I need it the most.
(The photo is of me on the free ferry that runs between Galveston and Bolivar Peninsula. Many a time I rode that ferry back and forth as I tried to work out a dilemma in my mind. IF ever you get a chance to ride it and feed the seagulls, look for dolphins and have the breeze in your hair, DO SO.)
23 comments:
Gos speed Babs! You will overcome this obstacle.
Babs, one question, how come you are going through all the hassles of returning to the US for the gallbladder thing?
It has been my experience that the doctors here are as competent as NOB and you will be a lot stress-less because you can see them within a day or sometimes the same day, and have the procedures performed within days and not weeks.
Speaking from personal experience I would rather trust the system down here than what is left NOB....
Good luck in whichever you do, we will have good karma sent your way!
Babs, I had gallbladder issues (in other words pain) and turned it around by giving up all red meat. The doctor wanted to take it out, this was 7 years ago, and I am fine.
Also,if you have a stone or something what about breaking it up with ultra sound? You don't have to answer this, but I hope you will think about it.
Thanks Peter. Appreciate your comment.
Tancho - For one thing, I don't have insurance in Mexico and the cost is 60,000 pesos according to the Dr. here.
Plus, as I said in the last comments on the last blog, there are no ancillary services here - Blood bank, etc. if something goes awry. I totally trust the US system - they have not let me down, ever, Well there was the whooping cough fiasco, but that's all. Thanks for sending Karma.
Christine, from what I've been told, there are too many gallstones along with the fact that I've been told and read that they no longer do the break up of stones....at least, that is not an option for me.
I've talked to several who collaborated what my Dr. of 10 years told me here. He totally understands that I have Medicare and supplemental in the USA and supports my need to go to the USA.
I too have read way more then I ever wanted to know about the gall bladder on the internet since Wednesday. Red meat is only one small part of it all and they all say that once you start passing stones, as I did plus regular pain you are best to remove it.
Evidently it is a common thing - especially for women.
Christine, I meant to congratulate you on not having any more symptoms. That is GREAT! And, as always, thanks for commenting.
Babs, wish I could master that whole 'no worrying' thing. I'm an OCD worrier and it's been the bane of my existence.
I know it will work out on Monday! It is interesting how difficult it is to get through the system if you're not referred or already a patient. Gatekeepers everywhere.
Thanks Beck. I USUALLY have it mastered and then, oops, there it is again! But, not for long. It gets easier and easier to realize I'm not in control of ANYTHING.
Great photo. It shows the spirit of the Babs I know.
Hi Babs, I had my gallbladder removed laparoscopically about 15 years ago. It was easy, & I took no pain meds after. I'm sure the operation is even more efficient now. I had had only one attack, no stones passed but, I decided I wanted to have it removed on my own time & not after another attack which might create an emergency. You want to have it done in Houston so it's best to schedule it at your convenience.
You got through the attack which sounds very painful. You'll be so happy after the surgery to know you won't have another. You weren't in control then, but, you are now.
saludos, Lena
Babs, it looks like the universe heard you and didn't want you to worry so much any more. I was happy to read that you received the names of two physicians that you can consult.
Kim and I are meeting in Cambridge this morning to attend the Unitarian fellowship meeting. We'll send you positive energy and good intentions.
Sharon
Boston
Movie star worthy photo! You project fabulous energy.
Thank you for sharing Dr. Dwyer's quote. I am a fan of his and needed to hear this today. I feel it will serve me well, too, for a long time.
Barbara
Sharon, I'm thrilled that you and Kim have met in Boston! How cool.
Thanks for your positive energy.
Thanks Steve........You are a very special and dear friend.
Marilyn, I'm not worried about the procedure, at all. It's the logistics of getting there along with everything else that is the concern.
Thanks for your comments.
Barbara, I'm so glad my post was timely for you. Thanks for the compliment.
We're all rooting for you. Just take it one step at a time, and the bureaucracy will eventually resolve itself.
Saludos,
Kim G
Boston, MA
Where we think it says something interesting about our healthcare system that you're more worried about the bureaucracy than the surgery.
Kim, your tag line says it all!
I hadn't checked in on your blog in several days, and see all this going on with you; hope it gets taken care of with ease. I just had my gallbladder removed Dec. 20th, done laparoscopically. The surgery was at 8:30 and I was home by 3:30. No pain....NONE. And I was up and around with no problem the next day after sleeping off the anesthesia. I served Christmas Eve dinner for our large family and didn't miss a beat.
Suerte!
Angelinem, I'm expecting the same thing! Glad it went so well for you. Everyone I have heard from or talked to says the same thing. I just want to get it done,if and when I find someone in Houston and get there!
Thanks for the reassurance.
Very wise words quoted in the title. Thank you for that. I need to remember them.
Beautiful prose in the blog, " an unspoken conversation raged within me". I have these all the time.
My 3 mantras for handling difficulties: Nothing is easy. One step at a time. One thing leads to another.
Joan
Thanks Joan. One thing leads to another is another thing I need to remember......
Thanks so much for commenting!
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