WHAT BEING SICK REALLY TAUGHT ME; MY MONO LESSON

Mono.  And I do not mean some fancy way to say “one”.  I mean the dreaded mononucleosis- the kissing disease- the soul-sucking virus that ruins lives and squashes dreams. The sickness that camps out and makes itself at home for a hellava long stay! Yup!  This little organism was around aplenty this past summer and I am so ready for it to be vacated! Bah-bye and please never come back!

Yes.  I got mono.  I’m not the average mono-getting person either- I’m a bit out of the age range but it can actually infect anyone. I started several weeks ago and I’m still not well. And man this thing is really cramping my style. So what to do?  Well, friends read on for how I handled the devil disease.

Let me start by saying- there are way more dreaded and horrible illnesses and issues.  I’m holding a pity party and swear I am getting over it and I’m not even pretending for a second that I have it the worst out there.  However, I just want to wail “wahhhhh” for about 20 min and throw a tantrum. After you got over the hideous fever, sore throat, enlarged spleen and liver; you are left with a level of exhaustion that you only thought possible, hmmm, let’s say first trimester of pregnancy or after running 45 marathons. In the same day- in 102 degree weather.

Step One- Accept that you’re sick

Man, I’m just getting there.  I had to realize- You are not superwoman.  You cannot always handle everything.  It’s ok to rest and ok to accept you need help.  I went down kicking and screaming. Literally, I think I screamed a little bit.  I could barely drag my pale, infected mono self out of bed and even a flight of stairs had me groaning.  Luckily, I have the support system that rivals the trio of Spanks, a Wonder Bra and duct tape. If you’re family/friend/coworker and are reading this,  please insert your name here____ because I’m thinking and thanking you!

Step Two- You have to take a time out

Resting is more than just spending time in bed.  Believe me, when I dream of alone time- my bed comes-a-callin’ along with books, books and probably some licorice. But, when forced to rest- you guys- it’s really hard. And that’s just the physical part; you also have to shut your brain down. Urgh…here are some sleep tips in case you cannot do this or, like me have trouble doing so. This is the hardest part because, like everyone else, I have a home, a family, a job and some semblance of a social life. I had to cancel it all and not feel badly about that.  Everyone understood- it was me that had to get on the wagon.

Step Three- It’s OK not to be OK

The worst part of this is admitting that I’m still not OK.  No one wants to hear- Umm, no I’m not better yet but thanks for asking.  It goes against our culture.  Sick sometimes feels like it equals weak…and I don’t just mean physically non-strong. But I’m not OK. And that’s OK.  I can admit that I need help, I need time and I need some leeway. My body is rebelling and telling me something.  It’s telling me- stop.  Stop and get better. Stop and rest; stop and take care of you. Stop and even though you are- life will be OK.  Man, it’s hard.  But, hopefully, it is going to be OK.