I am sitting at the computer and in some pain. Not as bad as the pain I
endured on Holy
Thursday night. For Catholics- Holy Thursday is the wonderful
commemoration of Jesus
instituting the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper. Protestants view the
Holy Eucharist
as symbols only of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Yes, sometimes it
is hard even
for me to believe that I actually receive the Body and Blood of Jesus
Christ in Holy
Communion, but I do.
After the liturgy, there is always a time set aside for adoration of the
Blessed Sacrament.
The current priest decided a procession carrying the Blessed Sacrament to
the school
auditorium would be nice. Even though this was the second year he did
this, it would
be the occasion for a serious fall by this senior citizen. No, I don't
blame him. I
stayed behind to make the Stations of the Cross, and when I went into the
auditorium,
the lights were dimmed and I mistook two steps down to the ground floor as
one and
went flying.
Thank God, most of the people were gone by then. Some lovely caring people
came
to my aid, and I was able to get up with their help. After catching my
breath, I made
it to a friend's car with the aid of a strong arm, and we on our way home.
It was a bad idea. I should have gone to the Emergency unit of a nearby
hospital.
I have never been good at making decisions in a crisis situation, and this
proved to be
yet another case of poor judgment, though how was I suppose to know the
ramifications
of it -- never before have anything like this happen to me?
Holy Thursday night was pure agony for me. As I had drunk at least 3 cups
of coffee
who everyone knows is a diuretic- getting up from the couch where I laid,
and then
with great effort and in pain getting to my feet, I finally hobbled to the
bathroom
with the aid of a broom. I assure you -it was pure hell for me. I would
not wish it on
anyone.
After a couple of days of pain, I connected with an internet friend who I
knew worked
in the field of medicine. He counseled me to go to the doctors and ask for
an
ultrasound. He was especially concerned re the pain in my right calf which
I mentioned.
He said it could result in a blood clot if the calf was especially tender.
Well, he was the needed impetus I needed. I called on Holy Saturday but
the office was
closed. Finally I made an appointment on Tuesday - the fifth day after my
mishap, and
thankfully, the Cleveland Clinic Satellite was close. A very dear caring
Muslim friend
took me there. The last time I was at the clinic was in 2005 -- a pretty
good record
considering one more year and I would have celebrated a 10- year freedom
from doctor
care. I ascribe this good health to my vegan lifestyle.
My primary doctor was not available and instead I got a wonderful Indian
woman doctor.
She was kind and compassionate. The long and short of it was that she
would make an
appointment for my foot and calf to be x-rayed. When I asked for a B-12
shot, she decided
that some blood work would help decide the need for it. Couldn't agree
more. My
blood work in 2005 had been good. I hope I will enjoy the same good
results again.
In the meantime, the very bad news which I was prepared for because I had
read it
on the internet was that my sprained ankle will take 4 weeks to heal. What
a bummer.
But thank God, my leg is not broken, and I can move around-albeit in some
pain still.
