Pete and

June 24, 2003

Hi Pete,

Sorry to hear you’ve been down and out. It’s

depressing, isn’t it? I haven’t had a central line, but I’m

sure the day will come. I have the same problem as you – cannulas last

one or two shots, then they’re out. I absolutely insist on certain people

inserting the lines these days. I now know who can and who can’t. Those

who can’t don’t get a look in. (It’s your body, and your

pain, you have a right to have things your own way)

I’ve had a rotten time these last couple of

weeks myself; I started with a minor chest infection, which went away with anti’s,

but now seems to be returning. To top it off, I’ve had ‘viral gastroenteritis’

for four days now. Finally it’s starting to clear up with medication. I’ve

lost quite a few kilos, so all is not lost!

, welcome to the group. The best I can advise you

is to find a good (and I mean good) specialist. Learn all you can about your

illness, know what should and shouldn’t happen, and get into a rehab

group. Last year I had five hospitalisations in five months. Then I started

rehab. With a really good specialist (I changed doctors in February), good

physio and lots of rehab, I’ve improved immensely. This year I’ve

had four days in hospital (touch wood!) and hopefully I’ll keep out for

good. Yeah, I know, wishful thinking!

If you can also find a good support group, that will

help as well. Mixing with other people with a similar problem makes you feel a

lot less isolated. I was in a state of depression until I found out there were

others in my situation, some a lot worse off than me, and they were coping. These

days, I’m secretary of the group, and I sure as hell cope!

Best of luck.

Cheryl

Also Writing as

Higgins-

Author and Freelance Journalist

ABN 97 864 868 214

write_cheryl@...

June 2003 “Bad Girl O’ The Month”

– Read my interview at Bad Girls Press: www.badgirlspress.com

Join my mailing list for " Writer to Writer "

- a monthly newsletter for fiction and non-fiction writers. Go to:

Recommended Posts