A Virtual Church

My journey with healthcare

Yesterday

The story begins with a vertigo attack in 2015. I had wall-hugging dizziness. I did weeks with a vestibular physical therapist, which helped for a while as crystals were reset. I felt better for a while. But the dizziness never went away.

Over the next ten years, the dizziness remained, in fact it increased. A few years ago, a headache began over my right eye. I knew something was wrong.

An MRI brain scan in 2016 revealed a small lesion on my pituitary gland. My symptoms increased over the past 10 years to the point I could not walk without mobility assistance - wheel chair, walker, cane. My fatigue was undeniable. What was a little less noticeable were the small changes in cognition I called a “brain fog.”

I had trouble reading and interpreting the words I was reading out loud. Worship leadership became difficult. I could not move around the chancel and lead the Word and Table service and serve Holy Communion to the congregation I love.

I could feel my growing mobility struggles and sluggishness. I lost my joy and optimism. I did not want to go anywhere or do anything. My house began to drown with clutter. I was too immobile and mentally unable to deal with it, especially housework, yard work and tending my backyard flowers and pots.

My personality changed. I became less engaged, too tired to go play, which is my favorite thing, next to Jesus. The hostess in me, always the “hospitality queen” disappeared. My passion for fun and costuming was slipping. Even my Taylor–not–so-Swift Halloween costume this year was hard to pull off, despite the gold lame, tasseled dress and wig. It was a bust.

I know I am old, but I never thought I would lose my love of hosting, playing and fun. I never thought I would lose my joy. I was growing depressed and very sad. I had my first experience with a serious dizziness and vomiting. Landed in the hospital where blood work showed dangerously low-sodium levels.

I have competent doctors, good hospitals, and good health care, especially Medicare. I was in the hospital on July 4^th with the finding. I was pumped up with liquids and some salt drips. Felt a little better and was sent home

Symptoms persisted. In November, two days after I officiated my granddaughter’s wedding, the symptoms were noticeable. I came home dizzy and nauseated. Another MRI and some testing was conducted for my cortisol levels. I failed the cortisol test! My glandular system was not functioning. My pituitary system was not sending signals to my adrenal glands dispensing life-saving hormones. I was gradually losing my life with a glandular failure that could be addressed and fixed with drugs. Steroids were pumped into me. I responded in amazing ways. A weekend with IV drugs in the hospital, now pills at home have given me a miracle. This morning I walked down my hallway without any mobility aids. I have a whole new life.

I came home a whirling dervish, making Thanksgiving plans made and beginning a little Christmas decorating. I laid in the bed at night with the contents of my closet rolling through my brain, thinking about the shoes and boots I had not been able to walk in. I was putting together outfits. The second day, my hyperactivity made me a little tired, not sick tired, old tired.

I found out this morning that a clergy friend had a son, a high school senior on his school golf team, who found a golf ball sized growth on his chest. Because he has good health care, he is having a biopsy to see if this in benign or lymphoma.

Affordable health care insurance, has assured we have good care.

Health care is part of the American social compact. When politicians bicker over affordable healthcare for all, when healthcare is the first thing on the budget cut list, it demonstrates a failure of government, of moral conscience, and brotherly love.

Health Care, including Medicare and Medicaid, should be underwritten with joy and the satisfaction that all humanity is worthy of good healthcare. Shame on us if we let this failure of funding define us as a heartless people.

Lib Campbell is a retired Methodist pastor, retreat leader, columnist and host of the blogsite www.avirtualchurch.com. She can be contacted at libcam05@gmail.com 

 

 

 

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