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October 9, 2009

Lee Ward: 10/11/09 — Four rules to live by

Anonymous The Daily Independent Fri Oct 09, 2009, 10:07 AM EDT

For a long time before I was admitted to the hospital, I was sick with digestive problems.

I’m not afraid to go to the doctor, but I believe I’m afraid to admit I’m sick.

I’m afraid if I go to the doctor with a problem that I think is serious, the doctor will tell me it’s nothing that won’t go away on its own. That’s silly. Who wouldn’t want their doctor to tell them they’re fine?

In addition, I’ll have wasted time and money on a non-problem. Plus, I’ll be embarrassed. I’ll feel like a sissy who can’t deal with a little pain.

In fact, I know I can deal with pain, probably too well. I’ve passed four kidney stones in my life.

Also, I know if I am sick and have to take time off from work, I’ll fall behind, and to me, that is a nightmare. I like to stay ahead on my work in case there is an emergency.

A month or so ago, I did have to admit I was sick. I spent six nights hospitalized and another two or so weeks recuperating at home.

On my last day in the hospital, I realized I haven’t been taking good care of myself and I also realized what I needed to do to change that.

I wrote four things to remind myself what I need to do to recover and to be healthier in the fuutre.

1. Take all my medicine on schedule every day.

2. Eat three healthy meals a day.

3. Get moderate exercise as I feel able to do so.

4. Quit overdoing, even if it means saying no to people.

These four things already have proven more difficult than I expected.

1. As soon as I feel better, I start forgetting my medicine.

2. When I get back to work, especially when I’m trying to catch up or get ahead, it’s difficult for me to stop working and take a lunch break.

3. I hate exercise but so far, I haven’t had the energy or strength to do anything beyond what I have to do.

4. Shirking perceived responsibility isn’t in my nature.

I have already broken each of the rules at least once. Before I returned to work, I had missed a couple of doses of meds here and there. Once back at work, I almost immediately skipped a lunch or two. I have taken zero walks and several days, I’ve overdone it.

However, every time I violate one of these self-imposed rules, I try to get back on track as soon as possible.

Getting back on track is a manageable way of looking at it. The diet and 12-step programs tell you to take one day at a time, and that is good advice for any lifestyle changes. It’s unreasonable to expect humans to abruptly make a change and maintain it without fail. You can only do the best you can each day and try to do better the next day.

The most difficult rule for me to follow is saying no. I like to be active and have fun, but I’m trying to learn that sometimes taking a nap or vegging on the couch can be fun, too.

LEE WARD can be reached at lward@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2661.

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