The unexpected...

Our return from Jamaica has meant some adjusting, because apparently that, "no worries, mon" lifestyle is a bit harder when you get back into the swing of the real world.  Teaching is back in full force, and Bella is more of a 2.5 year old than she has ever been before! But we are thankful for our time of relaxation, and thankful for the life we have to return to too.

Things started to get a little strange though the week we got back when I started to have some minor bach pain.  After a week, of that, which I swore must have been from lifting my 32 pound child a bit too much, my knees, began to ache.  Only a few days after that were my hands, and wrists.  Then my ankles…  And finally, my neck!  I could barely close my hands to turn a bottle cap, nor could I turn my head to look at a student or Bella if I wanted to.  Strangest thing ever!

Well, my first stop was immediate care during the middle of my workday when coworkers were concerned about my ailments.  This resulted in three blood work tests for rheumatoid arthritis, lyme disease, and my cedrate (inflamation) levels.  After 5 days of waiting and oral steroids, the results were in, and I tested negative for every single thing!  Thank the Lord!  However, my pain was still there.  So I made a trip to a new doctor, since I hadn't been to my primary care in over 2 years!

According to his assessment and review of my blood work and notes from the immediate care physician, he believed firmly that I had a virus.  A virus that cause your muscles and joints to ache.  Since I had been exposed to such a virus, 5th disease, at my own elementary school no doubt, it has been assumed that is what I have.  Considering at least 3-4 kids in every classroom have come down with it, it only makes sense.  Now a child can have this virus and go undetected minus the minor rash they break out with at the end.  Adults apparently result in severe joint and muscle paint that can take weeks to recover from.  Lovely!

So now, I am 2+ weeks of steroids and muscle relaxers as needed.  I am definitely relaxed now, thanks to my meds, but I am also a bit antsy as I have so many things that I WANT to do--cleaning the house being one of many--that I just can't get around to doing.  I am on strict orders to rest, and I find that even being impossible at times--even though I know how much I need it.  Good thing I have a hubby that puts me in my place when I need to hear it the most. =)  If any thing, this experience has given me a lot of insight into what people who deal with daily pain must go through, day in, and day out--my mom being one of them.  I am amazed by the strength she has to get herself up and go everyday, but I am also more accepting and understanding as to what she struggles with each night as she goes to sleep, or each time she forces herself to lie down and rest, even when that is the very last thing she wants to do.

But now that I have had my dose of persepctive, I am praying that it is just that.  A dose.  I dont think I am ready to deal with these struggles everyday, and I pray that at the end of these medicines, while I will be very enlightened, I will be back to my normal 30 year old, physical self.