Hell Week (Revisited)
I can’t begin to describe the hell I’ve endured this past week. I’m sure by now my professors think I’m making up stories, but nope, this really is my life!
Before Carl (our cat who was ill with Feline AIDS) died last week, he tripped me at the stove as I was carrying a skillet full of boiling water. Rather than step on Carl, I took the hit- straight to the stomach. 
It’s doing better now, and I explained to my professors that I have a severe burn on my belly and need a few days to get myself together. But that’s the good part!
Then my dog, Chance, bit my right ring finger when my son and his girlfriend were over (he was momentarily confused) and when I went to pick him up and move him, he snapped on my finger:
I should have gone to the ER but I don’t like needles, so I chose to care for it at home. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that I was a top med student at one time, so I’m right up there with a home nurse. (Sort of.) I understood going in, that there are two major infections to watch out for with a cat or dog bite: staph infection and then there’s the reeeeeally bad one- Pasteurella. People have died from that crap!
I took my chances. Already, my immune system is very tough: I take probiotics daily and a vast array of herbal supplements and have for years. I know that the first 24-48 hours is the most crucial time to watch out for signs or symptoms of a systemic infection. By the second day, I was already experiencing mild delirium, nausea, tremors, chills, night sweats, and a headache. For me, the headache bothered me the most, because I have a history of migraines. If I didn’t knock that headache out fast, it could grow into a migraine. Which is exactly what happened. And then came the vomiting. I couldn’t eat or drink anything for two days.
This went on for a few more days and I finally fell into deep sleep, after my Mom brought over some Phenergan and was able to knock me out, mercifully. I wrote my professors explaining the situation (the severe burn my cat gave me and the bite my dog gave me) and realized how ridiculous it all sounded, so I sent pics too.
Yesterday was the first day I was able to actually get out of bed; I’ve spent the past two days catching up on schoolwork- 7 assignments and a massive Abnormal Psychology exam, but, I’m caught up again. I can only type with two fingers still, but at least I’m back at work and in the land of the living!
m o n o c h r o m e j u n k i e † 
Oh B!!! That is a hell of a burn! what are you putting on it?? gosh! Hurts to look at. and oh your finger!! those are major injuries. Well I am certainly glad you are on the mend and I will add some prayer. If had a student like you, I would not question the veracity of your statements. You are one of the finest and most motivated students I have known. on another note . . . Happy Valentines Day!! I posted a silly song on my journal that will make you smile and probably even tap yur foot. Love to you my dear friend!! xxx
February 14, 2014 at 2:32 pm
I’ll be sure to check that out- I love your videos. :0) And yes, Happy Valentine’s Day! Things are definitely looking up. What a crazy week! I’m feeling amazingly alive. :0)
February 14, 2014 at 8:18 pm
Glad you are on the mend. The coming week can only get better…
February 14, 2014 at 3:35 pm
That’s what I’m thinking too..heheh…thanks. ;0)
February 14, 2014 at 8:16 pm
Ow! Hope your recovery continues.
February 14, 2014 at 3:51 pm
Thanks, MM. I’m feeling so much better already. Nothing like a near death experience to make you feel super alive…heheh.
February 14, 2014 at 8:16 pm
Oh my, this looks and sounds nasty! I hope you recover fully fast and ace the test!
February 14, 2014 at 5:02 pm
Thanks, O. :0) She still hasn’t graded the test but I feel pretty good about it. And yeah, I’m feeling better already. I’m on the mend. Thanks again!
February 14, 2014 at 8:15 pm
I am sorry you have had such a hard week! Hopefully you were just getting all your bad luck for the year out in one week.
February 14, 2014 at 6:28 pm
Exactly! Let’s hope so, eh?
February 14, 2014 at 8:14 pm
Holy Crap!
That’s just an awful lot to go through. I really hope you get better, both finger and burn. They look painful. Is there anyone taking care of you?Boy, you really are the independent woman who takes on the world without letting even major problems as these get in your way.
You have my respect, prayers, gooey love and support.
🙂
xoxo
February 15, 2014 at 8:35 am
Yeah, good ole Mom came over and nurtured me back to health. :0) I went through the worst of it alone though. Nothing like barfing while delirious and alone in your bed, eh? Good times! Good times. 🙂
February 16, 2014 at 10:44 am
You poor thing! Well very glad to hear you are recuperating and back to work. Even with the bum finger. Strong, persevering woman! Yeah and I bet those professors cocked a brow at your letter. : )
February 15, 2014 at 9:37 am
I bet they did too…heheh. If I had a student that fed me some serious sounding BS like this, I’d have raised an eyebrow too. Thanks for stopping in, Jen. I appreciate you. x
February 16, 2014 at 10:45 am
Oh my gosh!! That looks so painful! The things you have gone through, and come out with flying colors AMAZES me!! Miss you!!
February 15, 2014 at 11:13 am
I’m much better now. :0) The finger has a scab over it so all is well. Doing the dishes is…interesting though- what with the one hand and all…heheh.
February 16, 2014 at 10:47 am
I made a reply to this post earlier, but not sure if it came up as from me, so thought I’d make sure. I hope you are feeling better. As usual, you inspire and amaze me!! 🙂
February 15, 2014 at 11:15 am
Aww…thanks for that, Amy. :0) That goes both ways. I’m ALWAYS inpsired by your gusto and ability to hop right back into the ring (of life), and you do it with class, grace, and humour- more than anybody I know. Love you! xo
February 16, 2014 at 10:49 am
Oh my gosh, that burn! and that gash! I am wincing so hard over here right now. That is awful and I hope you start to heal up okay… Is the cut looking to be infected? You better get to a doctor if so. Please!
February 15, 2014 at 7:36 pm
Nah..,y finger actually has a scab over it now. The worst is over. :0) Thanks!
February 16, 2014 at 10:54 am
Those are terrible wounds. Hope all is well now. Will pray for both the wounds and the test. Funny I was studying psychopathology last year until I became the patient 😀
February 16, 2014 at 4:00 am
Yeah, things are much better now, thanks, Nit. Like the new profile pic! And yeah, that’s happened to me too. Usually, people who study psychology (etc.) will either become a better student or become a little bit crazier- one of the two…heheh. Seriously though, I think it gives us more insight in the long run than if someone is merely “book smart”. Ther’re more layers to you if you’ve actually experienced a psychological breakdown on any level: I think it increases our compassion for others too who have. Are you still studying it? If not, I encourage you to entertain the idea of returning to it.
February 16, 2014 at 10:58 am
Thanks! You’re right. It does give us a lot of insight and will make us better psychologists. I’m not studying right now but I have given returning serious thought. In the end it depends on how stable my condition is. Will definitely consider it even more when I’m better.
February 16, 2014 at 12:51 pm
oh my…..there hasnt been much NOT happening to you, babe! an dthat burn on ur stomach…thats bad…hope it doesnt leave a mark on you…that wud be even worse.
gud to hear ur on the mend…ur pretty clued up on mediacl stuff anyways, but i always use an old african cure for cuts, as well as aches and pains….for cuts, get some turmeric powder, mix with a little oil, any oil, and apply directly to the wound..bandage if necessary…turmeric is an anti-biotic and also relieves joint pains etc..take care, babe!
February 18, 2014 at 11:53 am
It’s actually doing really well! I don’t care if it leaves a scar: I don’t “do” bathing suits or beaches for that matter- I’m far too private- and since I don’t have a man, I don’t care if it leaves a scar, really. (But I don’t think it will.) I’m glad it’s over and that there was no infection. Thanks for your support, always. ;0) x
February 19, 2014 at 3:31 pm
well..ur one helluva lady, thats for damn sure! the way u just write the things off…man o man…that takes real guts…i defo cudnt do that.i’ll admit that rite now…LOL! glad to give u my shoulder to lean on..its always there for you…
jak
February 19, 2014 at 3:35 pm
Aww, thanks, Jak. ;0)
February 19, 2014 at 3:37 pm
anytime, babe….i kno wat u been thru…kudos!
wher are u at by the way? you know im in vancouver BC…
February 19, 2014 at 3:44 pm
Yep, I know- you’ve told me. :0) I’m in the U.S.; I don’t travel much, but hopefully that’ll change after receiving my BA in Sociology (years from now). College first! (Everything else is on hold.)
February 19, 2014 at 4:23 pm
gud for u! i kno ur gonna do real well…!
February 19, 2014 at 6:42 pm