Rhonda

[Guest guest]

Dear Rhonda,

I hope you're feeling better. This horrid illness affects every

aspect of our lives. I know it had a lot to do with my marriage

crumbling about 5 years ago. My boys have seen me at my worst,

wondering if they were gonna lose their mom. I was in the hospital

about 2 weeks ago & my youngest son came in as I was having one of

those unrelentless heaving sessions. He just stood there for a few

minutes, asked if he should get someone, & all I could do was nod.

The look on his face was one I never want to see again. My temp

spiked above 103 th last 2 days. I've been trying to get hold of my

doc but he hasn't called back. I don't want to go back into the

hospital. Every time I end up there, a central line comes up in

conversation. I really don't want that again.

I can tell that things can get much better. From my own experience

is how I know. When I first moved back home I was pretty much bed

ridden. Now I live in my own apartment, instead of with my parents.

I had a few months where I had reduced my pain meds from 90mg a day

to 10. Then I got the stomach flu & it sent the pancreas into a

fury. I want you to know that it can get better. My prognosis

wasn't all that great, & my docs have been scratching their heads

this past year. I may be really sick again, but I know it can get

better. I just want you to know that it soesn't have to be this bad

all the time. It's hard to explain to family what you're feeling. I

tried with my ex but he just couldn't understand why I couldn't just

deal with it. Anyway, never give up, ok? I'm proof that it can get

better.

Hugs,

Deanna Tubb

New Mexico PAI Rep