Today is a Sunday; the start of a new week. But is also the first day of a transformative chapter in my life. A fresh start born from overcoming a significant challenge. Just over a month ago, I encountered a medical crisis that has shifted my perspective drastically. A minor, lingering health issue suddenly escalated, and in the process of dealing with it, I have taken on a new perspective on life.
For years, I have been quietly dealing with a medical issue. I will spare the details, as they are a bit embarrassing and not really relevant. But to put it plainly, it was a small scale but painful, ongoing concern. And I have been avoiding dealing with this problem. I was deterred by the fear of invasive treatments and the hope for natural improvement. It was manageable and had become a can that was easy to kick. But recently, things began to deteriorate. And in late April – on a Wednesday – it exploded. A wound opened and the pain was… exponential. Constant and severe.
It was bad enough that I could not function. I could not sleep, nor focus. It was everything I could do to try and hide my suffering from my daughter. A quick consultation with a specialist suggested therapeutics might help, but the situation actually became worse. At one point, I passed out from the pain. It was very, very bad. And the specialist quickly ordered outpatient surgery. We scheduled this for the following Friday afternoon. Just over two weeks ago.
The concept of the procedure caused additional anxiety. I have an irrational fear of doctors and medical treatments. And the process and subsequent recovery were nearly as harrowing as the condition itself. For two weeks, I continued to deal with on again, off again extreme pain. Tempered by mind numbing pain meds. It was a full two weeks of discomfort, confusion and depression. Ultimately, I spent three and a half weeks away from work, marooned in discomfort and self-reflection. It was a period marked by emotional isolation and a well-deserved pity party.
However, the clouds began to clear last week. Recovery progressed, and each day brought noticeable improvements. Tomorrow, I return to work, stepping back into the rhythm of everyday life. I am sure I will stumble a bit – both physically and figuratively. But I am moving forward, and that is what counts. And I do so with the realization that this lingering issue – that had come to dominate far too much of my life – is largely behind me. That the source of all this wasted energy has literally been cut out. Now, on the other side of this ordeal, I find myself liberated, ready to reallocate my energies towards more meaningful pursuits. And it is extremely motivating.
Today, I stand at the threshold of what I consider the next phase of my existence. It’s a Sunday, and I’ve declared it the inaugural day of my renewed journey. I can walk with minimal discomfort, engage in daily activities, and prepare for a productive day at work. I’m back on the treadmill. My diet has improved, and I’ve scheduled consultations to address other health concerns I have neglected. With a firm resolve to improve my life – to lose weight, “get healthy” and enhance my overall well-being. AND to be a better person. A better father, husband, and employee. This is literally a new start.
A wise man once said if you are moving, you are alive. Well, I am moving better than I have in years, and the path ahead only gets brighter. This is not just a recovery; it’s a rebirth into a life where I can fully engage with what truly matters. Here’s to moving forward, undeterred and uplifted.
