Being sick can be a ‘pain in the rear’
Published 11:38 am Tuesday, June 20, 2017
- Jean Brody is a passionate animal lover and mother. She previously lived in Winchester, but now resides in Littleton, Colorado. Her column has appeared in the Sun for more than 25 years.
You know how long I was in the hospital and rehab? Well, during those six weeks I was either flat in bed or sitting in a chair.
Do you know what happens when you sit or lie for that long?
I came home with a “wound” on my rear end. That’s what happened when I didn’t move off my bum.
Now, when I use the word “wound” you wouldn’t think much of it. I mean, it’s about the size of a quarter I think, though I can’t really see it.
But baby, let me tell you, it hurts like fire every time I sit on it, and sitting on it can’t be avoided if you want to sit in a chair. It feels like I want to jump out of my skin.
Then, there is sleeping. I have to lie propped on my back with my head high in order to breath. Try avoiding lying on that “wound” in that position.
Finally, we bought a pillow. It is thick with a hole in the backside and that hole is where the “wound” is supposed to go. That is well and good but sometimes during the night I move, and the wound moves out of the hole.
There is a happy ending to this little true story.
The nurse comes three times a week and tells me it’s better every time. She said, “Just keep putting the thick cream on it every time you go to the bathroom.” Then she said I could stop this application as long as the “wound” continues to heal and not hurt. So I’m making progress caring for something I can’t see and barely reach.
Oh, and guess what? When I first came home, the doctor said I would be blessed if I healed anywhere close to where I was before getting sick.
Well, today, the nurse and the doctor said in another two weeks I’d be close to where I was. Working, exercising, all of this has surely paid off.
Don’t forget if you have to sit or lie on your back for long periods of time at least get a pillow with a hole in the back an try to walk.
A “wound” on your rear end is no fun, and nobody is willing to sympathize and say, “Sorry about your painful rear end.”
Jean Brody is a passionate animal lover and mother. She previously lived in Winchester, but now resides in Littleton, Colorado. Her column has appeared in the Sun for more than 25 years.