We haven’t talked about physical pain before. We’ve certainly addressed the issues of a broken heart and a tested soul in previous posts. But right now it is physical pain I want to talk about because that’s what I’m dealing with and they say we’re supposed to write about what we know, right? And physical pain is what I know these days. In fact I want to advise each and every one of you who had chicken pox as a child to run out, I mean make a mad dash right now to your nearest health care provider, and get the vaccination for shingles, because I don’t want any of you to have to deal with this.
I have considered creating an alter ego for High Road Artist, a sort of “High Road Artist Exposed—the Dark Side,” an outlet where I can whine and NOT find the silver lining. And, while the thought made me laugh, I rather like the idea because this really has been hard. Nothing, not even Vicodin, seems to touch the pain and some days I do just want to scream.
So Kim (see previous post A Very Mini Artist’s Colony) has been chauffeuring me around to do errands and the other day he decided to take me on a side trip after we were done. During this stunning fall season we’re having, he took me on a road he knew about that went right along the Rio Grande River and through a great stand of cottonwood trees. What glory! What beauty!
I love cottonwoods. Did you know the pioneers sought them out because they were a marker for water, always growing along a stream or a spring? And in addition to that, during the hot summer, their taproots sunk deep into the earth, they aerated water up through their crowns, creating a sort of natural air conditioning for the settlements that took root beneath them.
So I am still in significant pain and, truth be told, I can’t wait to be well again. But in the midst of it all, yes, you guessed it, there IS in fact a silver lining. Because I am blessed with friends who care, who go out of their way for me. I haven’t worked a day at the gallery in a couple of months. Anna and Craig are taking my shifts. And while I still hurt, I do so knowing that my friends are there; they are constant. They offer me love and laughter and beauty. And even if they can’t make the pain go away for real, they can help me hold it at bay until one day, very soon, I will finally wake up and be well again. And we will all celebrate that.
Love to you all,
Jeane
Jeane, I am so sorry you have to suffer through shingles. I am so lucky that my HMO offers the shots, if we ask. I did and have had my shot. In fact, I was almost part of a study about lowering the age from 50 to 60 as the age to get the injection. I say almost because after learning about the misery shingles causes, I was unable to commit to the study time table. I understand that location of the outbreak can make a huge difference in the pain level. My uncle’s outbreak was on his eyes. Horrible. Maybe if you share more of your experience, you will inspire others to hurry and get the shot. For most, the injection is very expensive. I have wondered if the shot helps once you’ve suffered an outbreak. So, since the “dark side” is exposed, please share more, if it isn’t too painful. Becoming more stress-free is suggested, right? Can you do that? Geez, old friend, I wish there was something I could do for you, kiddo. Thanks again for taking such good care of her, Kim Moss.
Well, I can say I’m very grateful that mine is not on my face, but covers a large portion of one side of my back and wraps around the front to the center of my body. What some people don’t understand is that it is a virus that attacks your nerve endings so this is neurological pain that shoots out into your body. The pain specialist I saw this week said it is the worst pain known to man. I can’t speak to that but I have to say he may be right. I do encourage everyone who can to get the shot. Thanks for your care and concern dear. You are always there for me. Bless you.
Let me say, now that I’m back after an interruption that I am so glad you didn’t become part of the shingles study if it had anything to do with you being subjected to shingles. I do think our country’s healthcare system is out of whack when many people can’t afford to get this very important inoculation. Yes, getting the shot AFTER shingles has been totally healed (which can take many months) is recommended.
Jeane, you have so much compassion coming to you from near and far during this period of extreme suffering, which will hopefully end–for good–very soon.
I just found out something important that people should know and is related to something Joy said. The age for coverage for the shingles vaccine (which otherwise costs $175 out of pocket) is about to change! The age is currently 50, but as of January 15th it will change to 60. So for people who have health care coverage and are between ages 50 and 60, like me, they only have until January to get the vaccine and be covered for the cost. So the timeliness of your post couldn’t be more on target. Thank you!
I am deeply grateful for all the compassion coming to me, not the least of which from you and Mike. So sorry I haven’t been in touch. Am just treading water still.
That is stunning news about the age change! Thank you for sharing that. All the MORE reason for each and every one of you who has health care coverage and is between the ages of 50 and 60 to go right out and get the shot if you possibly can. Tell all your loved ones too.
I am so sorry, Jeane. Thanks for your advice. I wish that you recover soon. Your friends are kind and loving, just like you. Hugs.
Thank you Laura. Like all things good and bad, this will pass. And there will be lessons in it and there are already some bright spots.
I am so sorry to know that shingles is so painful. Yes, Jeane, this too will pass. Take care.
Thanks Laura.