Two proud sisters! Their big brother got his driver’s license this week. And boy does this household need it!
The pain meds build up and cause constipation. So after being awake since 1am due to pain while on them, I’ve taken a bit of a break from most. Imperfect timing. Out of 6, I’ve only taken one this morning, and I can feel the difference.
I can’t fake bubbly today. So I asked him to go buy the salad that is meant to go with what I’m cooking, to buy my gluten-free non-bean protein, and I’ve given him the go ahead to take everyone out for a drive (Second time this week!!)
I can’t explain how privileged I am to have a car. This is Africa. I am Black. I think the last stats I saw said only 29% of Black women have licenses, and I know the one awesome sister I helped get a license doesn’t have a car. We’re hoping she’ll get a job that requires someone who can drive the company car- which is what quite a few jobs in her field put in their adverts. Car =privilege.
A son who can drive for me is a blessing.❤️ I can rest and ask him to run my errands. I can rest and he can take his siblings out. In summer I have visions of them going to the park.
But also, I have hope that by summer, my biologic will have started taking effect and we can all go.
Speaking of which, is there anyone out there who’s seeing a rheumatologist? Is it normal for your doctor to start you on a life altering drug with powerful side effects without seeing you and discussing it with you?
My gynae did that… I got a text, “Good day, you are menopausal. Come collect your script…” and it didn’t sit right with me. You can imagine how odd it feels when I’m now injecting myself! No discussion about potential side effects? About what to expect? About when I should start to feel relief? And what to do if I feel none by month three? No discussion about what is normal and doesn’t need me to contact the Enbrel nurse, or what I should ask her about..? No discussion at all? And no reply to my telling you that my pain is not at all under control? Not even a polite, “Girlfriend, this is the highest dose we can give you.” Or “Come in for a cortisone shot” or “Maybe you should ask your GP for steroid shots..” Just silence.
It’s unsettling.
So, I’ll focus on what I CAN control. I can control the amount of mothering I have to do today. Today, I can rest a bit more. Today, I can enjoy the fruits of our labour (I’m petrified of being driven by a learner but I did it once) and our money.
He passed his license this week. On a cool Sunday morning. I’m thankful.
They said I should write a book 