The freedom of limitations. This week my dad had to have a medical procedure in Winston Salem, NC. The best-case scenario was that we would be there and back within a day. They always tack on the end of the phone message to “pack an overnight bag as you may have to stay a night.” I had known about this event for a week and cancelled my clients for that day prepared to cancel more clients the next day if I needed to. Being the planner, I am, I packed an extra day of supplies including clothes, medication and an iPad since waiting is always synonymous with a hospital.
My dad got the primary procedure done and they prescribed him a medication where platelets do not stick together. However, this caused some bleeding alarming doctors so my dad was looking at an extra night or more. I had packed and used a day’s supply meaning I did not have medication for an extra day.
Again, being quite the efficient planner, I called a Walgreens that was across the street from the hospital and asked if it was possible to get a day’s supply of medication. “Sure,” they said. “We can give you medications that you have a refill for.” “It should not take more than an hour.” Thinking I had this solved, I made plans to stay an extra day.
Several hours went by. I usually get an email from Walgreens saying a prescription is ready and that did not happen, so I called them. They said, “We are waiting on approval from several of your doctors which can be anywhere from 24 to 72 hours.” Knowing I did not have that time, I thought through if I could feasibly stay an extra day and then driving an hour and a half back To Charlotte, NC.
I could bare a bad night’s sleep but one of my medications is a steroid. If I am even an hour late taking this medication, I get a bad headache. Thinking realistically, I know I could not stay another day without this medication. My dad happens to have a twin brother who completely understood my predicament and he agreed to drive up to Winston Salem to get my dad.
Yes, it did work out, but I felt defeated, like I was leaving one of my own on the battlefield. At the same time, I knew I could not risk having to go a day without not this one, but the majority of the medications I take to function. That evening I drove back to Charlotte, feeling guilty, but at the same time knowing I made the right choice.
Fortunately, I had a “Plan B.” My uncle was able to come and pick up my dad the next day. It all worked out. The freedom came knowing that if I missed a dose of a particular medication the next day it would have caused some unpleasant symptoms such as a headache and dizziness. Two things I do not want when I know I have to drive a long distance.
The pastor at my church once did a sermon on knowing our limits. The example he gave was when he was sick, he felt all the freedom in the world to say “no” to the countless demands of his job. What do you think about taking the time and resources to take care of yourself even if it means not being there for someone you love?
If you are looking for a therapist near you and a Google search is a great way of finding one. I happen to be a therapist in Charlotte, NC but am licensed to counsel anyone in the state of North Carolina. In Google, try looking for “psychotherapist,” “find therapist,” “therapy near me,” or even “counseling charlotte, nc.” If you feel like you have hit a wall you are not able to get past, call me at (704) 458-6298 or email me at jeffhelms@clearerthoughtspllc.com.
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