Life is all about perspective.
- Melissa Buras
- Jun 5, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 27, 2024
After returning home on Tuesday after gallbladder surgery, attempting to resume normal life after a few days of recovery, I passed out, like out out, 36 hours after coming home. Thursday morning Mark intended to return to work. 10 minutes before he was supposed to leave, I woke up, walked to the bathroom, did my business, attempted to walk to the living room, but then collapsed on the floor in the bathroom. I knew I was about to pass out, so I yelled for Mark. He did everything he was supposed to do. Attempted to get me to the bed, but I passed out a second time. A call to the after-hours nurse suggested I go to the ER. Long story short, after arriving to the ER by ambulance and being admitted to the hospital that evening, they determine the cause of fainting was due to combining 2 medications, despite the fact that the doctors said to resume medications as normal (1 for pain after surgery and the other for chronic low back pain I’ve had for a long time).
After being back home and reflecting on all this, I did some research on these 2 medicines, where it says the most common side effect is loss of consciousness and even death. Not one doctor mentioned the risk of these medications. Not one. I’ve been under the care of SEVERAL doctors for over a year because of gallbladder issues.
I’m not saying all medicine is bad or that it isn’t necessary. But I am saying that not all doctors do their job of informing the patient of potential risks in certain medications or the risk of combining medications. We have to be an advocate for our own health. We have to ask questions. We have to do our own research before we attempt to just trust what the doctor recommends. Had this happened 10 minutes later that morning, this story could’ve been VERY different.
Here’s the point. And this goes against what most of the world tells us. Just because your new year had a rough start doesn’t mean your whole year will be rough. Life is all about perspective. When you’re in the thick of a tough situation, the best medicine is to surround with people who will uplift you, support you, encourage you, and remind you of the truth of God’s character. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
God is always teaching us. Don’t miss the lesson He intended you to learn from EVERY experience, good and bad.
Very insightful Melissa. We tend to think that “things” happen to other people, until we’re faced with own life fears. It’s a natural coping mechanism, even a healthy perspective regarding our real vulnerability.
First of all, thank God you are doing better, and you’re right about the need to take personal responsibility for our health and wellbeing. It often seems each visit to a physician brings yet another prescription … for every ailment there is a pill. After all, consider the relentless pharmaceutical commercials on T.V. and our other devices.
It’s great that you researched the medications which were prescribed for you. When I also attempt to educate myself on my prescriptions, I’m often concerned about the potential side-effects only.…
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
My favorite part!
I very interested to where this will take me. I’m ready for the challenge.