A little over a month ago, Lisa and I started planning a backyard anniversary party. Originally, the date was this coming Friday, July 28th. On that date, 5 years ago, Lisa and I got married. Unfortunately, yesterday, we had to move the party to the following day on Saturday because of Mother Nature. Okay. I can deal with that. We had a few people who have canceled, but in return, a few people who couldn't make it on Friday are now able to join us on Saturday.
It's all about balance, right?
Everything appeared to be on track despite having to reschedule. Then, this afternoon, another curveball was thrown at us.
Over the past few days, Lisa has been complaining of an itchy spot on her head. I checked the area several times. There was a bit of redness, but that was due to her scratching prior to the "Honey, can you check this spot on my head?"
The itchy spot concerned me. Last year, towards the end of August, Lisa complained of the same thing. Then she had a headache that lingered for a few days. After a trip to see her doctor, an examination, and a few tests, on September 1st of last year, Lisa was diagnosed with Lyme Disease.
This morning, Lisa woke up with a fierce headache. She rushed out of bed and prayed to the porcelain goddess. After drinking her coffee, taking some Motrin, and eating breakfast, her headache eased up a tiny bit.
Or, that's what she told me at least so I wouldn't worry.
Lisa called me during her lunch break. She informed me that she was leaving work early. She had called her doctor before lunch and booked an emergency appointment.
I was proud of her. Usually, I have to put my foot down and demand she see her doctor when something isn't right.
I sat on the edge of my seat waiting for the phone call after her doctor's appointment. Deep in my gut, I suspected Lyme Disease, but I was still partly seated in denial aisle.
Lisa's phone call confirmed what I had suspected.
For the second time in a year, Lisa is infected with Lyme Disease. And, again, she was bitten on the head...just an inch away from last year's bite.
Lisa is on Doxycycline and Prednisone.
I remember what Lisa went through last year while on Doxy and Prednisone. The side effects of Doxycycline are not pleasant. In addition to the stomach upset and frequent trips to the bathroom, it also makes you extremely sensitive to the sun and heat. They suggest staying out of the sun while on Doxycycline.
Prednisone has unpleasant side effects as well, but they differ greatly from the Doxy. Lisa has been on Prednisone 4 times in the past year and a half. Twice for the nasty cold virus that hit us both in January and March. Twice, including this time around, for Lyme Disease.
I hate Prednisone. It's a steroid. When Lisa takes this drug, she doesn't sleep well, she's very moody, and her appetite blows through the roof.
When Lisa is prescribed Prednisone, I inhale slowly. Exhale slowly. Repeat. I cringe and grind my teeth while muttering, "It's going to be a long week."
The moodiness is like PMS times 10. At times I want to look at her and scream, "Where is my wife and what did you do to her?" Top the moodiness off with not being able to sleep. It's hell.
I know it's not her fault. I feel guilty for getting frustrated occasionally when she snaps at me or is completely out of character.
I'm concerned about her getting infected with Lyme Disease again. I hate that she has to be on medications that cause her discomfort. I'm concerned about how she'll be at the backyard anniversary party we're having on Saturday. There is a lot of work to do. A lot of people will be here. She can't be in the sun or get overheated.
Thankfully, Lisa recognized the symptoms. She didn't wait until she had a headache for 3 days and me putting my foot down. She says the symptoms aren't as bad this time.
Lisa is taking tomorrow off from work. She already has Friday off as a vacation day. I'm going to puff out my chest and be adamant that she rests. Any work that needs to be done for the party can be done in intervals. We already have a couple of neighbor friends who have volunteered to assist with the stuff I'm not able to do.
Inhale.
Exhale.
We've got this.
On a side note, though, please, no more curveballs.
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