Last week I had to deal with much pain and discomfort. Firstly, there was the problem of pain whenever I ate anything. After contacting the oncology nurse she recommended a visit to hospital to have a scan and x-ray.
However, when I got there and explained especially the challenge I was having with constipation she explained that it sounded like what I was experiencing is referred to as 'compacting'. I never really had constipation except when I was pregnant with my children and even then, it was no where near the pains I was getting. I think although it is such a personal and private aspect of anyone's experience, sharing this would help others who go through this understand what is happening to themselves. For approximately 5 days, I felt the urge to go to the toilet to pass motion however, what would happen is there would be some movement but this would somehow remain at the opening of the rectum and any form of exertion was painful. What I would basically find is a dry paste like substance and for this number of days it always felt as if I had not completed clearing my colon. In fact, there were times I would return to my bed feeling dissatisfied. The oncology nurse was very helpful to suggest an enema and after this was done I felt exhilarated and very relieved. I smile thinking about this because straight after I returned home hoping I would now be able to eat as normal. But this was not to be. The pains continued when I returned home and I was beginning to find my energy levels reduced dramatically.
So, on Friday morning we called the oncology nurse again and I made another trip to the hospital in the hope to relieve me of the pains I was experiencing whenever I ate. She ordered a scan for marking where the tap would be done. I was taken to the maternity scan room where my stomach was marked for tapping. Upon return to the ward the intern on duty came in and before long the fluids were drained out of the section of my stomach which had been giving me much pain. It has been four days since that tap and I thank God that I am able to eat and enjoy the company of the family during mealtimes.
I would also like to register another development. Yesterday, I conceded to the urging of Waisea and Tulagi to make the extra long road journey to the West following the PTEC choir. They had hired a van which they thought would be comfortable enough for the journey. They made one of the seats comfortable at the back of the van and asked me to go out and try lying on it to determine whether I would be comfortable enough on it. I did as I was asked and realised it wasn't all that bad after all. To top it all off Mafa agreed to join us on the trip and that meant several hours with Eli as well.
Although we did not make it on time to the Warwick Hotel we were able to get to Denarau, Nadi where the choir had its second performance. Tulagi and Wais joined the choir in Lautoka but I decided it would best to rest in Nadi and to travel back to Suva with them on the return journey. We arrived back at home close to 3am and I just praise God that the journey was pain free despite a few minor discomforts.
I thank God that trip was possible and thank God for a persistent husband and son who did not give up on getting me to make the trip. I feel so much refreshed after the day out.
