My Two-Week Experience With Healthcare
Where do I begin? I'm not sure where to start, but here goes.
Other health concerns
As you all may know, we've just recently emigrated to the UK. Before leaving South Africa, my pulmonologist was concerned about my weight loss. Cancer was at the top of my list.
I swept it under the rug and plowed on with our plans to move. I felt fine and didn't see the need to meddle with my health.
The consequence of my actions
Well, these past few weeks have been an eye-opener, to say the least. I saw our local doctor who was so lovely. She then referred me to the x-ray department at the local hospital. After the x-ray experience, I was then referred to the radiology department. On both occasions, the medical staff was absolutely wonderful.
After all of this, I had to sit and wait for the results. That meant a whole weekend would have to go by. I kept really positive and tried not to think about the outcome. I can tell you it was the longest and toughest weekend I've had in a long time.
The phone call
I waited patiently until my mum-in-law couldn't wait anymore. I was stressing out so badly that I was making myself ill. Just before phoning to get the results, a sweet young lady named Tiffany from the radiology department phoned me. I was so nervous my hands were shaking, so I asked my mum-in-law to take the call for me.
I watched her face and her reactions for any telltale signs of panic. There weren't any. All of a sudden she jumped up and shouted: "Oh that's just the best news ever!" That was all it took for me to realize that I could start living again. For the past year or so, I put everything in the back of my mind - too scared to confront the issue.
Living again
When I woke up today, I had a new lease on life. I started searching for brand new furniture for our new home, which we're still looking for. Becky started school this week and things are looking up around our house for a change. Onwards and upwards are the keywords in my vocabulary.
I learned that the mind can play tricks on you. It can make you think about all sorts of crazy things. Only you can help yourself with your health issues. Don't be afraid to confront your fear. You may find that you are stronger than you think you are.
Leaning on friends and family is also an important lesson in humility. Let them know how much they mean to you. I've found so much strength from the people around me and I think it's what's kept me going.
Listen to your body when it's telling you there's something wrong. Don't take your health for granted.
Editor's Note: We are heartbroken to share that Liana passed away in November of 2021. She is deeply missed but her encouragement and positivity live on through her articles. Thank you for everything, Liana.
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