How far can we run until we finally get caught?
My ego was shaken with an onset of unexpected pain, swelling, and fear of something very wrong happening with my body. Obviously, I had not expected such symptoms to break my daily routine and make a stop to my invincibility. And all because of the tiny, little bastards called … “varicose veins”.
Want to hear my little story?
Nothing out of ordinary.
I am just an average guy that’s 42 years old. A father of three beautiful daughters and a faithful husband of my second wife. A police officer, a guy in uniform some may say. I have been very aware of my physique my whole adult life and pride myself on taking exceptional care of my body. Almost daily workouts intervened with biking and running.
I noticed some ropy veins on my left calf a few years ago and when they spread to my thigh admitting any issues with my legs’ appearance was the last thing I wanted to acknowledge. My thoughts were that I was too perfect for something that disgusting. Wearing long pants, not enjoying summer sun on a beach were just perfect remedies for my negligence. Who cares, I thought.
That was a day to remember. A soreness of my inner thigh just above my knee woke me up that morning. The site was quite tender to the touch and seemed to be very hot. Another pulled muscle – Damn it! Let’s just forget about the pain. Wow. It is NOT easy to concentrate on different tasks when pain becomes almost intolerable and starts to radiate to the groin and down to the foot. What about the increasing swelling? Hot fire. In agony already, sure to be on my last breath. Officially, losing my mind!
You should see a doctor – my wife calmly mentioned, not knowing at that time, that she saved my life.
What the heck is THROMBOPHLEBITIS? The diagnosis cut me off my knees. The doctor looked at me with empathy and one of the nurses lifted her eyebrows when I yelled – I refuse! all of this.
Soon I found out that my dilated and not working veins impeded my blood flow. Stagnant blood clotted causing inflammation and tremendous associated pain. The blood clot then extended through my veins. OMG. Scary. Blood thinner for a few months, compression, and pain medications worked miracles. Laser vein ablation later proved to be the cure to my veins and, needless to say, my stupidity.
Have I opened my eyes to the importance of self-care?
Why us? Human beings become smarter after some inadvertent and life-threatening event happens in our life. We consider ourselves to be shielded from any harm. In every aspect of our existence being an adored hero is like a goal to be attained. Admitting to a weakness seems to weaken us.
We will never be able to be heroes, loving fathers, trustworthy partners and truthful friends until we can admit to our vulnerabilities and imperfections. Our physical flaws are to be embraced. Helping others is most effective when supplied with our own strength and integrity.