Lessons from a Staph Infection

In an effort to have this whole ordeal over, I thought I would put down the lessons I have learned from going through this for the last five weeks.
For everyone who didnt know I have had a nasty staph infection for over a month now and it is still not completely healed. I have to say I am sick, sick, sick of the whole thing. This has been by far one of the worst things I have gone through in my life so far, but these are the lessons I have learned....
1. I will never take my body or my health for granted again. I would give anything to be able to go workout or just stand for longer than a couple of minutes without being in pain.
2. Chronic pain really sucks! For anyone who has to deal with this without any solutions other than taking pain meds, I am completely sorry for you. Being in pain changes who you are, you become very irritable from the pain and from the lack of utter control you have in your life.
3. Being able to take care of my kids and home isn't the worst thing in the world...at this point I would settle for a lifetime of house cleaning if I could do it without hurting and needing to lay down every couple of minutes.
4. It is okay to let people help....this is a big one for me. I have had so many kind people bring over dinner, call and check on me, offer advice, take over some of my church responsibilites, etc., etc.
5. Doctors don't always know everything...in fact it is pretty much a guessing game for them. The verdict is still out on this one, if this finally heals then he will be my biggest hero, if it doesn't then I will kick myself for not going somewhere else from the beginning. In the end, you are your best advocate, I have probably driven my doc crazy but I need this thing done with and quick.

My mom always taught me to look for the gifts in any trial...so I am going to list those as well.
1. I have had time to read more books in the last month then probably in the last five years, I have learned about Henry VIII and his wives, Queen Katherine, and Lincoln.
2. I have not spent any money on frivoulous items, my bank account has gained much from this experience.
3. I have gotten closer to the people in our ward.
4. I think I have caught up on my sleep for the next five years.
5. I have gotten to see how much people do care for me including my husband, who has changed bandages, applied ointment, accompanied me to the doctor when it wasn't always convenient, gone for treat and Diet Coke runs, cooked dinner, taken care of the kids, taken over carpool, picked up prescriptions, and called every doctor he knows to try to find a solution. This may be the best blessing of all.

There you have it I have learned much and been blessed much so now I can be done with this....RIGHT?