Roller Coaster-Induced Nausea...Way Better Than The Migraine-Induced Kind

Last weekend, I was all fired up to write a blog post…but then, my computer went kaput so that put a damper on things.  And aside: I know many of you think I married Scot for his keen wit, his loving sensitivity, his ability to express his emotions…but no.  The truth is out: I married him for his computer prowess.  Seriously, how do you people DO IT, those of you without a honey (or at least a close family member) to assess the severity of the problem, grab a kid (with the promise of a hot dog) and head down to Fry’s and buy a new computer then proceed to transfer all the data from one computer to the other?  Put one more item down on my gratitude list.

The reason I was fired up was because I had just come home from a 5-day vacation with the kids and Jen and her two kids and I rocked it. Raaaaaahhhhhked it.  We went to Silverwood Theme Park resort in Idaho – a 5 ½ hour drive away.  The last theme park I did was Disneyland in 2008 and back then, we rented an electric scooter for me so the long days weren’t bad – and we also had a ton of family present to provide back up if we needed it.

So being just the two moms and four kids was a little nerve-wracking: where would the daddy-voice be when we needed it?  What if all 4 kids wanted to do different things?   HOW WERE WE GOING TO GET TIME TOGETHER ON THE LAZY RIVER?

But a bigger deal for me was all the energy this was going to require of my 8-months out from transplant body.  Three full days at a theme park with no break (plus two long days in the car with "are we there yet?" erupting constantly)?  And one of those days on the water park side, with all the germs that reside in those kid-infested pools?  And what if one of my migraines hit?  I mean, Jen is one of the most awesome and capable people I know…but four kids on her own at an amusement park?  I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.

I am thrilled to report that we made it – not just alive but happy!  There was successful fighting off of the migraines (which only required a little extra sleep on my part, not too much of an inconvenience, other than Jen having to get the kids breakfast in them).  And it was almost a relief when the kids had tantrums and/or nausea after a ride – it meant that I would sit with them until they settled down.  Yea for problem children!

As far as other happenings, we have only a week and a half left of the kids’ summer vacation.  I’m really looking forward to establishing our back-to-school routines and already, with the beginning of soccer practices this month, it’s been notable how different things are for me this year.  I was a goalie for a bit at Jack’s practice tonight, something I never would have done in the past (unless goalie = immobile object).  And I've joined a taskforce for our school district, those monthly meetings also start in September. 

Interestingly, I've been asked to join the UW patient advisory board and I haven’t even answered them.  And while procrastination is my middle name, I think the reason I haven’t responded is something I’m only just figuring out: I don’t want to be affiliated with “sick Kim” anymore.  I was so good at being that person – I ran a support group, I spoke to groups in other states, I went to conferences, I counseled other patients with Pulmonary Hypertension.  I used my handicapped placard when needed, I tucked my IV pump into my pocket and went to special events, and I planned my entire days around meetings (and sometimes the days before and after).  I emailed, phone called and texted with fellow PH friends.  I loved being part of this community and giving my all to it and I see something health-related in my future.  But right now, I don’t want to be that person. I want to work on being “Kim” and see how she does in this wonderful world and with this bright future.

So now I move into 8+ months post-transplant.  I have a transplant clinic appointment next month – that will mark four months since I've seen the clinic doctors which is pretty cool. 

And I’m happy to report that not only did Jen and I get time together on the lazy river, we did so with a “Jamaica Me Crazy” rum-filled drink in hand.  Not too shabby.