I think it's a shame that doctors no longer prescribe a rest cure. I think medically sanctioned time away from work, family, and overcommitments is what so many of us need. Stress contributes to and outright causes so many health problems. The benefits of a week to do whatever relaxes you without worrying about backlash from your boss or loved ones. Doctor's orders!
But that would addressing the root problem instead of just throwing meds at symptoms (diseases) as they arise.
But lo!, there is still a rest cure. Sort of. Bowel rest. It's several days without food or beverage. It's all in a bag, an IV bag.
Which sounds, at least to me, like the latest rejuvenation diet from a celeb quack. But, no, I'm getting this bowel rest in a normal local hospital.
It's really a rest cure for my pancreas. After we last spoke, I ended up back in the ER. I'm going to say Thursday afternoon, but really I have no idea. The man-made construct of time is meaningless.
Anyway. Redid blood and urine tests. Things which had been in normal range Tuesday (?) night were insanely high just under 24 hours later. For example, something which has an upper limit of 250 for normal, mine was 150 on Tuesday and 1100 on Thursday. I don't remember what the thing was exactly, probably starts with "L" and is maybe a liver enzyme. It's definitely an indicator of pancreas and gall bladder shenanigans.
Thus the IV-only diet. My pancreas doesn't have to produce digestive enzymes and basically just clock out for a bit. The rest of me spent about 7 really cold, uncomfortable hours in the ER, peed in a cup, and has pin cushion arms from blood work and the ever-present IV.
I want to be annoyed with my pancreas. I want to roll my eyes and be sardonic at it. But I get it. We all need a break from reality every now and then.
So just chillax, pancreas. Get well soon.
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