Modern Medicine

If it weren't for modern medicine, I'd be in really bad shape. I guess a lot of us can say that. Today I am recovering from my fifth bout of mastitis (first time with Zeke, but I've had it a bunch with the other boys).

In case you've never had it (you probably haven't), it's a nursing mom infection and it results in soreness, fever, chills, aches, headaches, weakness. Fun! Luckily I know to go right to the doctor where I get a shot and some antibiotic pills, and I'm usually okay within a day or so. And even more luckily, my wonderful in-laws came and watched my children for several hours today (and drove me to the doctor) because Bruce couldn't get away from work. Thank you thank you thank you!

So I'm glad I didn't end up with a large abscess and a two-week hospital stay from all this, like a friend of mine did. I'm SO grateful for antibiotics, even though I hate shots, because this infection can get nasty. (I wonder how many women have died through the ages from something this minor.) And I'm grateful for TV, which is a wonderful babysitter on days like today, no matter what the experts say.

And there are perks of being sick. How often do I just sit on the floor and play puzzles with my kids for an hour? Or read to them all afternoon? (Okay, I'm a little better at that one.) I used to spend a lot more time playing with them, but today I had to do it because they were crazy bored and I didn't have energy for much else. I guess it's a good reminder to do those things, because we all had a great time, even Zeke!