Stupid Life Choices

We went on a fun filled trip to our Primary Care Physician. My wife begrudgingly got her 6-month physical exam. But this time around she had to have lab work done, which is her favorite part. You see my wife hates doctors, and she would be much happier with them if they prescribed painkillers like they did back in the 80’s. But they don’t now, they prescribe “pain management medication” and do other “psychobabble” to make you forget about the pain. But hey, what do I know? I’ve never really had to deal with chronic pain like she does. My situation is mostly due to heart failure and stupid life choices.

At the moment, I’m sitting in my office facing the noontime sun. Ironically along with the wind and the birds, I hear an ambulance speeding by. Putting a period on the activity of the day. So should I care? My own health situation is fairly manageable. (If I can only keep my health insurance from changing my coverage midstream). But anyway, my wife’s a different story. She’s been dealing with chronic lower back pain for decades. With some referrals saying that she needs surgery, while other’s say it’s all in her head. So what do I do as her caregiver?
 
I hear another ambulance speeding by yet again, so I close the windows. Knowing good and damn well that I can offer no reprieve for those riding in it. So we do our best for those we are responsible for. And despite the many stupid choices I’ve made for myself. It’s the beneficial choices I have to make for my family that are important. It all comes down to the question, have I done enough? It’s a situation I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But it’s a situation that comes up every time I find my wife or my son in pain. Not being able to be their own advocate. Pushing myself to make better choices for them.