The Sun Is Always Shining

Where It All Began

Being a content creator, writer, musician, and Reiki Practioner, I always try my hardest to look at the brighter side of things. If there is someone that is a little off, possibly bad I try to see the good in the person. If there are situations that are absolutely relentless, horrible and scary I try to find the light. I never want to know the bad in things even if it is there. Yes I too get frustrated with a lot of things, but again I try to be positive.

Recent Events

Recently I was diagnosed with pancreatitis which is a condition where your pancreas is very inflamed. Over a week ago I was living my best life. Roses smelled like roses, laughing with my friends, enjoying life to the fullest. In the afternoon one Sunday after enjoying a night with my friend I started experiencing what felt like burning glass pain in my upper abdomen going across creating me to have a hard time breathing. Originally when it first started I thought to myself maybe I got food poisoning or had the stomach bug, so I went to the bathroom trying to go, it made things a lot worse. The room started spinning quickly, along with this incredible pain, and water was just pouring off me. This happened three times within a three hour span. I was alone, and I honestly thought I was going to die.

After The Initial Pain

Even writing and thinking about this chills are coming to me. Once that horrible pain passed I was still left with a great amount of pain like someone was pounding on my abdomen or punching it. I cannot even explain how many things I tried before I got diagnosed. Also feeling very light headed during this for a while. The following day I went to work knowing I was going to see the doctor for my pre-op which I did not get cleared for. They immediately ran a cat scan with a die on my abdomen thinking it might be one thing.

The Findings

My doctor could not believe how inflamed my pancreas was. I remember the technician telling me after the scan, call your doctor in an hour and the results will be ready. Because she must have seen this too. Anyway, I was put on bed rest immediately. Also, along with this my blood pressure was through the roof. I cannot begin to explain how scared I was when I learned about this, because I do not fall into the criteria of pancreatitis. For the rest of that week I was in a dark place. I was scared, in pain, and not knowing what the next steps were.

Dealing With The Findings

Until I saw my doctor at the end of the week I was a wreck. But then I realized I am bringing everyone else down, and I cannot have everyone worrying about me. That was not fair to them. Especially my family, so I had to turn things around. I am still scared and in pain, but more positive. Friday night I picked my attitude up. I did what I would advise anyone to do. I started putting fun back into my life. I started watching my favorite TV shows, "Mom, ALF, and Below The Deck Mediterranean." Laughter is the key to life without it you do not have much. Could I have sat in bed crying and worrying about my condition, YES. I refuse to give in to pain, or sadness.

The Fun Diet

When one is diagnosed with pancreatitis your eating world as you once knew it is gone. Now I can only have very little caffeine. I can eat lots of fruits and vegetables, chicken and fish, no oils, cheese, processed foods, or meat. This is my new diet. I am not going to lie, it is killing me. I am a foodie. I love to eat all kinds of food. UGH!!!!

Message To Everyone

Even if you do not have pancreatitis or any of things like it. Always remember life will throw punches, but you should always punch back. I am still dealing with this, and not sure what the outcome will be. I am ready for whatever I learn.

Cheryl A. Nocera