Once, happiness seemed to be as distant and as unattainable as space travel. I have not always felt this way. I recall being very happy, extremely happy, yet things change, people change, and change becomes one of those inevitable laws of nature taking its toll on lives, taking a toll on my life. Change exhausted its toll on my life.
I became a heroin addict at 38. I am 42, and a doctor found an abscess on my spinal cord. Mistakes were made, regrets were formed, and I found sobriety through this struggle of recovery. I have met many nurses through this struggle, some more judgmental about addiction rather than listening, taking the time to understand the importance of managing my care a little differently than others. Not handling my care could have led me right back to street drugs. Yet I leave here today on a good path. No need or want to go back to using, a choice that could have easily led to my death.
I leave happy and healthy because of my nurse, Kristy. She took the time to know me exactly where I am in recovery. Her taking the time to do these things has honestly been a step to save my life. To discuss pain management options, making the right decisions instead of allowing IV pain medication to be the only option. I leave here today with no narcotics and very pleased with my care. She is a wonderful nurse. Her impact let me leave here to a field full of daisies.