Your body can have a funny way of showing that you're sick and fighting some kind of infection. Aches, pains, nausea are not fun. Sometimes it can bring on the questions of "what if this is something worse than what we thought?" Positivity is key for your visit because your care team just wants you to feel better. They do know that getting sick is never fun regardless.

I have been to the ER for just about everything under the sun. My mom was always the one who would take me. The worst part about going was wondering what kinds of tests the doctor or nurse would need to perform. Blood? Urine sample? X-rays? Infections, dehydration, food poisoning, gastritis, and acid reflux related symptoms. My first ER visit I was 8 years old where I had cracked my head open after running into an open door. Ouch.

I hate getting needles in my arms purely for the fact that I do not want to see any needles in my body. I usually asked to get distracted from what is going on and either the nurse or my mom will try to have a conversation with me so I can feel better while that is getting done. I also hate it when they try to take blood from my IV or put medicine into my IV. Makes my arm feel weird as well as the type of medicine can make me loopy. Nothing about that is fun in my eyes. You cannot eat or drink anything either while you are waiting for a physician to see you. Also, not fun.

I always want water when I am at the ER usually because of nervousness or because it helps when I feel nauseous. But, usually, there is a sign in the waiting room where it says no food or drink. Probably because they want a clean and clear reading for any test they do. I wouldn't want them to see anything funky in my body because of that.

But, recently went to the ER for a urinary track infection with pain that was getting worse on my back. This prompted me to see my doctor after my ER visit where I was told to go back to the ER. More blood work, CT scans, and sonograms to find out my antibiotics have been working, I just need to let time and the medicine to do its job. If it wasn't for me listening to my body, who knows if my infection would have gotten worse.

I always thank my care team after everything thing they do even if it is something I do not want such as blood work. The nurses and doctors take time out to spend time with you and figure out a good plan to subside your pain, nausea, or whatever else you may be experiencing. I thank all those who have made sure I have gotten what I needed to feel better. They need extensive training and studying to understand how to put in an IV, take blood, and give medication. They are the reason I get better and keep going right after my visits.