One evening in early September I ate a few too many starchy foods and was uncomfortably full. That feeling eased somewhat and much later I had a snack. Within half an hour I was in serious pain and felt nauseous. I could’t get comfortable and continually changed positions for the next two hours while wishing I could throw up to ease the nausea. After two hours I got my wish and the pain subsided. I had another episode three weeks ago that started in late afternoon, got worse quickly but subsided enough that I decided to proceed with the usual Wednesday evening activity that took me away from home. I was okay for most of the time I was out but the pain returned and by the time I got home I was in unbearable pain. I then spent the next hour or two in pretty much the same way as the episode in September. At the time I fully intended to see my doctor at the earliest convenience. That never happened but when I was finished with my final assignment last week, I had full intentions (for this week) of making that appointment and organising a mammogram.

So Sunday afternoon I had gone out with the Scientist to our local markets so he could get a Greek yoghurt. I’d eaten a store bought, fancy yoghurt a bit earlier and he craved one too. I think I was fine when we left but by the time we got there (just a few minutes alter), I was getting a somewhat familiar feeling and by the time he’d ordered I was in a lot of pain. He rushed me back home and I was in enough pain that he asked if I wanted to go to the hospital or call an ambulance. I couldn’t imagine sitting in the car for the twenty minute ride and I debated for a short while before agreeing to the ambulance. I’d gone really pale and clammy by this point. We waited and waited while I kept moving around. I did find one position that seemed to work for a bit longer than anything else so kept trying that. I started to feel a bit better. The ambulance didn’t come and I finally decided I could sit in the car. So the Scientist cancelled the ambulance and drove me to the emergency department.