2010

I woke up at 6:30 in the morning with incredible pain through my lower stomach. I just writhed around for a little bit till it went away and fell back to sleep.

I didn't think much of it. I went for my morning jog. I made especially good time and had plenty of energy. I arrived at the gym perfectly fine, just a little past 8:00. Gradually though, I felt a huge cramp coming on. I quickly checked the calendar on my phone - it can't have been my period (lolol.)

I thought it was a stitch at first, but it got worse. At around 9:30 it got really bad. I went outside for some fresh air a couple of times and returned. I just pulled myself up after some tricep dips and it felt as though my lower stomach was bloated and I felt a warm sensation on the lower part of my stomach, just above my left hip.

I was in the sort of pain where you know something is really wrong. I tried to do a few more sets but it was so painful I had to stop. I only had 15 minutes left but decided I ought to get it checked out after chatting to a personal trainer.

I tried running home but felt screaming pain. I was thinking that my appendix was going haywire and I knew that if that were the case, you needed attention pretty urgently. I walked briskly and ran the last half kilometre home.

I quickly showered. I went on webmd.com and did some quick research on appendicitis; phrases like 'trust your instincts' made me pretty sure I was doing the right thing. I phoned the doctors and talked with a nurse. I told her about the pain, bloating and warm sensations. She replied briskly 'Come and see your doctor.'

The doctor later informed me she wasn't sure exactly what caused it, but was fairly sure it wasn't my appendix. She suspects it was a '24 hour' bug - which there are supposed to be a lot of around. I didn't vomit or 'anything' (lol.) The pain had largely subsided by then and I am happy to report I'm still in good health.

It was a very unusual morning.