I've been at my new job for three weeks now and found out yesterday that our Receptionist had been out sick last year for a couple of months. While she was training me on the phones today, I casually asked her what happened with her health.
She told me that she had an infection in her fallopian tubes that caused her to have a hysterectomy. While she was in surgery, the surgeon found a large benign tumor attached to her intestine. She had to have it removed and her bowel re-sectioned. I could tell she was embarrassed to talk about
it, so I told her that I could completely sympathize with her, because I've had bowel surgery, too! She couldn't believe it.
We both laughed, compared scars, and shared stories of spending weeks in the hospital without being able to eat anything but ice chips. It was one of those moments where two people connected because of a shared experience. I believe we're going to become good friends.
Has something similar happened to you? I'd love to hear your stories!