Friday, June 5, 2009

Just Another ER Visit

FOUR to be exact in less than two years. This used to be a joke between Jason and me...not anymore!




If you're interested, this is the story of my roller coaster ride that began Wednesday, May 20th. Hopefully this will give you all some clarity. I'm sure I'll leave a few things out, but at least you'll see from my viewpoint what I went through.




Wednesday, May 20th ~ dull headache



Thursday, May 21st ~ on and off dull headache all day




Jason's 30th birthday was May 25th, so I planned with Shannon for Zach to spend the night with Cody and her so I could surprise Jason. I wanted to take him out to eat and also have a fun night out to ourselves.




I barely made it home from taking Z to S and C's Thursday night. I began running into counters, being very clumsy, and just didn't have motor control over my limbs. I told Jason a few times, "Something is just not right." He offered to take me to the hospital a few times, but I didn't think I had reached that point yet.




We went to Shogun's for dinner with me fumbling around trying to eat. I was just thankful to be sitting down! On the way home I called my Dad, and he thought it was the medicine I had taken for my headache. I do have a tendency to forget to read the medicine bottle labels on how many pills I should take!




Friday, May 22nd ~ I woke up with no feeling or movement in my right arm, and I could barely move.



I called my sis in law Meredith who immediately called her hubs (my brother). They suggested I go to my OB doc first (since at this point I was 6 months pregnant). My Dad also called to check on me. I simply said, "Something is wrong."




I called my OB, and they told me to come in ASAP. Shannon brought Z over to watch him at our house (THANK YOU!!!), and Jason came home to take me to see the OB doc who was working (he just happened to be my OB's husband, so this worked well for me). ; ) It's not like I cared at this point!




I struggle to the car, Jason drives us to the OB's office, and he immediately sees me. After he examines me he refers me to a neurologist at a local ER. Jason and I haul it to the ER where they meet us at the car with a gurney. We have never been seen so quickly in an ER!




At this point, my head is about to explode, and my right arm is still useless. I braved through several questions, tests, and an MRI (with a mask). Jason and I are still not yet really worried. He has called our parents who were waiting to see what's best for them to do. Thank you, Jesus, for our parents!!
Still Friday, May 22nd ~We begin to worry. The ER doc came in and told us she had seen activity on my MRI that lead her her believe that I was eclamptic. She said she was admitting me immediately, and I wasn't going to be leaving until Reese was born.
Jason and I just looked at each other, and I had my Breakdown #1. I was thinking, "ARE YOU CRAZY? I have an 18 month old. Who will take care of him? I have looked forward to this summer all winter and spring! We have plans. I have so much to do! I have to spend time alone with him before he has a baby sister..." So many things like this ran through my mind.
I called my Mom, and she loses it while saying, "It's going to be ok. Trish and I will take care of Zach. Don't worry." My Mom never cries, so I knew she was really upset.
A little while later the ER doc comes back in to say that my OB has requested I be medflighted to UAMS in LR because there was a maternal expert that could also work with us while we were there since I was pregnant.
I really was ok at this point. I know it was the prayers beginning! I think Jason was worried enough for both of us, too, bless his heart. I sure have brought some drama to his life. ; ) A few friends had also come by to pray with us, Jason's parents had made it to Fayetteville to help with Zach and check on us, and my parents were ready to meet us in LR at UAMS.
Friday night, May 22nd ~ A helicopter flies me from Washington Regional to UAMS. Jason, Zach, and his parents drive to LR. My parents meet me at UAMS where I am taken to the ICU for further testing. It was a very late night.
Saturday, May 23rd ~ I am in and out most of the day, but when I saw my parents, Faber, Meredith, and Mandy crying by my bed I absolutely knew this was serious and something was wrong. I didn't know what though, and I was in so much pain I didn't care if GOD took me to Heaven!
Sunday, May 24th - Wednesday, May 27th
Dr. Keyrouz was my neurology doctor, and he was wonderful! I also had an infectious disease doctor, ob doctor, and countless nurses check on me all week. We found out that I was only the second or third pregnant woman they had ever seen with my condition. I was determined to have Encephalomyelitis.
This means that my brain swelled from a virus causing my severe headache and immoble right arm. Thankfully, throughout the week my headache improves, and I begin moving my right arm.

Thursday, May 28th - Saturday, May 30th
I turn a corner and actually began to feel the meds work. There was so much they could not give me because of Reese so I did not feel that much relief and begged for meds most of the time.
Since the Saturday I was admitted my Mom stayed every night with me! Jason, my Dad, Jason's fam, and several friends visited us in the hospital every day all week. Some I remember, and some I don't, but I am still so grateful they took the time to come. I think what kept them laughing was how stubborn, sassy, and bossy I had gotten to be with the doctors and nurses.
Saturday, May 30th ~ Saturday, June 6th
I came to my parents' house last Saturday! What a great wonderful hard day. I was so happy to be out of the hospital bed and somewhere familiar. I hadn't been outside in over a week so it was a bit overwhelming at times.
Zach goes to Destin with Jason's fam, so their fun was just beginning. They had a wonderful week from what I've heard! I'm so glad.
Yesterday I went to see Dr. Keyrouz again for a check-up. He said it was still early, but I had made good strides. He also took out my PICC line. He seemed pleased with my progress, and I go back to see him in several months for (hopefully) the last time.
Our plan is to go to our "real" home tomorrow. Jason has kept busy working in the LR office a few days this week, but he's ready to get home. Zach also gets back tonight, and I am SO ready to see that little guy!
My Mom, Dad, and Jason have nursed me back to health all week in LR. I've gone from having a very small appetite, not walking on my own, and sleeping most of the day to eating much better, walking around by myself, and sleeping only at night. Slow but certain progress!

Sweet stories continue to unfold each day. I actually remember telling Jason, "Happy Birthday!" on his actual birthday. I had wanted to remember so badly, so I know that only the LORD could have done that...especially since I was so out of it, and I don't remember anything else about that day!

Bless your heart for staying with me this long! Again, this may not all be entirely correct, but I lived it so it's what I remember and the best way I know how to explain. Shannon has plenty of daily updates on her blog while I was in the hospital if you are interested in reading more details. Some aren't pretty!

Thank you again and again for carrying me through this ordeal with your prayers. I know GOD has a reason whether He ever reveals it to me or not. I know He is good. I know I have amazing family and friends. I know He used modern medicine to save my life. I know I'm ready to get back to feeling like myself!


23 comments:

Bierman Adventures said...

I am so glad that you are going to get to go to your home. We're praying for continued healing for you & Reese.

Rachel

Sarah Fries said...

Wow what a crazy journey...A minute did not pass without me thinking about you and praying for your health. It was extremely scary and I'm so glad you and Reese are doing so good! Hope to see you soon!

Haley Nicodemus said...

So happy to hear you are doing much better!

Laurie said...

Katie, I have been thinking about you and praying for you so much! I am so happy you are better!!!!!

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

hERE BY WAY OF sHANNON, HAVE BEEN KEEPIG UP TO DATE AND PRAYING FOR YOU . Glad you are home and healthy. Praise God.

Vashti said...

So happy that you are doing better. I was following Shannons updates every day and were praying along with all the others. God is good.
Hope you continue to go from strength to strength.
God Bless.

Amy said...

God is so good and has guided you this entire way! I learned of your story through Shannon's site and have followed the entire way. Glad you getting there and so glad you get to go home!

Katie said...

I am so happy your are better! What an event!! We were praying and praying for you...even at the dinner table during grace! ;o) And we praised the good Lord when Shannon posted you were doing better.

Kelli said...

Katie, I read about your story on Shannon's blog and I'm so happy to hear that you are doing much better. Baby steps.

Unknown said...

Dear Katie,

Thank you for writing your memories of all you've been through these past few weeks. I am rejoicing with you this morning that you are making progress. May you sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for you. (Ps. 98:1) I love you! Miss B.

Jill said...

Bless your heart. I am so happy to hear that you are home and that you and baby are both doing well. I was thankful for all of Shannon's updates, it gave us a way to pray specifically for what you were going through at that moment. God is good!!

Leslie said...

I sent up many prayers for you and your family. I am so glad that you are on the mend. Bless you Katie and we will keep praying that you will get stronger every day!

Deidre said...

So glad to hear you are doing much better. I have followed from Shannon's blog and you have been in my prayers daily. I will continue to pray for you and your family.

Fabiola said...

Dear Katie, I got here through Shannon's blog. I've been praying for your quick recover.

I am happy to "see" you are back on your feet and baby Reese is doing great.

Fabiola

Leslie said...

You have been in my thoughts and prayers for weeks now. I adore your sister Mandy so I know you are also an amazing person. Praise God you are getting better. It's incredible you can remember all or most of everything. That has to be a great sign. Take care of yourself and let your family/friends take care of you. Thanks for sharing your story!
Leslie L.

Katy said...

Hi Katie, I've been keeping up with your progress on Shannon's blog. I'm SO happy that you are feeling better, I'm sure you feel very blessed to have such great family and friends in your life. I'm so sorry for what you've gone through and am sure you are so very ready to hold sweet Zach. Thank you for sharing your story and I hope only the best for you and your family. God Bless, Katy

Josh and Kate said...

Praise God for healing you!! I'm so glad to hear from you and that you are feeling MUCH better! I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers. Please let me know if I can do ANYTHING for you guys!

Liz Goodman said...

Katie,
We are thrilled that you are at home and healing in God's time! You have been prayed for more than you will ever know. The family of God is an amazing thing! I am so blessed to be a part of it! Rest and give lots of love to Zach!
Love from Texas,
Liz

Cecelia---Sis---Mom said...

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Rest, rest and more rest.

Cece

The Army of Allmans said...

My gosh, I found your blog through one of your friends that contacted me...have been praying for you! I had Encephalitis last August when I was pregnant...my husband, Jason (this is getting weird isn't it!) and I have have 4 boys now and after my illness and the complications I am doing great...head to my blog and read "my story"...PLease e-mail me if you have any questions...I would love to talk to you! jason_lanessa@hotmail.com

Becky Avella said...

I followed your story through Shannon's blog. I'm so thankful you are healing!

God is so good.

Poirier Family said...

I'm so happy you are doing better. You have been through so much. I hope it's all down hill from here.

Karyn said...

Gracious! I think you deserve a super easy delivery after all that pain and worry. Blessings!

 
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