Thursday, February 12, 2009

Tap, Tap, Tap. Is this thing on?

Hello?

I am trying to see if I remember how to do my own post. Is it possible that it's been a month? My how things can change in the blink of an eye.

What started as a simple Saturday afternoon of me reading in bed and Michael taking Madalyn to a birthday party - that it turns out was actually on Sunday - turned into something vastly different.

When they came home from the party that wasn't, Michael told me that he threw up in my car and that his head was hurting so bad he didn't think he could stand. My first thought was gross. My head hurts...and now I have to clean puke? But...I got him settled and went to clean. It wasn't that bad because he'd actually opened the window. I figured he had a stomach bug, and went about my day.

About 10 o'clock that night he started wandering about the house. I can only think to liken it to sleep walking. He would talk to me. Respond to commands. Answer questions. Not necessarily answer them in a way that made sense. Some responses were like a word salad. Some were perfectly "normal" responses, but not an appropriate response to the question. He would pantomine pushing buttons, typing, making his lunch. He took all my clothes out of my drawers. He took drawers out of the bathrooom cabinets. Creating lots of general mayhem.

And finally in the early hours of Sunday morning, I had enough. And was scared. Scared because I could not get him to wake up. I decided to not call 911. I didn't want the girls to be scared. I got him dressed and into the van. With my mom assuring me that all would be well. He was probably just dehydrated.

When we entered the emergency room, we were seen right away. And he was admited under the title of "altered mental state." I think they thought he was on drugs. We were in a room with a doctor and three nurses before I could even blink. And I repeated the above story for the first of MANY times. They took blood. Hooked him up to...ummm...hospital things. And took him for a CAT scan. When the doctor came back and said to me "the CAT scan shows that your husband had an aneurysm," I was absolutely incredulous. My father died two years ago of an aneurysm...and that is immediately where my brain went.

The doctor went to consult with the neurologist on call. And to arrange for him to be transfered to another hospital that is equiped to deal with this sort of emergency. And then for the rest of the morning, things moved at a snails pace. And all I could think of was that he was still bleeding and that it was getting worse. Finally the paperwork was complete...and they decided to transfer him via helicopter.

Meanwhile back at the homefront, my mom arranged for the girls to stay with friends for a few days. And then she drove me to Emory University hospital. We were quickly met with two doctors (one of which became Cindy's Dr. Carl) who explained exactly what they were going to do. And what the might do depending on what they found. Later a nurse came to get me so that I could see Michael before he went into surgery. And I think seeing him like that was the most scared I have ever been. I can still picture him. Hooked up to a ventilator. His head shaved. His eyes taped shut.

And then. Well...I believe that Lizzy did an amazing job of documenting all of the hospital stay for you all.

On Monday of this week, I went to the hospital as usual. And I was immediately stopped by a social worker so that she could get me to help her locate a pharmacy near our house to pick up his medications because they were going to discharge him. I immediately freaked out again. No one told me we might be going home. No one told me to bring clothes for him. No one has told me about follow up doctor visits. Medications. What I need to be doing at home. No one had even gotten him to try stairs yet. I felt like we were being thrown to the wolves.

I guess my whining, complaining, and huge list of questions worked...because he wasn't released until Tuesday afternoon.

Tuesday went well. We came home. Had lunch. Ventured back out to Tar-jay to get his prescriptions filled. We should have been provided with an armored guard based on the value of those meds. We came home. The girls came home. Had dinner. You know. Usual stuff. Then around 7pm, Michael fell asleep in front of the tv. It was only an hour. But when I woke him up. It was like that very first day. The word salad. The answers that didn't fit the questions. And we were back in the emergency room all over again.

They are not exactly sure what happened. But they did every test they could think of. And we were there for 10 hours before the sent us home at 6am. With a new prescription. And bone tired. We spent most of yesterday trying to catch up on sleep. And today, I am going back to teach my Latin class. Michael has a friend of his that is going to come and hang out with him since he cannot be left alone yet.

We are in for a long road of therapies. Physical. Occupational. Speech/cognitive. But he should completely recover. And I don't even want to think about what could have been.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers. For the posts dedicated to us. Your continued comments. Emails. Goodies that arrived in the mail. I have read every word. And I have been reading your posts every morning. And soon I am hoping to really get back into the swing of things. With non medical posts. And back to commenting. And something resembling normal.

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85 comments:

angi_b72 said...

Wow..what an experience you have been thru!! you are in my prayers!!

Mama Dawg said...

You guys have been in my prayers and thoughts this entire time. I'm so glad to see you back and I will continue to keep you in my prayers and thoughts. Let us know if you need ANYTHING!

jen said...

thinking of you ...
and as an SLP ... i have never heard someone put that quite as wonderfully as a "word salad". you are so right. i've heard it before too.

and ... hey ... we're still here ... even when you aren't. we'll wait for you.

Ann On and On... said...

I am so happy that your husband is on the mend. I'm praying for a fast and healthy return to your comfortable routine. Your strength is miraculous and an example for all of us.

*You teach Latin...amazing!

Shalee- Be Speechless said...

Wow, girl you've been through so much. My thoughts and prayers were with you every step of the way. I am so glad he will make a full recovery.

Teri said...

Hey Katrina!!! It is so good to hear from you. Michael has been on our minds continuously. Let me know if I can do ANYTHING...and I am not kidding.

Unknown said...

MAN - I don't call for a couple days and you go and get all uppity and bring him home.

And I get to comment!!! WOO HOO!!!!

Are we still good for this weekend? If not I totally understand.

MaBunny said...

wow, thats about all I can say excpet Thank God. the road ahead will be long ,but hopefully all will once again be well.

Michelle said...

We all love you and are praying fervently.

Oh and the normal thing? Please let me know what that's like, because I sure don't! ♥

Elena said...

Oh what a TREAT!!! Kat's own words today!! Hooray! (Even though they were some what scary words.) I can not even begin to imagine the ordeal you've been through. I am sure it will feel good to start getting back to a more normal routine. I thought of you all night last night b/c I had the stinkin' spins. How are you? Are your spins gone? I'm praiyng for you and Michael's recovery. I'm so glad you're home!

Anonymous said...

::hugs:: I'm glad you are back and trying to get back to normalish. I can't even imagine what this last month must have been like for you, even having read all the detailed posts. I hope his recovery goes well.

ChicagoLady said...

Welcome back, Kat! It's soo good to see you posting again. We've all had you and Michael in our thought and prayers since we heard the news.

You are very fortunate. However terrible this has been, it could have been so much worse. Michael is home, and will make a full recovery. The time spent together, getting him back to 100%, will make your relationship stronger.

We're still here for you, take as much time as you need getting into a routine.

Brandy said...

Take your time in getting back to normal. I think we all understand how abnormal and unexpected this was.
You've been in my thoughts since I first heard. I've prayed for you and Michael countless times and I'm relived to hear that he will recover. Even if it's a long road till then...
I'm so glad to hear from you.

Tiffany said...

Kat,

I've been thinking of you and praying so much! So glad to know that Michael is now home and hopefully on track for a speedy recovery.

Stay strong. You're surrounded by love and prayers!

Jen said...

My heart skipped a beat when I knew it was you! I am so glad that you are able to get back to some what of a 'normal life'. I hope recovery is steady and swift!

You have my support and prayers.

Gina said...

I cannot even imagine.
Michael is fortuate to have you. Good job holding it all together for him and for your girls. When things get back to normal, you deserve a spa day!

Angie's Spot said...

I was more than a little suprised when I saw that you had a new entry and then realized it was really YOU! Glad Michael is home and that you guys can all be under 1 roof again. I know that has to be helping the stress level at least somewhat. I'll be in touch soon to see if we can still twist your arm into getting together in 2 weeks. We'll come to you!! :-) xoxo

Lula! said...

I have missed you. We have not stopped praying. We will continue...

Tam said...

Kat,
I hope you are taking care of yourself also! Glad your Husband is home and yes it is a long road! You are in my thoughts daily!

Swirl Girl said...

Oh thank goodness Kat - he is on the road to recovery. Lizzie did a great job keeping us updated , but I am glad you are back at your 'post', so to speak.

This will be a long road, a marathon - not a sprint...but is sounds like there was no cognitive diminishing (is that even a real term?) issues to deal with.

I am so glad you are back.

Alicia @ Oh2122 said...

Hang in there hon. You're doing an amazing job.

Your readers will be here if and when *you're* willing and able to pop in.

I'll be thinking of you.

Unknown said...

Oh Kat! I've been thinking about how you've been doing. I'll continue to pray for you and Michael and the girls. We're all thinking about you. Huge hugs from around the globe!

Heather said...

Kat, you cannot even imagine all the thoughts and prayers that were surrounding you and Michael during this awful time. Obviously, God was paying attention.

My word, girl, you have been through the wringer. Not just Michael, but you, too. Take care of yourself. Whine to us when you need to, make us laugh when you need to do that. We will be here.

So glad to hear from you. Lizzy did a great job. But it's still nice to hear your "voice". We missed you!

Anonymous said...

wow--I was surprised to see you back since your previous 24 hours trauma! don't rush! take care of Kat too! I'm hoping you get more explanations on how to proceed soon. if not, I might have to inquire on my own over at the neuro ICU unit at Emory. you know I would totally do that for you!
luv ya-cindy

Vickie said...

I am a follower, but not so faithful. I have been hoping for the best for your family as I was reading Lizzy's updates.

I hope your Husband's recovery goes smoothly. Hopefully no more vertigo for you:)

Take care.

Just Lisa said...

Kat! I'm so glad you're back! I've been thinking of you and your family fo this last month, and I'm glad your husband is improving. God Bless!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the update KAT... hang in there girl & know there are many of us out here praying for you all!

Skeller said...

Kat!
It's so very good to hear your "voice" again. Tho, I'm awfully grateful to Lizzy and her updates.

I'll keep praying for Michael's recovery...

Carrie said...

Hoooooooray!!! So happy he's doing well enough to be at home!

And don't you worry--we'll still be here!!

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear you've all been through such a hard time. I'm so happy to hear that Michael is getting better and will recover. ((hugs))

Susie said...

What a complete and total nightmare!! I am so sorry that you had to go through all of that.

I have to say that I am not surprised about you being "thrown to the wolves" only to be back less than a day later. Hospitals have a treat and street attitude that makes my head explode! They did this to my mom and I fought them tooth and nail. I am glad that he had you to fight the good fight.

I am also glad that he will recover. It sounds like a long road but I know you guys can do it! And, we are all here. When the going gets tough, the tough get blogging:-)

KimmyDarling said...

Kat, I just cannot even imagine what this has been like for you. You all will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
kim

lynette355 said...

You need a good ol fashion bubble bath. A long soak in a tub while sipping a glass of wine. Candles around and soft music. Totally unwind.

And then a warm towel, soft robe and time to put your feet up.

It has been a long hard road. And you still have so much more to do. I admire your spunk. Keep on going and yell at us when you can.

It's Always Something Around Here said...

Wow you have all been through so much!!

Big hugs!!!

Tonya Staab said...

oh honey, you have been in my thoughts and prayers ever since I saw that tweet from Rhea. I'm so sorry you are all going through this. I'm so happy to hear that he will recover from this and you have loads of resources to help him through it. Big hugs to all of you.

Jenny and the Princess Peonies said...

Welcome back Kat! Your family has been in our prayers and will continue to be. I am glad you are all home finally.

Brian and Staci said...

Oh Kat...glad you are "back"...but how are YOU??? I know just what you mean when you say it can all change in a blink of an eye. I'm just so glad Michael is going to be OK. I know it will be quite a road of recovery...we are all praying for you and your family :) Wish I lived closer so I could bring you over some food or do something to help out...like laundry...cause I know Michael does it all for you :) lol Get some rest girl...love ya!

Shannon said...

My heart seriously leapt when I saw you had posted! I've missed you! And I think about y'all every single day...

Hope to see you soon!

Anonymous said...

Still praying for you and your family here in SC.
I am hoping recovery comes quickly.

Kelly said...

Wow! What an ordeal you all have been through. I'm happy to hear you guys are back home. I'm continuing to pray that recovery goes well for Michael!

Finding Normal said...

Oh Kat! I have missed you so so much. And I've been worried about all of you, and wishing there was more I could do. I'm glad you're home and hope you won't need any more ER visits anytime soon. I'm glad to see you back, and will read whatever you get the time to write!

Stephanie said...

Welcome back! I am so glad that your husband is going to fully recover and that you were able to catch everything and get it taken care of! I hope that Michael recovers fast!!

Tiffany said...

Welcome back my dear, you were very missed and we were very worried.

I am so glad you've begun the road to full recovery and please know you are never far from my thoughts and prayers.

Jill said...

Kat - It was great that Lizzy kept us well informed of your medical ordeals, though I'm glad to see you back here, if even for just a quick post!

Here's thinking about you and praying that everything stays positive for Michael now and in the future!

Trish said...

Welsome back! It is good to hear from you again, but it makes me sad to hear all that you guys have been dealing with.

Please know that we will continue to pray for Michael and you and the girls and the road ahead.

You are loved!

Linda said...

We have really missed you. Continuing to pray ... love and hugs to you all!

Firefly Mom said...

That would scare the bejeezus out of me. I'm so glad that he's finally home with you and the girls.

Unknown said...

((hugs)) You are one strong lady!

Susan said...

Thank GOD! I have been praying for you.

jennifersusan said...

I'm glad to see you home and that things are on their way to becoming normal. I'll continue to keep ya'll in my thoughts and prayers that it all goes smoothly. :)

Britt said...

SO glad you're back, Kat!

Still praying, and thinking, and praying some more. And hoping that you are able to get things back to "normal" =-)

Kim said...

Wow, you have been through so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope recovery goes smoothly from now on.

Dawn Parsons Smith said...

Kat, I am so happy that you all are home and moving along:) My husband (40) went through an emergency bypass last year. I know how overwhelming it can all seem. Please let me know if I can help in any way:)

Hugs,
dawn

Bramblemoon Farm said...

That is SO scary. I'm so glad he's okay. My dad still has a tiny aneurysm that they can't operate on, and has another one fixed. I can't imagine how frightened you must have been during this entire thing. You both have been on my mind so much:) Remember to take care of yourself too!

Rhea said...

Kat, I have missed you so much! And been so worried. And appreciated every word from Lizzy.

I'm so glad Michael is home and expected to recover. I can't even imagine the roller coaster of worries you have been through. And still must have.

I'm so glad to hear from you. I really am. I've missed you so much.

I Love Purple More Than You said...

What a scary thing you've been through. I'm glad his prognosis is so good. I've been praying for you guys!

Debbie said...

You are my hero, Kat. I am so glad to "see" you again...I pray for continued healing and strength for all of you. I am sending you a great big cyber hug!

Mariah said...

Lizzy was awesome! This whole thing is so surreal, your family has been in my thoughts and prayers! So glad he is home and headed for complete recovery.

I would love to send you all little something, will you email me your address please?

Michelle said...

Oh Kat. I'm so late in my reading, but I'm glad to hear that Michael has recovered enough to be released. I can't imagine how scared you were, but thank GOD they figured it out. I've seen aneurysms gone bad, and I didn't realize that your father passed away from one. Thoughts and prayers continuing, as always, for you!

Gramma 2 Many said...

Gina told me you had posted. There isn't a thing I can say that has not already been said. I am so happy he is home. I know the road is long, but love conquers so much and I know you will make it through.
Am thinking of you and praying for the very best for all of you.
Get Well Michael

Rhea said...

We want Kat!
We want Kat!
We want Kat!

Everyone join in now, let's chant together...

Rhea said...

The Blogosphere isn't the same without you.

Madeline Rains said...

Kat, I have been sending you and your family prayers.

Queenie Jeannie said...

I'm so sorry that I am only now hearing about all of this!!!! Wow, what a thing to go through. Hugs and prayers in bunches to you all. I can't even imagine how frightened you must have been. You are very, very brave!!!

Tam said...

Just stalked over to say Hi and let you know you are still in my thoughts and prayers.

WheresMyAngels said...

I cannot believe how much you have been thru. I had no idea that he came home and you were back at the ER again.

Many prayers that he soon fully recovers. One of the ladies I care for and live with had a Brain aneurysm just a little over a year ago. Any time she says she has a headache we all freak out. Thankfully she has done really well. She does have some nerve damage and doesn't have much strength on her right side, but she also was weak before this happened.


Take care of yourself too!

HiHoOhio said...

Amen and Godspeed to you all

John Deere Mom said...

Kat, I read this post the other day but didn't have time to comment. I can only imagine how not "normal" life feels right now...and my how quickly life can change. It sounds like you have lots of support and help to get your family past this. I am glad to hear Michael will recover...and I hope it's soon...I am sure it can't happen soon enough for you. Lots of love. We miss you.

MsTypo said...

I've been offline for a while and just read this. *****hugs*****

I'll keep you guys in my prayers. *hgus*

Firefly Mom said...

You've been really quiet the last few days - hope all is still well.

I know you're uber busy right now, but when you get the chance, pop by my blog. I have some awards for you :)

Tam said...

Just wanted to give you some Bloggy love! I make a point to visit your blog everyday so it will not get lonely. I hope things are going the WAY they are suppose to be going...and just know that you and your family are in my prayers daily! Remember to take a moment and take care of YOURSELF tooo!

Sissy said...

Kat, I'm sorry that I haven't been around to read and support you. I know this must have been a horrible month for you, but I am so glad that your husband is home and on the mend.

Susan said...

Thinking good thoughts for you, Kat.

Jennifer P. said...

Sorry I am so late on this. I am just speechless. I can't imagine what you went through---especially with it being the same thing that took your father's life. Oh the irony would have killed me.

I am scared with you. I am hopeful with you.

Hang in there Kat. Still praying for you.

Ashley said...

Oh, Kat, it is so good to hear from you! You and the entire family are in our thoughts!

Stephanie said...

Hi I just found your blog tonight through Google Reader's suggestions...and I have read almost the entire thing.

I am so glad your husband is doing well, and I will for sure pray for your family.

You must be so incredibly strong! I hope he continues to do well, and I will be back for more updates!

Stephanie said...

Hi I just found your blog tonight through Google Reader's suggestions...and I have read almost the entire thing.

I am so glad your husband is doing well, and I will for sure pray for your family.

You must be so incredibly strong! I hope he continues to do well, and I will be back for more updates!

Mrs. S. said...

I found your site through another blogger. I hope that your husband gets better very soon. You have a lot of people hoping and praying for you and your family.

Michelle said...

Just checking in. Hope all is going well for you. Still praying, but I will pray for you more now, to keep up with all that comes with taking care of someone ill. Good Luck to all of you and take care.

Darcy @ m3b said...

Still praying here. Still thinking of you. A lot.

Debbie said...

Hi Kat...just stopping by to say hi and to let you know that you have been on my mind ALOT this week. I hope that this week is going okay...One day at a time my friend, just take one day at a time...Big hugs to you xoxoxoxox

Michelle said...

Hey, Kat. Just a bit worried that there have been no updates by you or anyone else. Fingers crossed, thoughts and prayers that things are going well and you're just busy. Let us know!

tam7777 said...

praying for you and your fam

Brandy said...

Hey Kat, just checking in on you guys. I'm still thinking of you and praying that all is okay.

Nissa said...

Don't stop updating us, Kat. You know we're all still holding our breath until Michael recovers completely. If you need anything at all, please ask.
xoxoxox