Well..it's time to update again already because as we all know...what a difference a day can make, right?? Things have taken a "turn" since I posted last night. Marina is being shipped to Harborview in Seattle to see a Neurologist after all. Her doc felt it was the best course of action. She is now experiencing "auditory sensitivity" and he feels she should be thoroughly checked out. I'm sure she's not too happy about it but OH WELL. She was a very naughty patient yesterday so I'm glad she's going somewhere where I KNOW they will keep a very good eye on her!
So, there you have it. I will try to blog more frequently as information becomes available. It's going to be a long road.
Have a great Wednesday everyone!! I'm outta here on Friday morning....Can't wait! :)
Love, Nan
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Updates
A lot of folks have been asking about Marina so I thought I would post a little more tonight. The last few days have been "big" days. You must remember, she has a pretty major brain injury so progress is slow. Today we found out she has what's called a "shearing brain injury" which doesn't show up on a scan (google it for more details). This is one of the harder injuries to recover from and it explains why she is in so much pain and having all the problems that she is. I can't remember how much I already posted so I'll just tell you what I know and go from there.
Anyway, as far as her head injury goes...it's going to be a longer recovery than we anticipated. That being said...she still has a LOT going for her and things could have been much worse. Like I said above, she is still suffering from a tremendous headache, double-vision, and sensitivity to light. It's hard for her to open her eyes...the room starts spinning when she does. There was a call to the "neuro" doc today and he did have some encouraging things to say. He said everything she is experiencing is completely normal and that a trip south is not necessary (there was earlier talk of her taking the Life Flight to Seattle for a full neuro work-up.) He said they are doing everything for her here that they would do down below. This was VERY good news!!
She is now getting out of bed on a regular basis and even snuck out of bed to shower today...much to the dismay of the nurses! We're going to have to duct tape her to the bed!! LOL!! The fact that she's up and about is a really good sign. She's moving SLOW mind you...I was shocked to hear she got up on her own. That's pretty significant progress!
I think that's all I can think of for now. Her doc has ordered all kinds of rehab therapy for her and she is really anxious to get started. She was ticked they didn't show up today! I told her "be careful what you wish for." :) They'll be kickin' her fanny soon enough!!
If anyone has questions or concerns, please feel free to call me at 821-1580 for further updates.
On a lighter note...we are plugging along here at the Newell household. Tony has been very patient with me not being around as much...always stopping at the hospital etc. He's been very busy and even put in a 12 hour day on Saturday. Jake was "Student of the Week" 2 weeks ago....I didn't get around to posting it with everything that was going on. He is so awesome!! I am a very lucky mom!!!
I am still leaving on Friday for Portland. It will be really good to get away for a few days to check on my mom. Oh my word!!! I forgot to post that my sister had her baby!! Clara Maria was born on Mother's Day!!!! I can't wait to see her on this trip. My sister is doing well and settling in to having a new baby again. I will post pics when I get back.
For those wondering...my mom hasn't had any more problems. She is wearing a heart monitor right now as they are trying to find out what made her collapse on May 4th. She had one more "episode" of heart palpitations on the 7th...but she didn't pass out. I just hope they can figure something out in the NEAR future. At least I know they are keeping a close eye on her and I don't worry so much.
Well..that's it for now. I need to get to bed. I've been fighting a cold for a few days now.
Keep your prayers coming everyone!!! Love, Nan XOX
Anyway, as far as her head injury goes...it's going to be a longer recovery than we anticipated. That being said...she still has a LOT going for her and things could have been much worse. Like I said above, she is still suffering from a tremendous headache, double-vision, and sensitivity to light. It's hard for her to open her eyes...the room starts spinning when she does. There was a call to the "neuro" doc today and he did have some encouraging things to say. He said everything she is experiencing is completely normal and that a trip south is not necessary (there was earlier talk of her taking the Life Flight to Seattle for a full neuro work-up.) He said they are doing everything for her here that they would do down below. This was VERY good news!!
She is now getting out of bed on a regular basis and even snuck out of bed to shower today...much to the dismay of the nurses! We're going to have to duct tape her to the bed!! LOL!! The fact that she's up and about is a really good sign. She's moving SLOW mind you...I was shocked to hear she got up on her own. That's pretty significant progress!
I think that's all I can think of for now. Her doc has ordered all kinds of rehab therapy for her and she is really anxious to get started. She was ticked they didn't show up today! I told her "be careful what you wish for." :) They'll be kickin' her fanny soon enough!!
If anyone has questions or concerns, please feel free to call me at 821-1580 for further updates.
On a lighter note...we are plugging along here at the Newell household. Tony has been very patient with me not being around as much...always stopping at the hospital etc. He's been very busy and even put in a 12 hour day on Saturday. Jake was "Student of the Week" 2 weeks ago....I didn't get around to posting it with everything that was going on. He is so awesome!! I am a very lucky mom!!!
I am still leaving on Friday for Portland. It will be really good to get away for a few days to check on my mom. Oh my word!!! I forgot to post that my sister had her baby!! Clara Maria was born on Mother's Day!!!! I can't wait to see her on this trip. My sister is doing well and settling in to having a new baby again. I will post pics when I get back.
For those wondering...my mom hasn't had any more problems. She is wearing a heart monitor right now as they are trying to find out what made her collapse on May 4th. She had one more "episode" of heart palpitations on the 7th...but she didn't pass out. I just hope they can figure something out in the NEAR future. At least I know they are keeping a close eye on her and I don't worry so much.
Well..that's it for now. I need to get to bed. I've been fighting a cold for a few days now.
Keep your prayers coming everyone!!! Love, Nan XOX
Monday, May 18, 2009
Angels Among Us
I don't even know how to begin this post! So much has "gone down" in the last two weeks! I really want to post, however, about the big event that happened last week. It all started (for me) on Thursday morning when I got an email from a friend. It said something to effect that the "missing hiker" (that I knew nothing about) was a gal named "Marina Hinkle". After taking in the fact that there was a missing hiker...I was then processing the fact that this "Marina Hinkle" was/is one of my best friends!!! Oh my word...I can't even begin to tell you how I felt in that moment. I immediately called her husband and hoped beyond hope that there was some kind of mistake. I am REALLY glad I didn't read the paper that morning b/c it was a really grim assessment of the situation. Anyway, Brett, Marina's hubby, began to tell me (with great horror) that Marina had gone out for a little hike alone on Wednesday and never returned. Not only that...but as of that moment on Thursday they STILL hadn't found her!! I just could NOT accept that this was happening...this just could not be for real. I instantly went into "don't panic" mode...and "is there anything I can do" mode..."they WILL find her" mode. Oh...did I mention she was injured and had called 9-1-1 after falling off a cliff??????? Yeah...this story just gets better and better!
So, I told my co-workers what was going on after having a lengthy conversation with Brett. He was beyond worried...she'd been out there ALL NIGHT and who knows how injured she was! Her 9-1-1 call was kind of vague...she had given a description of about where she was and that she needed help. She ended up passing out and then the cell phone died. You can imagine how everyone was feeling when they didn't find her that night. I am really relieved I didn't know this was going on at the time...I would have been SICK with worry. Anyway, after talking to my co-workers I decided I could not stay at the office. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that IF the news was bad that day, I needed to be at the house with Brett. I knew he would absolutely crumble if they didn't find her alive. So, I jumped in the car and just as I turned the key, I got a call from Brett. She was found and alive!!!!! What we didn't know at the time was that she was BARELY alive. They had a hard time finding a pulse. Nonetheless...we were so relieved they found her. They took her to the hospital via helicopter. It was quite an ordeal.
I ended up staying at the office knowing that she might be medivaced south. Brett was expecting them to ship her out depending on how bad her injuries were. She was terribly dehydrated and hypothermic...her body temp was 91...well below normal. She probably had, at the very least, a head injury. She had told the 9-1-1 dispatcher that she hit her head. We worried about spinal injuries as well. At any rate...I didn't last long at the office before deciding to check in at the hospital to see what was up. Thank goodness she was still in the E.R. when I got there. She had not been medivaced like we expected. She was completely unconscious and heavily drugged b/c she had been shivering so badly when they brought her in. We were all just mesmerized (and relieved) by the fact that she was alive.
After work that night I went to the ICU to see her. She was still completely out and it was going to be hours before she "came to". They were still considering sending her south depending on how she responded when she came off the Valium they gave her. I went ahead and went home knowing that her good friend, Gillian, who happens to be a nursing supervisor would be there all night. She promised to call me if anything happened. She even talked Brett into going home to get some rest...he'd been up all night the previous evening while they were still searching. Sooo....we all eventually left so Marina could "rest". We were pretty certain she could still hear all the commotion in the room.
I ended up sleeping really hard that night after taking some Advil PM. I knew if I didn't take something...I would have worried all night. The next morning I got online and saw a few postings (updates) on Facebook by Gillian. Marina had woken up and was talking!! It was a miracle!! Now...when I say "woke up" and "talking"....I don't mean just sat up and started yakking. She was extremely weak, in a LOT of pain, and barely coherent. I will say, tho, the first thing out of her mouth was "I was not alone. Who was that lady out there with me all night?" Y'all...I could NOT believe what I was reading/hearing. I couldn't wait to get back to the hospital to find out more from Gillian what was being said. Was it possible that Marina had her own bonified Guardian Angel out in the forest with her that night??? OF COURSE IT'S POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!! Not only THAT...but this "lady" coaxed Marina out of the spot she was in to get to an area where the searchers could see her. She kept telling Marina that they weren't going to see her and she would die. She keeps telling us now that "The lady was right." Can you believe it???? I am still getting choked up over this story as I tell it now.
There is so much more to tell but I can't get into all of it here on this blog. What I have found out in the last few days, tho, is this: the searchers went back out to the area where Marina was spotted and they think they've located the spot where she landed. She had fallen backwards after the earth gave way under her. They are saying she fell about 40 feet...not the 15 feet she initially reported to 9-1-1. This would explain why she is in very rough shape. She has a major concussion and a severly bruised back. It hurts to even breathe right now. She has a hard time opening her eyes b/c she is seeing "double" and is sensitive to light. It's going to be a long road to recovery. But, her spirits are GOOD and she is determined to get better. She's a fighter!!! Not only that but she is anxious to tell her story about the "lady" in the woods. You have NO idea how full my heart is over this!!
For those of you that don't know, Marina is an emergency room nurse. She is married and has two boys...one of the boys is the same age as Jake. We've been friends about 10 years now. Please pray she will make a full recovery...she means the world to a LOT of people in this community!!!
More later everyone. I am still basking in God's goodness and the PROOF that there really ARE angels among us!!!
Love and Hugs~ Nan XOX
So, I told my co-workers what was going on after having a lengthy conversation with Brett. He was beyond worried...she'd been out there ALL NIGHT and who knows how injured she was! Her 9-1-1 call was kind of vague...she had given a description of about where she was and that she needed help. She ended up passing out and then the cell phone died. You can imagine how everyone was feeling when they didn't find her that night. I am really relieved I didn't know this was going on at the time...I would have been SICK with worry. Anyway, after talking to my co-workers I decided I could not stay at the office. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that IF the news was bad that day, I needed to be at the house with Brett. I knew he would absolutely crumble if they didn't find her alive. So, I jumped in the car and just as I turned the key, I got a call from Brett. She was found and alive!!!!! What we didn't know at the time was that she was BARELY alive. They had a hard time finding a pulse. Nonetheless...we were so relieved they found her. They took her to the hospital via helicopter. It was quite an ordeal.
I ended up staying at the office knowing that she might be medivaced south. Brett was expecting them to ship her out depending on how bad her injuries were. She was terribly dehydrated and hypothermic...her body temp was 91...well below normal. She probably had, at the very least, a head injury. She had told the 9-1-1 dispatcher that she hit her head. We worried about spinal injuries as well. At any rate...I didn't last long at the office before deciding to check in at the hospital to see what was up. Thank goodness she was still in the E.R. when I got there. She had not been medivaced like we expected. She was completely unconscious and heavily drugged b/c she had been shivering so badly when they brought her in. We were all just mesmerized (and relieved) by the fact that she was alive.
After work that night I went to the ICU to see her. She was still completely out and it was going to be hours before she "came to". They were still considering sending her south depending on how she responded when she came off the Valium they gave her. I went ahead and went home knowing that her good friend, Gillian, who happens to be a nursing supervisor would be there all night. She promised to call me if anything happened. She even talked Brett into going home to get some rest...he'd been up all night the previous evening while they were still searching. Sooo....we all eventually left so Marina could "rest". We were pretty certain she could still hear all the commotion in the room.
I ended up sleeping really hard that night after taking some Advil PM. I knew if I didn't take something...I would have worried all night. The next morning I got online and saw a few postings (updates) on Facebook by Gillian. Marina had woken up and was talking!! It was a miracle!! Now...when I say "woke up" and "talking"....I don't mean just sat up and started yakking. She was extremely weak, in a LOT of pain, and barely coherent. I will say, tho, the first thing out of her mouth was "I was not alone. Who was that lady out there with me all night?" Y'all...I could NOT believe what I was reading/hearing. I couldn't wait to get back to the hospital to find out more from Gillian what was being said. Was it possible that Marina had her own bonified Guardian Angel out in the forest with her that night??? OF COURSE IT'S POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!! Not only THAT...but this "lady" coaxed Marina out of the spot she was in to get to an area where the searchers could see her. She kept telling Marina that they weren't going to see her and she would die. She keeps telling us now that "The lady was right." Can you believe it???? I am still getting choked up over this story as I tell it now.
There is so much more to tell but I can't get into all of it here on this blog. What I have found out in the last few days, tho, is this: the searchers went back out to the area where Marina was spotted and they think they've located the spot where she landed. She had fallen backwards after the earth gave way under her. They are saying she fell about 40 feet...not the 15 feet she initially reported to 9-1-1. This would explain why she is in very rough shape. She has a major concussion and a severly bruised back. It hurts to even breathe right now. She has a hard time opening her eyes b/c she is seeing "double" and is sensitive to light. It's going to be a long road to recovery. But, her spirits are GOOD and she is determined to get better. She's a fighter!!! Not only that but she is anxious to tell her story about the "lady" in the woods. You have NO idea how full my heart is over this!!
For those of you that don't know, Marina is an emergency room nurse. She is married and has two boys...one of the boys is the same age as Jake. We've been friends about 10 years now. Please pray she will make a full recovery...she means the world to a LOT of people in this community!!!
More later everyone. I am still basking in God's goodness and the PROOF that there really ARE angels among us!!!
Love and Hugs~ Nan XOX
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
I Must Give Credit Where Credit Is Due....
So, in regards to the last post about my little "jaunt" to the lower 48...this would NOT be possible if it weren't for one very special person that makes it all happen. Yep...you guessed it...my MAIN SQUEEZE...my BETTER HALF...the LOVE of my LIFE....Tony!!!!!!!!! If it weren't for his love and support and general knowledge of how to keep me happy...I wouldn't be going ANYWHERE!! Let me back up for a sec and give you the "low down" on how this all happened. I was at work yesterday morning and my boss asked me if I'd already bought my tickets for our trip in July. Of course, I said "Yes...why?" She informed me that Alaska Air was having a major fare sale. I said "Really? Like, how good are the prices??" I was very interested at this point (as anyone that lives here would be!) She told me it was less than $200 one way to Seattle. So, I immediately went to the Alaska Air site to check it out for myself. Lo and behold...it was $169 one way to Seattle AND Portland!! I think I literally sucked my breath in at that moment...and just about started hyperventilating. That price is UNHEARD of these days....I was in SHOCK to say the least. I immediately went to the instant message program at work and sent Tony an I.M. with the details of what I'd found out. I said "$169 one way to PDX!!!! OMG!!!!!" His response without missing a BEAT was "When do you leave?" LOL!! Y'all....I have to take a moment...a moment of silence if you will. :) This is TRULY a man that understands and RECOGNIZES that "If mama aint happy"....well YOU know the rest!! Need I say more?? Actually, not only does he know the above...but he just knows ME...very, very well. LOL!! That's what 13 years of marriage will do y'all. Mmmm...Hmmmm!! :)
Thanks, baby......YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO ME!!!!! Thank you for all your love and support and especially for being the kind of dad that can hold down the fort while mama is off playin' and visiting the fam. You ROCK!!! I only wish everyone could have such a wonderful partner in this crazy thing we call "life". You get the "Best Husband In The World" award!! Wink!!
OK...enough gushing for one night. Back to my glass of wine and American Idol. Go Danny!! :)
Night!! Nan XOX
Thanks, baby......YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO ME!!!!! Thank you for all your love and support and especially for being the kind of dad that can hold down the fort while mama is off playin' and visiting the fam. You ROCK!!! I only wish everyone could have such a wonderful partner in this crazy thing we call "life". You get the "Best Husband In The World" award!! Wink!!
OK...enough gushing for one night. Back to my glass of wine and American Idol. Go Danny!! :)
Night!! Nan XOX
I've Never Been Good At Keeping Secrets
Well...let's see. Guess I'll start with the fact that I bought a ticket home, y'all. In light of everything that's happened and what is ABOUT to happen...I am OUTTA HERE!! LOL!! Just kidding....I mean, I *am* outta here but not really for the above reasons. Yes...I was out of my mind with worry on Monday night and Yes...my sister *is* about to give birth any minute...but the truth of the matter is that Alaska Air decided to throw a big "fare sale" and I just could NOT pass it up. The timing couldn't be better. I want to see my mom and make double-sure she *is* indeed OK...I feel the need to see it with my own eyes. Secondly, I know it would mean the world to Becky if I showed up after the baby gets here. Sooo....all that said...I fly out on the 22nd which is the long "holiday" weekend. This way, too, I don't miss more work than necessary. I am SO excited!! And so is mom. I *wasn't* going to tell her...but knowing MY mother...It wouldn't surprise me in the least if she up and took off for the long weekend. It would stress me out too much not knowing if she was going to do something crazy and not be there when I get there! LOL!! She isn't going to let ONE little fainting spell slow HER down...no SIR!! Ahem!
So, I called mom today to check on her and tell her the news that I'm visiting much earlier than expected. She is happy!! We ARE NOT going to tell Becky, tho, that I'm coming. Since she doesn't read my blog...she won't even KNOW!! LOL!! So....for those that DO read this blog...MUM'S THE WORD!!!! Shhhhhhhh!!!!!!! That means YOU Lori, Dad, Rochelle, and whoever else I'm leaving out!! LOL!!
Life is calming down again now that I know mom is doing well. (She is home taking it easy for the rest of the week. She's hoping Becky has the baby and SOON or she won't be able to take any more time off work.) Tony and I are just keeping busy with work and getting Jake through his last month at school. I can't believe it's almost summer! The skunk cabbage is coming up, the cruise ships are starting to arrive, and construction signs are going up everywhere. Yep...summer is just about here!!!
Did I tell y'all that Julie found out she's having another boy?? We (me and Julie) are THRILLED!! Now I spend most waking hours trying to come up with a name. They (she and Chris) are really picky so this is going to be tough. Speaking of which, their son, Kai, is starting Kindergarten in the fall. I am so excited to announce that Jake is going to switch schools and go to Point Higgins next year also (which is where Kai will be going.) We are all excited about the change...it is LONG overdue.
So, that's the latest so far. Jake is going to Lori's again for daycare this summer. He would be too bored if we left him home so that's not an option just yet. He would beg to differ on that, I'm sure.
OK...I better run. Lots to do. :) Oh wait...I forgot to mention the Ladies group I'm "joining". LOL!! I found out this morning that there is a group of ladies that go out every Tuesday night to Kayak. It was started by an outfit here in town that offers kayaking tours etc. Anyway, it's only $15 dollars to go!! AND...you double up with another lady in a "double" kayak. It just doesn't get much better people!! And you can't beat the price!!! I am SO EXCITED!!!! Can you tell??? LOL!!!!
Have a great "hump day" y'all!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs~ Nan XOX
So, I called mom today to check on her and tell her the news that I'm visiting much earlier than expected. She is happy!! We ARE NOT going to tell Becky, tho, that I'm coming. Since she doesn't read my blog...she won't even KNOW!! LOL!! So....for those that DO read this blog...MUM'S THE WORD!!!! Shhhhhhhh!!!!!!! That means YOU Lori, Dad, Rochelle, and whoever else I'm leaving out!! LOL!!
Life is calming down again now that I know mom is doing well. (She is home taking it easy for the rest of the week. She's hoping Becky has the baby and SOON or she won't be able to take any more time off work.) Tony and I are just keeping busy with work and getting Jake through his last month at school. I can't believe it's almost summer! The skunk cabbage is coming up, the cruise ships are starting to arrive, and construction signs are going up everywhere. Yep...summer is just about here!!!
Did I tell y'all that Julie found out she's having another boy?? We (me and Julie) are THRILLED!! Now I spend most waking hours trying to come up with a name. They (she and Chris) are really picky so this is going to be tough. Speaking of which, their son, Kai, is starting Kindergarten in the fall. I am so excited to announce that Jake is going to switch schools and go to Point Higgins next year also (which is where Kai will be going.) We are all excited about the change...it is LONG overdue.
So, that's the latest so far. Jake is going to Lori's again for daycare this summer. He would be too bored if we left him home so that's not an option just yet. He would beg to differ on that, I'm sure.
OK...I better run. Lots to do. :) Oh wait...I forgot to mention the Ladies group I'm "joining". LOL!! I found out this morning that there is a group of ladies that go out every Tuesday night to Kayak. It was started by an outfit here in town that offers kayaking tours etc. Anyway, it's only $15 dollars to go!! AND...you double up with another lady in a "double" kayak. It just doesn't get much better people!! And you can't beat the price!!! I am SO EXCITED!!!! Can you tell??? LOL!!!!
Have a great "hump day" y'all!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs~ Nan XOX
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Stress Test
Well, my mom had her stress test this morning and she passed with "flying colors" (her words.) She is being released from the hospital today. This is such an answer to prayer...although it would be nice to know what actually caused her to collapse. We may never know. At any rate, she is doing well and says she feels fine. She is going to have them check out her gall bladder as gall bladder issues run in our family. Other than that, there's nothing to report as of now. No news is good news, right? :)
As far as Becky is concerned, I wasn't able to reach her. I'm really hoping she isn't having the baby TODAY! LOL!! My aunt, Lori, is keeping an eye on everyone for me. She's the ROCK in our family and I'm so thankful to have her.
So, that's it for now. Praise the Lord for answered prayer! He is so good to us once again!!
Hugs~ Nan
As far as Becky is concerned, I wasn't able to reach her. I'm really hoping she isn't having the baby TODAY! LOL!! My aunt, Lori, is keeping an eye on everyone for me. She's the ROCK in our family and I'm so thankful to have her.
So, that's it for now. Praise the Lord for answered prayer! He is so good to us once again!!
Hugs~ Nan
Monday, May 4, 2009
An Awesome Email
Got this tonight from a man our church has been praying for. I thought it was so awesome!! I believe "H.S."= "Holy Spirit". If only we could ALL have this perspective! Wow!!! And to get this after what happened with MY mom....Holy Cow!!! Do you think someone is trying to tell me something??? :)
**After sitting very still and paying attention to what was going on in this critter body "I Am" gifted me with, I came to the conclusion that this is probably what they call a heart attack. The pain wasn't unbearable or debilitating or frightening, it was just a careful analysis over a period of an hour that the Spirit assured me this was indeed something I needed to go through. Not so much for me but for everyone else. I shaved, brushed my teeth, sat down, called Mary to me so we could have a talk. After explaining to her what was happening and where all the papers and etc. were, she took me to the E.R. in Baker.
At the E.R. I walked into the reception, picked up the phone and explained to the woman that I was having a heart attack. The circus began. After stripping me of my clothes, dignity, and whatever else was loose,(they even managed a stool sample) they began applying stickers, wires, tubes, monitors, gauges, wrenches, and other odds and ends from around the room. I'm convinced that they had an old war surplus 55 gallon drum of blood thinner sitting around that they saw a chance of getting rid of.. The Doc. confirmed with some excitement that they did indeed have a heart attack in process. They wadded me up to fit into into the rear end of a helicopter. So far, I felt detached from the whole process to that of a spectator. Being a Spiritual being assigned to this critter body, allowed me to spend time traveling around it with H.S. in peace and safety. After the Helicopter. arrived, Ron, Deb, and the Pastor from the local AG showed up and prayed for me. As they were screwing me into place in the helicopter, my symptoms disappeared.
Through the 40 minute flight, I felt in a fog of love, warmth and peace. H.S. and I looked over the situation and He said, "You have a very good heart." I wept.
At St. Al's in Boise the flurry of activity never subsided until they went in through my Femoral artery to see what they had. They inserted several wires, tubes, devices of various kinds and probably some stuff that was laying around the room they had to get rid of. They found a little damage, no need for Angio- plasti or stint. They withdrew and sent me to my room.
Their incision would not stop bleeding for two days (remember the 55 gallon drum.) Five days in the hosp. with a fine staff. The insisted that I lay flat on my back the whole time which left me with fatigue, back pain, and no sleep. The only discomfort was the point of incision and my back. It's always the same. They wake you up to see if you are resting OK or to give you a sleeping pill. You wear a blood pressure monitor that squeezes your arm every 15 minutes. Sleep? Riiiiight.
After the cut quit oozing, and they had removed all the extemporaneous wires, tubes, etc. Mary brought me home.
(Friday pm)
Through it all I was able to enjoy the whole process from the vantage point of a free man just passing through this amazing place. A lot of characters played a role in this episode, some I was able to speak a word of rebuke and others of encouragement and to all gratitude. Friends and family were involved too, of course, but I saw the face of fear in many and I don't think I want any of that.
It was my joy to experience this. No heavy revvy here, just an ordinary heart attack. No great revelations, profound insights to anything. I thoroughly enjoyed the time with H.S. This was just a blip for His purposes, not even a dry run. It ain't my time, baby! Me and H.S. have some stuff to do. In the mean time, all my plans are cancelled and a long rest period is in store. Lookin' forward to it.. The prayers of so many are highly appreciated. Thank you.
Yr.Stmblng.Srvnt. R.
**After sitting very still and paying attention to what was going on in this critter body "I Am" gifted me with, I came to the conclusion that this is probably what they call a heart attack. The pain wasn't unbearable or debilitating or frightening, it was just a careful analysis over a period of an hour that the Spirit assured me this was indeed something I needed to go through. Not so much for me but for everyone else. I shaved, brushed my teeth, sat down, called Mary to me so we could have a talk. After explaining to her what was happening and where all the papers and etc. were, she took me to the E.R. in Baker.
At the E.R. I walked into the reception, picked up the phone and explained to the woman that I was having a heart attack. The circus began. After stripping me of my clothes, dignity, and whatever else was loose,(they even managed a stool sample) they began applying stickers, wires, tubes, monitors, gauges, wrenches, and other odds and ends from around the room. I'm convinced that they had an old war surplus 55 gallon drum of blood thinner sitting around that they saw a chance of getting rid of.. The Doc. confirmed with some excitement that they did indeed have a heart attack in process. They wadded me up to fit into into the rear end of a helicopter. So far, I felt detached from the whole process to that of a spectator. Being a Spiritual being assigned to this critter body, allowed me to spend time traveling around it with H.S. in peace and safety. After the Helicopter. arrived, Ron, Deb, and the Pastor from the local AG showed up and prayed for me. As they were screwing me into place in the helicopter, my symptoms disappeared.
Through the 40 minute flight, I felt in a fog of love, warmth and peace. H.S. and I looked over the situation and He said, "You have a very good heart." I wept.
At St. Al's in Boise the flurry of activity never subsided until they went in through my Femoral artery to see what they had. They inserted several wires, tubes, devices of various kinds and probably some stuff that was laying around the room they had to get rid of. They found a little damage, no need for Angio- plasti or stint. They withdrew and sent me to my room.
Their incision would not stop bleeding for two days (remember the 55 gallon drum.) Five days in the hosp. with a fine staff. The insisted that I lay flat on my back the whole time which left me with fatigue, back pain, and no sleep. The only discomfort was the point of incision and my back. It's always the same. They wake you up to see if you are resting OK or to give you a sleeping pill. You wear a blood pressure monitor that squeezes your arm every 15 minutes. Sleep? Riiiiight.
After the cut quit oozing, and they had removed all the extemporaneous wires, tubes, etc. Mary brought me home.
(Friday pm)
Through it all I was able to enjoy the whole process from the vantage point of a free man just passing through this amazing place. A lot of characters played a role in this episode, some I was able to speak a word of rebuke and others of encouragement and to all gratitude. Friends and family were involved too, of course, but I saw the face of fear in many and I don't think I want any of that.
It was my joy to experience this. No heavy revvy here, just an ordinary heart attack. No great revelations, profound insights to anything. I thoroughly enjoyed the time with H.S. This was just a blip for His purposes, not even a dry run. It ain't my time, baby! Me and H.S. have some stuff to do. In the mean time, all my plans are cancelled and a long rest period is in store. Lookin' forward to it.. The prayers of so many are highly appreciated. Thank you.
Yr.Stmblng.Srvnt. R.
Healthy Dose Of Reality
Nothing gives you a "reality" check like a good, solid "health" scare...whether it be yourself or a parent or especially a child. Recently, it was my own that got me re-evaluating where I stood with God and my life. About three weeks ago, I discovered a lump in my neck. It had been there for quite some time but had grown in size considerably and was now tender and sore. I thought "Oh Great. Now it will *have* to be looked at." So, I didn't mess around...not with MY history. I called the surgeon's office and told the gal quite frankly..."I have a lump and I want it removed." She was ever so gracious and empathetic. I told her about my history of Melanoma etc...etc...and to get me in asap because we all know too well how the mind "works". I knew I'd be planning my funeral before the week was over. I had an appt a week out from that very phone call. So, to make a long story short, I saw Dr. Garcia...the new surgeon in town. Dr. Garcia came with 16 years of experience and I felt confident he probably knew what he was talking about. He told me the lump was more than likely an inflamed lymph node and that I should keep an eye on it...take some Ibuprofen. He was more than willing, however, to take it out if that's what I wanted. I wasn't sure in that moment EXACTLY what I wanted. I liked the idea of the "wait and see" approach. I figured...I can *always* have it taken out later if I change my mind. I really liked the fact, too, that the Dr. wasn't anxious to start cutting on me! The idea of someone yanking out a lymph node for no reason didn't sit well with me. God gave us lymph nodes for a reason, right?? LOL!! Sooo...needless to say, I am waiting and I am seeing. :) I am taking Motrin 2-3 times a day and keeping a very close eye on "it". I have a follow up appointment on the 15th. If the lump is still there...I may have him just take it out. That's really the only way to know for sure whether something is malignant or not. This I know to be true! If it does come down to taking it out...I will be heavily sedated...mark my words! Soooooo...I hope my "melanoma friends" out there don't freak out when they read this. I promise to have the lump removed if and when the time comes. I already know all the stats and risks yada, yada, yada. This is my plan and I'm sticking to it! I really feel at peace with my decision and I know the odds of my melanoma coming back are zero to none...wait...wouldn't those be the same thing? Zero? None?? Huh?!? LOL!!!
Anyway, so after all of this "drama" I was getting back to a normal life. Heck, we even had a week of sunshine to take my mind off of it all. Life was good and we didn't seem to have a care in the world. Then ZAP! Back to reality once again TODAY when my baby sister calls me with "news". I about had a heart-attack. It's that *one* phone call you just KNOW you are going to get when you live on an island 1000 miles away from "home". She was calling to tell me that my mother "passed out" at work today. Unbeknownst to ME...not only did she pass out but she got right back up and started working again!!! She is SO much like ME...or is it vice-a-versa??? I would have done the same...making sure my job was taken care of. Anyway...she started not feeling well so she called a friend to drive her to the E.R. Sure enough...they started doing all kinds of stuff. Apparently, it might have something to do with her heart. Crystal (the baby of the family) said that my mom felt "heart palpitations" right before she went down. Thank the Lord she didn't hit her noggin on the way down!! Anyway, so she's in the hospital tonight. She will have a stress test on her heart in the a.m. I am PRAYING they will find the problem and be able to FIX HER!!! This has been so stressful...I can't even tell you. Nothing serious has EVER happened to my parents and to be quite frank...I was hoping we would go a LONG time before something did. Like I said earlier...re-evaluating EVERYTHING. Sigh. I will be going to God tonight with a LOT of questions. All I can do is hope I get answers. I am just SO grateful He has watched out for us like He has. Between her and I....it could have been a LOT worse. (She's probably going to kill me for putting this on my blog by the way.......Sigh.)
So, we are both waiting and seeing. I will keep you posted on both of us. I'm more concerned about mom, tho. I can handle anything that comes MY way....it's much easier to be the one going through the valley. Much harder to watch those you love go thru stuff. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a total control freak. This is something that drives me CRAZY in times like this!!
Not much else is happening. I am counting the days until we go south...we really need a vacation!! And, of course, in light of everything I will want to see my mother with my OWN eyes and give her the biggest hug of her life!!
Thanks for listening...reading...praying! This is a great place to "vent" and I appreciate you all so much. On a lighter note...Don't forget...Mother's Day is Sunday!!!! :)
Love and Peace~ Nan XOX
P.S. I heard my other sister, Becky, may be going into labor. Pray for her, too!! She needs it!
Anyway, so after all of this "drama" I was getting back to a normal life. Heck, we even had a week of sunshine to take my mind off of it all. Life was good and we didn't seem to have a care in the world. Then ZAP! Back to reality once again TODAY when my baby sister calls me with "news". I about had a heart-attack. It's that *one* phone call you just KNOW you are going to get when you live on an island 1000 miles away from "home". She was calling to tell me that my mother "passed out" at work today. Unbeknownst to ME...not only did she pass out but she got right back up and started working again!!! She is SO much like ME...or is it vice-a-versa??? I would have done the same...making sure my job was taken care of. Anyway...she started not feeling well so she called a friend to drive her to the E.R. Sure enough...they started doing all kinds of stuff. Apparently, it might have something to do with her heart. Crystal (the baby of the family) said that my mom felt "heart palpitations" right before she went down. Thank the Lord she didn't hit her noggin on the way down!! Anyway, so she's in the hospital tonight. She will have a stress test on her heart in the a.m. I am PRAYING they will find the problem and be able to FIX HER!!! This has been so stressful...I can't even tell you. Nothing serious has EVER happened to my parents and to be quite frank...I was hoping we would go a LONG time before something did. Like I said earlier...re-evaluating EVERYTHING. Sigh. I will be going to God tonight with a LOT of questions. All I can do is hope I get answers. I am just SO grateful He has watched out for us like He has. Between her and I....it could have been a LOT worse. (She's probably going to kill me for putting this on my blog by the way.......Sigh.)
So, we are both waiting and seeing. I will keep you posted on both of us. I'm more concerned about mom, tho. I can handle anything that comes MY way....it's much easier to be the one going through the valley. Much harder to watch those you love go thru stuff. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a total control freak. This is something that drives me CRAZY in times like this!!
Not much else is happening. I am counting the days until we go south...we really need a vacation!! And, of course, in light of everything I will want to see my mother with my OWN eyes and give her the biggest hug of her life!!
Thanks for listening...reading...praying! This is a great place to "vent" and I appreciate you all so much. On a lighter note...Don't forget...Mother's Day is Sunday!!!! :)
Love and Peace~ Nan XOX
P.S. I heard my other sister, Becky, may be going into labor. Pray for her, too!! She needs it!
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