Friday, February 14, 2014

Finding My Breath on Valentine's Day.

Reporting in this morning from LM's house under care by the VNA. On Wednesday morning just before 8 am, I walked from my car to the office in bitter cold but refreshing air. As I reached the door to the office, I collapsed, out of breath, against the side of the building.  After some time, I gathered enough strength to open the door and get inside across the lobby to my desk, before collapsing again. Still, I wasn't scared enough to think anything more than the fact that it was caused by the pneumonia recovery and the very cold air. I started my day at my desk, caught up on e-mail and other tasks, and feeling very tired with some chest pressure. Just before 11 am, I got up to walk the length of the office to the accounting office and only got half-way there before having to lean against a table to get my breath again. I told a friend how I was feeling and before I knew it the paramedics were there and I was off on a noisy, fast ride to Cape Cod Hospital in very unstable condition, oxygen levels, heartrate and BP were all over the place and I still had no idea what could be happening to me. After numerous tests they came in to tell me that I had come dangerously close to death due to pulmonary embolisms in my lungs....there were quite a few blood clots and a large one in each lung. No wonder I had no endurance that morning. I was regaled in the ER about other patients not even making it in time. EEEEEK. LM was out of town but came back quickly, and his nurse daughter, Meaghan, was at my side throughout the stabilization in the ER....so grateful for that!! By early evening I was in the cardiac unit and being wonderfully cared for.  There was a lot more testing done and close observation, as I had a lot of chest pain, racing heart and faintness.  So now I am on blood thinners and will have to remain in a resting state some more.  VNA is with me at home (they got me out of the hospital as soon as they could because the place is rife with flu....everywhere one turned you could hear the coughing.  AWFUL and made for no rest.
Ms G is doing her best to comfort me and help me to heal. Work has been so concerned. My boss called me last night and urged me not to worry and to let me know I would be paid on a short-term disability basis until I was completely well enough to return. So relieved.

So that is my story this day....and now I need to rest. I wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day and leave you with a little coincidence story....As they wheeled me up to my private room in the cardiac suite at the hospital, LM following closely behind carrying my things, We both had a deja vu moment when I was wheeled right in to the same room LM had occupied in 2008 on Valentine's Day after his heart attack. It was quite eerie, but somehow comforting.  Circles of LIFE.  Precious life.

Love and peace to all......

11 comments:

Balisha said...

Oh, my gosh...how scary. I've been so concerned about you. Life gives us twists and turns and sometimes we need to pay attention to it's warnings. You were very lucky to have people with you. Take care and let others do for you.
Balisha ((HUGS))

Judy said...

Oh my gosh!!! Marcia--so scary! Blood clots are something to pay attention to--yes, if one had broken loose and gone to your heart or brain--we would all be crying and posting comments on what a wonderful woman you WERE!! Now--quit trying to do everything--please take it real easy--you are being paid to rest and get better, so please do. Gosh--this post of yours just scares me so much!!!

Marsha from Massachusetts said...

I had a gut feeling that something else was up besides the pneumonia. So glad they got you to the hospital in time. Rest, rest, and more rest.

Sally Wessely said...

I am in shock! I am grateful you were somewhere that got you help immediately. This is so scary. I have been thinking of you because my husband is so sick with this bronchial thing. I am watching him like a hawk. Please take care. You are in my prayers.

Sharon said...

My heart was racing as I started reading. Thank goodness people acted quickly and you received immediate medical attention. Your close calls this winter remind all of us to pay attention to the signals our bodies send us. I am so relieved that you are on the mend. Take good care ~

MsGraysea said...

Thank you everyone....better day today. Yesterday was not such a good day as some major anxiety and inability to catch my breath took me back to the doctor. Under control now and I finally slept last night. LM doing great job and we are now preparing to be hit by a big blizzard and that means getting some things in the house. I am resting and following orders!

debbie said...

I am trying to get so I can comment on your blog, but not having any luck....debbie

debbie said...

Marcia, I need you to approve me so I can comment on your blog. I've been trying for the last hour to do so...debbie

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Oh Marcia, just have not been reading for a few days.
So sorry
please take care of yourself
and do exactly what it takes to get well.
I have been concerned over you
with all you have been sharing.
Healing Thoughts and prayers going your way.

debbie said...

im trying to start a blog, but am having terrible time. I'm ready to scream....deb

debbie said...

the blog is up, but only part of it works. I don't have any way to see others blogs so I have to save them in favorites. Im not sure why it's even working. Can't make additions like info on the sides...jeez.