In a nutshell....
I don't I'll ever be ready to write about the hospital experience. I felt too much, saw too much, feared too much.
Here's an excerpt from my Photography Blog in August 2010....
In early July, I was diagnosed with a Carotid Artery Dissection, which in turn caused Horners Syndrome. I’ve also been found to have BIH which may or may not be related to the Artery Dissection.
Obviously to get those diagnosis’s it involved many, many doctor/specialist appointments, 2 weeks in hospital, a lot of fear and a lot of tears. My vision was affected, I lost most of my hearing, I had 6 lumbar puncture attempts (traumatic) and then experienced an adverse reaction to the LP which forced me to remain flat for five days in a constant state of dizziness and nausea, not moving or able to tolerate light.
Physically, I am healing. I have to take things slow, rest plenty, no lifting. I’m on a lot of medication and am still undergoing a tonne of tests to determine WHY this happened in the first place. (All tests have been coming back with good results)
I’m seeing an awesome GP who is trying to keep me (hopefully) sane through all of this. Emotionally I am a wreck. (hard for me to admit that)
As I typed that post on my blog, tears were streaming down my face. That same afternoon I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
We will never have a definite answer as to WHY the Dissection happened, but latest test results have shown no more evidence of dissection (yay). To put it into simple terms - if the artery had burst (instead of only dissecting) I would have had an Aneurysm/Stroke. The Horners Syndrome is most likely not reversible. (My pupils are still uneven, but the difference is mainly noticeable to myself)
The BIH (swelling of the brain) was definitely caused by my weight. It has reduced over time, but is still evident for now.
All I can do is make myself as strong as I can. (physically and mentally)
Here's an excerpt from my Photography Blog in August 2010....
In early July, I was diagnosed with a Carotid Artery Dissection, which in turn caused Horners Syndrome. I’ve also been found to have BIH which may or may not be related to the Artery Dissection.
Obviously to get those diagnosis’s it involved many, many doctor/specialist appointments, 2 weeks in hospital, a lot of fear and a lot of tears. My vision was affected, I lost most of my hearing, I had 6 lumbar puncture attempts (traumatic) and then experienced an adverse reaction to the LP which forced me to remain flat for five days in a constant state of dizziness and nausea, not moving or able to tolerate light.
Physically, I am healing. I have to take things slow, rest plenty, no lifting. I’m on a lot of medication and am still undergoing a tonne of tests to determine WHY this happened in the first place. (All tests have been coming back with good results)
I’m seeing an awesome GP who is trying to keep me (hopefully) sane through all of this. Emotionally I am a wreck. (hard for me to admit that)
As I typed that post on my blog, tears were streaming down my face. That same afternoon I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
We will never have a definite answer as to WHY the Dissection happened, but latest test results have shown no more evidence of dissection (yay). To put it into simple terms - if the artery had burst (instead of only dissecting) I would have had an Aneurysm/Stroke. The Horners Syndrome is most likely not reversible. (My pupils are still uneven, but the difference is mainly noticeable to myself)
The BIH (swelling of the brain) was definitely caused by my weight. It has reduced over time, but is still evident for now.
All I can do is make myself as strong as I can. (physically and mentally)
5 Comments:
Oh Rach... I don't even know what to say. All I will say, is that I'm glad you're ok and I'm sure with time, you can heal emotionally.
Sending lots of hugs to you Rach. I remember reading it back then and I have the same reaction reading it again now :(
As for the healing emotionally, I don't think anyone could completely heal after experiencing what you did. But thankfully you have a wonderful family, husband, gorgeous children who love you no matter what and will always be there to support you.
Oh wow.... no words Rach just cyber {hugs} xx
Oh Rach you are such an amazingly beautiful, brave, inspirational woman.
I think of you every day as my house is graced with precious moments in time that you captured on camera for us. I am so in your corner cheering you on. XXX
Traumatic is an understatement. Be gentle on yourself (& I think I saying that for me too).
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