Prince George (2 episodes)

Last night I slept right through without getting up even once. I had a good sleep but I still did not want to get out of bed. An hour later I had a blueberry muffin and hot chocolate from tim Hortons. In the car my husband noticed my eyes were getting heavy. Then I went into a full episode that lasted 5-10 minutes. 

A couple hours later we were getting family photos at my Grandparents’ anniversary event. I had another episode between photos that lasted a couple minutes. Later that day I was tired but I did not have any more episodes.

On My Own

This was my first day home alone.  I got up at 7:00am to see my oldest son off to the school track meet.  I was tired but tried to stay up and tidy the house.  Around 9:30am I had an episode that lasted about 10 minutes.

A friend stopped by for a visit which was great. We had tea and chatted for a while. I had another short episode while she was over. My daughter came home at lunch and after she went back to school my husband came home early so we could go see our son compete in his District Track Meet. We got there a bit late on a hot and sunny day.  I had to walk very quickly to make it in time.  When we arrived we saw friends at the gate so I stood at the fence with them.

A few moments later I had another episode. I laid down just in time. I was able to open my eyes after a few seconds and talk but it took about 5 minutes before I could move my toes again.  My friend helped explain to people that I wasn’t dehydrated and that I was alright but everyone nearby was very helpful.

This was my last daily episode.  Throughout June and most of July I had very few episodes and was able to get back into normal routines. I took the kids on bike rides, spent time at the lake, went swimming and hiking. The only thing I did not do was drive.

Kids Come Home

My parents brought the kids home today and decided to spend the week with us. It was so nice to see everyone. I forgot how much energy the kids had!  I had to rest a lot but it was great to spend time with the family in our own home. I mostly stayed on the couch but things were finally starting to feel more normal.

It was really nice having Mom and Dad around to help take care of the kids and myself.  I am very lucky to be surrounded by amazing family and friends.

Getting Out

Today, my husband went outside to do some yard work.  I thought I could water the school’s potato plants in our driveway.  I got about halfway through watering when I felt my body getting heavy. I was able to get myself down before having an episode. My husband calmly mowed the front yard until a neighbour came running over and asked if she should call an ambulance. My husband assured her I was fine and told her not to worry. A few minutes later I was able to move again. I took a short break then finished watering the plants.

That night my husband and I decided to go to Costco to get some wings for dinner but I had another episode in the car so he decided to go to KFC and take it hoe instead so he wouldn’t have to worry about me in the store.

First Day Home

The kids went to stay with Grandma and Grandpa for the long weekend which gave me a quiet transition back home.  Today I spent much of the day sleeping in my own bed. I also enjoyed finally being allowed to have a bath in my nice tub.

Released from the Hospital

This morning my husband came to take me home.  All of the tests came back negative and doctors had no idea what was causing the episodes.  They were still happening but it didn’t seem to be affecting my health.

I was released to the care of my husband and family. I was given a sheet of paper with a list of psychologists and psychiatrists and told not to come back to the hospital unless my symptoms got worse.

Tavis asked for advice on getting help as I was clearly unable to take care of myself let alone my kids. The only suggestion they had was to get a nanny as my condition was not a medical issue.

At least my home would more comfortable than being in the hospital.

Cinco De Mayo +9

At 10:00am I finally received word that my LP was scheduled for 11:30am.  At 10:30am I had another episode. The Porter came to get me at 11:15 and I was transported downstairs.  There was a bit of a wait but I was brought in at 11:55.  The “5 minute procedure” ended up taking almost an hour. Even under the imagery it took 2 tries.  I had an episode during the procedure.  The first try they hit a nerve which shot my left leg out and was quite painful.  The second attempt was a success and it took less than 10 minutes to extract the fluid. I was back up in my bed by 1:00pm with instructions to stay laying down for 1 hour.

At 2:00pm I got the OK to leave the hospital on a day pass and attend the kids’ student led conferences.  My husband came to pick me up at 3:00 and we surprised the kids 🙂  I had 3 episodes during the 2 hours I was at the school. One time I went down in the middle of the hallway on our way to the computer lab.  I think I pushed myself too hard but it was great to see the kids and all the work they have done this year. Then we went home for a quick dinner.

At 6:00pm we went back to the hospital.  My bed had been moved out into the hall.  I was now placed directly across from the nurse’s station.

That night I played Candy Crush while laying on my stomach in my bed. Then I moved to my back to sleep. I must have pinched something because I immediately got a sharp pain in my chest.  It felt as though someone was squeezing my lungs and would not let go.  It hurt as bad as a contraction that would not end.  I was able to get my nurse’s attention and she took my vitals.  Everything appeared alright so she held my hand until the pain started to go away. It lasted about 5 minutes. After that I went into another episode of paralysis before finally getting some rest.

Cinco De Mayo +8

Tonight the neurologist got tired of waiting for the LP.  He attempted to do it himself.  Unfortunately, he just wasn’t able to get the right spot. After 4 failed attempts he decided to stop and wait for the lumbar puncture under fluoroscopy. We hoped it would be done before the end of the week as that was the final test before I could be deemed physically healthy and released from the hospital.

Cinco De Mayo +6

Today I started physiotherapy. I had to walk for 20 minutes around the ward with a wheelchair right behind me to catch me when I fell. At first I needed to use the wheelchair quite a bit but I was slowly able to walk further without falling.

Cinco De Mayo +5

Today was Mother’s Day.  It was a quiet day because the kids were with Grandma and Grandpa.  That night they visited me in the hospital. The kids gave me lots of cards and 3 beautiful plants. Tavis got me a wheelchair and we went outside in the courtyard to enjoy some time in the garden with our Subway sandwiches. It was a short visit but the highlight of my entire weekend.