Mireille R.

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Episode # 2 was scarier than surgery and episode #1 combined...and everything else I had to live yet....
Woke up Saturday morning (Oct 11th) shaky, wobbly and slow but ...OK...  Was using the walker as a ''security blanket''. Started a headache around 13:00.  Milaine visited around 16:00.  Around 18:30 the right side of my neck, face and forehead started to get numb... right arm and leg were getting unpredictable and out of control... headache was increasing....  Decided to phone ''juliela'' a nurse and OH friend around 19:30.  She asked me what the hell I was doing and how long it would take me to call the ambulance....lol... So I phoned the ambulance again, and left a message for Milaine.
22:00  Back to the General Hospital Emergency.  CT-Scan of my head: everything OK...Still have my brain!!!   No problems there!  Blood tests...and wait.  Milaine and Julie spent the night with me...They were marvelous. They were great friends...   Merci beaucoup les filles...
I was admitted on the 6th floor Sunday morning around 06:00.  Later in the morning, I saw Dr A. W.  the pompous, arrogant, condescending doctor in charge of my ''case'' (I called him ''GOD HIMSELF'').  Won't see him again until I'm ready to leave (according to HIM ).  Saw a couple of residents, and other specialists.  Kitchen is Not equipped for WLS...  Had Milaine bring food from home and saw the Nut. who really tried to help... More blood tests and other tests.  My blood pressure is all over the place.  Meds are changed and/or added:  like a 81mg aspirin (I know... NO NSAIDS but even if I'm very vocal GOD HIMSELF knows better).    Except for my right arm, all my symptoms are getting worst:  more numbness,  right side of neck very painful, eyes playing dirty tricks, headaches constant and stronger, right leg really Dumb ( not numb) and unpredictable, no balance at all, very weak.   Can't do anything without the walker...Despite all the tests and inquiries they can't find what is really wrong nor the cause....They called me ''The Mystery Lady''.
I spoke to Dr Dent who was a big help, explaining a few things,  really encouraging me, a calming factor.   He also contacted Dr Graber and kept him informed.  Sunday, I was so weak, I could not walk with a walker to the wall in front of my room.  By Wednesday, out of stubbornness and determination, I was able to walk around the 6th floor with a walker...most of the time.  Wednesday morning GOD HIMSELF informed me that it was not a TIA (Trans Ischemic Attack ).  He added that I  probably had a mini stroke and that I was leaving since He could not do anything more. HE also made arrangements for an appointment at the Stroke Assessment Clinic ( just in December).  I went home against my better judgment but also happy to sleep in my own bed....
Thursday 16th wasn't bad. Friday 17 was awful: headache 8-9 on a scale of 10, numbness more pronounced, right side of the face swollen, right leg terrible...etc. Saturday ... was the same.  Sunday was a bit better...went to the east end meeting...interesting and fun...but no balance, no energy..  Monday, Dr Graber asked and answered a lot of questions and gave me some advices. He also had Lisa and Evelyn call me. Tuesday 21th  was the first day the headache abated a little... still no energy, just wanted to sleep... Wednesday 22th, Lisa phoned again...I felt a bit better, still unable to go out and drive.   Thursday 23^rd, my balance is better and my headache is less severe. I  tried to drive around… I could not turn my head…felt dizzy.  Friday 24^th, I had a better coordination: I could walk without the walker as long as I was close to a wall or a counter.  Around 10:00, there was a weird return of numbness and  I was very tired with a big headache.  I was unable to go to Loblaw’s in the afternoon, my right nostril was blocked, I was dizzy with a very big headache.  Saturday 25^th, I could walk a little without the walker but I could not turn or move rapidly without being dizzy…  I was NOT drunk, but I felt slightly drunk…I slept a lot, unable to drive or go out…
I cancelled  my appointment with Dr Graber again...  No way I can drive 5 hours…Sunday I drove to the support group meeting and spoke to Dr Graber.  I wanted to talk to some people but I was too tired and had to leave while I could...
Still love my RNY....  
Would do it again tomorrow !!!!

Left Utica at 11:00 arrived around 16:00 yesterday afternoon (Thuesday 23rd).  Took route 12 and 812 because I wanted to stop easily if tired.  Beautiful drive.  Will take this route as often as possible.
I was really ready for that surgery convinced that nothing could go wrong.  Thursday (18th) I arrived at the hospital at 10:00 right on time but 30 minutes late on the second floor because I wanted to leave all my valuable in the hospital safe.  In no time I was in bed being prepared and joking with every one.  At 13:00 I was wheeled down to the operating room and brought in the waiting area. Saw the first anaesthesiologist and Dr Graber.  Kept on talking and joking with the nurse.  Suddenly, she said I was flushed and asked if I was itchy, left and came back with the anaesthesiologist.   Then I was hooked to a monitor and all hell broke loose… merde et remerde  (s hit and double s hit)…..Then a technician and a real EKG, in case the one there is not accurate…. Merde et Remerde….Now 2 anaesthesiologists with Dr Graber… I could not believe my eyes … I did not  want to believe my ears!!!!  My heart was acting up, erratic.   Possible NO GO. ….merde Merde, MERDE et REMERDE.  I was fully aware and alert and thinking of throwing a real French tantrum …Dr Graber asked for a cardiologist.  After examining my file and asking a lot of questions the cardiologist told me that I had Atrial Febrillation and that the surgery would be done …Friday.  Back to the second floor and shipped to the hotel by taxi!!! (too drugged to drive ****) I was pissed, frustrated, exhausted and on DAMNED CLEAR FLUIDS!!!!     Answered some calls ( merci Michelle,  you really calmed me and helped me to relax) and went to sleep….

There is a good side to rehearsals… Friday morning I was early, I knew what to expect…Around 12:00 a third anaesthesiologist showed up (beau comme un dieu ..aaww…) and assured me that surgery would take place …they were ready for my erratic heart!!!!  So I calmed down and went into surgery relaxed, convinced everything would be OK.  I was back in my room around 18:00, out of bed and helped to the bathroom around 20:00.  I was helped to a short walk in the hall later that night. Things have been going smoothly, some pain mostly due to gas. I have a enormous bruise below the belly button….
??? Wonder why???...

Dr Graber wanted to release me Saturday but, since I was on my own, I asked for another day (playing it safe).  I left the hospital Sunday morning.  Saw Dr Graber Monday around 12:00, met Alison, went to Walmart and was back at the hotel around 16:00…Not bad for day 3 after surgery Lol lol…

This wonderful wild ride started June 11^th….
I can’t believe the roller coaster!!!...

3 months later here I am: on the LOOSER’S BENCH!!!!

And SO HAPPY to be there!!!! Thanks to all of you!!!

OH is a great, supporting, warm family.

MERCI

Lets look at the bright side!!!..

Cell phone: Carlos made my day with his Walmart phone!!  Will  check  that and a few other things.
No GPS but a very god map of Utica .
Staying at the Red Roof Inn---fridge, micro wave and internet for 66$ /night + tax.  
 All my pants have elastic waists and some are a bit big because...I lost 20lbs  since July 29th  and, according to Dr Dent's measurements, 3 inches around the waist..Olé!!!