July 13, 2012 10:57 PM
In the hospital
An unexpected setback:Tuesday and Wednesday were restful but Thursday I woke up at 4 am with intense pain in my pelvic area. Thinking it was constipation, I tried a couple remedies, but the swelling increased in scope to above my naval. I could hardly move, but Maddy once again loaded me into the car (Tripp was working) to take me to the ER. Tripp followed a short time later and Maddy went home to help with the arrival of the Downzers, whom Matt had driven 5 hours to pick up from Easter Seals Camp.
Scans revealed I was not constipated, but that the mass of blood released when I tore my left pectoral had drifted and settled in my abdomen. It was about 16 cm and growing - because of the blood thinners I was on because of the clot.
They transferred me by ambulance to the hospital (the ER I went to is a freestanding one) and checked me in, making me as comfortable as possible. It was after 1am.
Today, after scans, consultations and deliberations, the hematologist came up with a treatment plan: installing a filter to protect me from a pulmonary embolism so I could stop taking the blood thinners and give the hematoma a chance to rest and hopefully start shrinking.
I do not have a time yet when this will be done. I cannot go home, but will remain here for at least a few days.
The high point of the day was when Matt and Maddy brought my sweet boys to see me. I hadn't seen them since 6/28 when we left for California. Even though M and M had prepared them, they were still quite shocked.
As they were leaving (going to see Brave), Daniel said, "This is scary. I mean it."
Because of his DS/autism, Daniel's triumphs of putting feelings into words stand out more than the most eloquent words I could muster. Bless his heart and thank you, God for giving us the gift of Daniel. This somehow makes me want to work hard and trust God to return our family to the unscary, secure place very soon.
Comments
Good Grief Barbara! Prayers for you and your whole family. What an ordeal you are going through. I know how upsetting it is when a mom gets sick for "typical" kids, especially so for autistic kids. My heart goes out to you.
Posted by: Siobhan | July 14, 2012 1:24 AM
Prayers, Barbara! I feel like a ninny for cheering when I should've been clucking with disapproval about the risks of overdoing it. May Our Lady be at your side as you heal.
Posted by: Tiffany | July 14, 2012 1:56 AM
Barbara, please know that I'm holding you and your sweet family in my prayers. God Bless!
Posted by: Heather P | July 14, 2012 1:58 AM
I am so sorry to hear about the health issues you've been struggling with lately. I am also feeling blessed to read your posts, because through it all you are always so upbeat and able to find the good moments. God bless you and your wonderful family! I will pray for your family and your quick healing. These sorts of stresses are so hard on our special needs kids.
Posted by: Denise | July 14, 2012 3:33 AM
... praying for a swift recovery & that you are comfortable during your hospital stay... & Yes will pray your family returns to the secure unscary place extremely soon... Take care
Posted by: Melanie | July 14, 2012 6:19 AM
Praying for you. Hoping this time of forced rest is tolerable and even profitable.
Posted by: Thia | July 14, 2012 6:22 AM
Wow, Barbara. One adventure after another. Prayers are going up for you, my friend. Thank God that you have such a wonderful family.
Posted by: Sue from Buffalo | July 14, 2012 8:07 AM
God bless you, Barbara. I will keep praying.
Posted by: Marcie | July 14, 2012 8:08 AM
Barbara, I am just reading this post and your previous one. We are storming Heaven's gates on your behalf. We ask for a speedy recovery for you and wisdom and discernment on how to proceed with your treatment for your doctors and caregivers, and for freedom from fear and worry for your whole family. We pray that God's peace would cover you like a blanket and that an army of Angels would surround you with protection. Please keep us posted.
Posted by: Chrissy | July 14, 2012 8:11 AM
Praying for you and your family, Barbara.
Lily
Posted by: Lily | July 14, 2012 8:40 AM
I'm sorry you're going through such a tough time and pray that you'll be back to normal soon. And I'm pretty sure that you had a lot to do with Daniel's being able to express his feelings verbally. What a blessing you and Tripp have been to your sons, as well as their being blessings to you! Get well very soon!!
Posted by: Debbie | July 14, 2012 10:05 AM
God bless you and your dear family! So sorry for so much pain, and I know that a part of that pain is not being able to be there for the family in the way you want to. May you heal quickly and well!
Posted by: Kate J | July 14, 2012 10:22 AM
Good buddy lying there in the "green pastures" of white hospital sheets and "beside the still waters" of all the noisy hustle and bustle of an antiseptic room:
As you lie there letting the skilled med team do what they must to help you, keep repeating in your mind and heart, "JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU!" That's enough to S.O.S. as large a contingent of angelic help as you will need for your present crisis. I join my prayers with everyone else who is seriously concerned AND LOVES you. Sal
Posted by: Leona Choy | July 14, 2012 3:03 PM
Wow, Barbara! So sorry to hear these health issues cascading. Praying for God to place his angels around you and protect you and your family as you heal. Praying for grace and strength for Tripp and your boys.
Thank God it appears you have internet at the hospital. At least you won't have to spend your days watching cheesy soap operas! ;)
Posted by: Rachel | July 14, 2012 3:31 PM
Oh, Barbara, I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this. I will be praying for you and your family.
Posted by: Jenn | July 14, 2012 6:40 PM
Barbara,
Thank you so much for the update... I am sorry that you ended up in the hosptial...I pray that God will give the doctors wisdom to help you. May the Lord be with you and give you His peace.
Praying,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | July 14, 2012 6:52 PM
I'm praying for a quick recovery. I'm amazed you emailed me regarding your contribution to the Big Hearted Family book while you are dealing with hospitalization. You really are an inspiration!
Posted by: Patt | July 14, 2012 7:14 PM
Oh, Barbara, you are such a blessing to my days.By your writings, we share so many of the same interests. I'm always impressed by your "keep on keeping on" attitude through challenges. Remember, if we accept the sufferings He sends us and offer them in union with His sufferings, we receive the greatest rewards. Fr.Paul O'Sullivan has a short essay on suffering that you can probably find online. Will remember you in my prayers and Mass tomorrow.
Posted by: Lela | July 14, 2012 8:03 PM
Oh my goodness. Lifting many prayers from here.
Posted by: Kimberly | July 14, 2012 8:53 PM
Barbara,
Will be praying for a speedy recovery and good rest as well as wisdom for the doctors who are treating you. God bless!
Susan
Posted by: Susan P | July 15, 2012 4:23 PM
May God bless your sweet heart! and your amazing family! I will keep you close in my prayers for a complete recovery and perseverence, patience, trust and love to offer it up in union with Jesus on the cross. Your suffering is so valuable! St. Barbara, pray for Barbara Curtis!
Posted by: Julie Klekas | July 15, 2012 7:44 PM
Barbara....
So sorry to hear of your recent health problems, pain & suffering. PRAYING for you!
Posted by: Beth Lambdin | July 15, 2012 8:52 PM
Dear Barbara, Prayers and love to you and the family. At least you'll never forget the "SUMMER OF 2012" Much love Becky
Posted by: Rebecca Wold | July 15, 2012 10:27 PM
My prayers are with you and your family Barbara! I'm always so impressed by how grace-filled your response to serious situations in life are!
Posted by: Sarah | July 15, 2012 10:39 PM
I am praying for you, Dear Barbara.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
Posted by: Kathy | July 15, 2012 11:20 PM
Hi Barbara~ I'm so sorry for what you're going through and that your trip didn't go as planned. I know this may sound selfish to some but I think you will understand when I ask you in tears if you could please offer up at least some of your suffering for my husband's godson Antonio(2 yrs.) who has been in Children's Hospital for the last few days because of dehydration and his body refusing food/nutrition. The doctors are stumped and his mom sent out an S.O.S. for prayers today. Thank you so much and in this month of His Most Precious Blood I pray that He envelops you in His wounds by the most powerful means of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and brings you peace and comfort. O Crux Fidelis!~ BIG HUG of support~ Linda
Posted by: Linda | July 16, 2012 12:15 AM
Well wishes for a comfortable recovery and peace to they carry on to fill your mighty big shoes.
Posted by: Lisa G | July 16, 2012 7:12 AM
Praying for you and your sweet family. For your doctors' wisdom, and for your healing. May you feel Jesus' strong arms holding you as you recover.
Posted by: Nana | July 16, 2012 10:34 AM
Barbara, I kept checking your blog and felt a sense of foreboding when there were no posts. My husband and I took off to babysit 7 of our grandkids and have just gotten back online to see my fears confirmed due to all of your health problems and travails. You will be back on your feet, dearest friend, but it may take a little time and you can count on my prayers. Thanks for listing your specific needs.
Posted by: Judy | July 16, 2012 11:49 AM
Dear Barbara,
Add me to those praying for your recovery. May the Lord be with your spirit.
Posted by: Karen | July 16, 2012 5:51 PM
Oh, my goodness! I'm praying for your recovery, patience, and the rest of your family. Thankful that Maddy is home and that you have (humble) Matt on the scene to love and help with the boys. And, of course, Tripp--steady, as always.
I wish I was closer to help, but will pray for everyone's needs to be met.
I look forward to hearing how you saw God in all of this.
blessings, friend!
Posted by: von | July 16, 2012 6:49 PM
Barbara, I am so sorry! I pray that God will heal your body quickly.
Hugs,
Jeanette
Posted by: Jeanette | July 16, 2012 7:33 PM
Yikes, Barbara! Take care of yourself, and get well soon -
Prayers going up for you and your family - ???
Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, TX | July 16, 2012 8:37 PM
Barbara, I'm so sorry to read about your health setbacks! I'm sending up Memorares for a speedy recovery for you, and strength and support for your amazing family at this time.
Posted by: Stephanie Hopping | July 17, 2012 11:13 AM
Saying prayers for a speedy recovery and recuperation and resilience for those at home.
God bless.
Posted by: kelly | July 17, 2012 1:56 PM
My goodness! Praying for a quick and full recovery!
Posted by: Kristina | July 17, 2012 7:18 PM
Barbara,
Just wanted you to know that I check your site several times a day, and say a prayer for you each time I check for an update.
HUGS!
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | July 17, 2012 8:18 PM
So sorry to hear your summer plans were derailed and you are still having health problems. Praying for your quick recovery. Hugs, Amy
Posted by: Amy | July 18, 2012 9:13 AM
