As some may or may not have heard much of my digital imprint is becoming filled with references to hospitals and being sick. Well sit where your at and I’ll explain much of what I know that is going no with me.
I had a few symptoms over that past week which were pretty sever, but like any self respecting health care provider I assessed my way out of it being anything grave. I got winded and had a dry cough, adding on top, I was also 2 weeks post neck surgery. I was finally convinced by the wife to at least be checked out, to which I call the ambulance to come and assess me (secretly hoping they would support my side and validate me not going to the hospital). When your hooked up to the Monitor and your heart rate is 150bpm and your SpO2 is 88% at rest you don’t get much of a choice to say no.
In the ER they noticed I had a slight elevation of troponin and sent me for a CT with contrast. Thankfully after the CT is was confirmed that I was not having a heart attack due to a blockage in the heart. Unfortunately it did confirm what was going on with me.
A saddle Embolism; a Clot had formed in the pulmonary artery effectively causing a traffic jam, slowing the red blood cells which are carrying the oxygen to my heart and straining my body. As most likely know, this new found decreased oxygen supply resulted in the heart having to work harder and pump faster to get the amount of oxygen it had been use to prior to the traffic jam.
So admitted I became, a number in a hospital system, wired up for sound and stuck in a bed.
The explanations have made some sense but still seem to be open questions not being addressed. Vascular Surgeon was gone ho day one to do the procedure which involves two femoral cath’s snaked up to the right & left stem of the pulmonary artery respectively. Apply clot busting drugs, add a filter and that be that. Only one hiccup, the neck fusion I had two weeks ago contraindicates any form of clot busters for at least 6 months.
The concern comes because I had bleeding and clotting in a drain post operation, and there is no way to contain the clot busters flow once injected. Giving the high potential the clot busters would flow to the clot which is now preventing bleeding in my neck. Opening said site could cause the blood to flow towards the cage, which was installed as the replacement of my C6-C7 disc, and into my spinal column causing paralysis.
As hours turned into a few days we’ve experienced every emotion one can. Tear’s to anger, Anxiety to emotionally flat, Fears of death to worries of what my new standard of living. Panic over the thought of not being able to teach my boy how to toss, catch or defend him self.
With the ever looming discharge being pushed for since this morning, I feel more and more worried about being a burden to those I once provided for. the lose of the job I am addicted to and the trailing away from the life I once had.
I’m sorry… I had no clue you were so sick. If you need to talk, you know how to get in touch with me
Paul, you are the love of your sweet Jakki’s life and the bestest daddy ever for Myles. You will never be a burden to Jakki or any of your loved ones. It’s going to be a number of months perhaps, but look young man, God gave you a miracle. That clot could have taken you before this. When that thing cruised through your heart, you were one lucky that it cruised and didn’t stop there. You have a right to be concerned about going home. It is a scary thing, knowing what happened to you. Talk to your employer and find out what they can do for you as far as holding your job. Your coworkers might be able to cover for you. You are good at what you do and you can find something in that line again if you need to. God is saving you for a real special life. He saved you so eventually you can toss that ball with Myles. Hang in there and keep a blog going or whatever keeps you busy. You have been blessed and for that everyone is thankful. Love to you and the family!!