Hey guys, quick update. I finally got free of my umbilical cord of saline long enough to type a bit on the computer here in my room. I'd like to get some valuable crappy cable TV viewing in before the Ambien kicks in, so this will be brief.
I won't go into too much detail about my experiences 'cause that would just rain on The Mister's parade over at his blog. He's doing a bang up job detailing my medical experiences over the past few months.
Here's the short of it: I'm severely anemic, more than likely aplastic anemia. The docs are searching for a solution to my severely low blood counts-which likely caused all the heart problems I've been having. Since I've been in the hospital, I've been pumped with four units of blood, bringing my counts up slightly, but not to the point where the docs feel good about discharging me.
Today I had a bone marrow biopsy . This was TEH BIG SUCK. I had a pathologist (who bore a striking resemblance to Oliver Platt) basically bore a hole in my hip and jam some big ass needle into my bone to pluck out some marrow. Fucking A that hurt. Felt like someone reaching into my body and yanking really hard on my hipbone. Then kicking me really hard in the ass a few times.
Y'all are all smart people; guess you can figure out the gist of the situation when bone marrow becomes involved.
There's all sorts of tales to tell about my experiences thus far, but I'm pooped from sitting on my ass all day on a hospital bed. At least I'm out of the hospital gown and into my own pj's.
From the bottom of my blood-deprived heart, I want to thank all of my interweb friends for their good wishes and prayers and love. I swear, when I get to the other side of this, I am going to save my pennies for a trip 'round the world to give each one of you a big ole' hug and a baked good.
Thanks to my Richmond friends who have been calling, stopping by, bringing me magazines and YUM doughnuts. I've got some of the bestest buds a gal could ask for.
Once all the news that is fit to print comes to light, I will try my darnedest to blog about it soon-ish.
Over and out from St. Mary's Hospital, room 618
Your Host
Other Places I Babble
4 comments:
Holy Shizne! I'm so sorry you're going through all this. I've been waiting with bated breath to see how things are going for you - Friday when I saw you I couldn't believe how pale you looked. I had no idea it was so serious. Your PCP and those previously "helping" with your early symptoms need to be kicked. Would you like me to do a shin job for you until you're up and running and ready to do some serious ball-punching later?
Hang in there,
Kim
I'm sending you an email. A long-winded, meddling email. Thought you should know.
Hi Manda,
Keep being strong! My mom was dx with AA in Nov 2004 and after treatment her blood counts have all come back to normal.
She had 3 bone marrow biopsies done and pretty much described it as you did, but in Spanish. Even with a bit of humor.
Sending you a big hug from LA,
- Gary
I've just finished reading the Mister's blog accounts of your illness and I have to say... damn you're incredibly brave.
If you ever make that round the world trip there's a bed and a full English Sunday Roast here in London with your name on it.
Be well.
Post a Comment