Welcome back!
Before we jump in- let's do a quick recap from Episode One.
Tuesday, August 30th- Captain Clarissa, Agent Moon, Chelsea and Grantpa had a grand ole time at the Dixie Chicks concert. It was wicked fun.
Wednesday, August 31st- Back to reality. Clarissa is in a board meeting, things get a little heated and she starts to get a funny feeling. Turns out- that funny feeling was an "aura" (pre-seizure "off/spacy" sensation) or something people often experience before having a seizure. Bam. 3 1/2 minute grand mal seizure. Ambulance comes, she goes to the ER, and then on to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka later that night.
Now--
As I recall, I had a pretty good sleep. Seizures, especially grand mal's, are a pretty good workout. The next day I'm stiff and sore like I'd climbed a mountain and then tumbled down it with my head cocked sideways. Apparently, however, Matt says that the nurses came in and woke me when they checked on me every couple hours throughout the night. Who'dathunk?
Meanwhile, Matt the *usual* morning person, is getting grumpy because he can't find any coffee. "How does a hospital not have any freaking coffee?!"... "People going through traumas and they don't have any coffee to ease their sorrows?! GAH!"
Me (in my newly re-oriented state of awareness): "I'm sure they have some SOMEWHERE. Just sweet-talk a nurse and maybe she can help you out."
Matt: "Aha! I like it!:"
......
Matt: "Well if a nurse doesn't come in here soon I'm gonna get me my own dang coffee at a gas station."
Me: "That works 'cause I need some..uh... lady products."
Matt rolls his eyes and throws a mini-tantrum because in all his experience with women he has NEVER been sent on such an errand! Can you believe it?! I mean, this guy was even married for a time. I find this to be HILARIOUS.
Me: "Now's your chance! You get to be a real man! You can do it!"
Matt: "Can't you ask the nurse for some?"
Me: "I did, but their stuff sucks. It's really uncomfortable."
Matt: "Well, so is this."
Me: "Pony up! Your girlfriend is in the hospital and NEEDS TAMPONS. Don't be the jerk who makes her go without because you're 'too scared to buy them'."
Anyway, Matt leaves to go get coffee and the other essentials, and then my parents arrive. It seems as if they weren't quite sure what to expect. Their furrowed brows eased with relief when they saw me bright-eyed and bushy-tailed sitting up in bed. We talk about the events of last night just a little bit before Matt comes back and someone from radiology arrives to take me down for my first MRI.
Have you ever had an MRI before? It's a weird experience. You lay face up on a vessel that slides in and out of the machine and they stick a foam thing under your knees. They put ear muffs on you and ask for a music preference. Then, if you're a reptile like me, you have to ask for a blanket so you don't get too cold. If it's a fancy MRI place they pull a soft, waffley blanket out of a warmer. If it's not a fancy MRI place, they pull a scratchy blanket off of the stack. This place was not fancy but it was my first rodeo so I didn't know any better. Once they get you fixed up, they slide you into the big white machine and ensure you're ready to go. The tech steps out, talks to you on the intercom, gives you the low-down on the procedures and turns on the tunes! Then the machine starts grumbling. It sounds like Weeee- grrrrr- click-click-click. BAMBAMBAM. BLUM BLUM BLUM, WEEEE- grrrr- click-click-click. Just kidding. Sort of.
The MRI lasts maybe 15 minutes and then we go back through the maze of hallways and elevators up to my room. My sister Amy, her husband Aaron and their 15-month-old Emelia had come now too! It was a full house and I feel so loved. We spend a while catching up, before everyone goes to get some lunch. I get to order off the hospital menu, which is actually pretty decent food.
Mid-late afternoon, they come into my room to perform an EEG (brain scan) and need to clear everyone out. Amy and Aaron take off, and everyone else goes to the waiting room. The nurse starts putting the electrodes on my scalp and it is clearly going to take a long time. I ask if Matt can come back in and she retrieves him. It's nice to have him there so I feel some reassurance, although he's more intrigued by the EEG than concerned about me at this point haha (I probably would be too, though). This EEG is nice because they let you take a nap during it! It's all about measuring the brain waves, so that sorta makes sense. The actual test just takes about 20 minutes- almost as long as it takes to put the electrodes all over my scalp! Then she removes them and I get to take a shower and wash all the goop out of my hair.
Sweet freedom! All done with my tests. Mom and Dad come back to my room and pass along well wishes from family and friends that they called during my EEG. We visit a little longer and then they head out so they can make it home at a decent time.
Matt and I chat, watch TV, and lounge around. I order some dinner. It's a pretty exciting time in the hospital. You know how I said I was all done with the tests earlier? Juuust kidding. Actually, they need to do another MRI because the first one was without contrast. Now we need to do one WITH contrast. Yaaaay.
So we go through all that again, and by the time I get back up to the room it's mid-late evening. We watch some more tv and hit the hay. Matt sleeps on that stupid hospital chair again.
FRIDAY, September 2nd
By morning, we're ready to get out of there. Dr. Huang, the neurologist comes by to talk which is nice. He just ordered the tests and looked at the results which all came back normal. It's one of those things which you're glad there's nothing wrong, but would like to know what happened. Dr. Huang doesn't provide a whole lot of insight and honestly, I'm not too worried wince I was sure this seizure was a one-time deal. I was fine. It won't ever happen again. Just the perfect storm. Fine.
Anyway, Dr. Huang talks about the results and offers to prescribe a few days of anti-seizure meds until I can see my family doctor. Usually if it's a patient's first seizure, medication is optional. In that case, heck yeah I'm going to decline! Like I said, I'm fine! Need to schedule a follow-up with neuro? That seems a little excessive, but ok, whatever. I'm fine!
A nurse comes back in, gives me some pamphlets on seizures and discusses "seizure precautions" I need to exercise now. No climbing things over 3 feet high, no swimming in large bodies of water unattended, and no driving for six months. Say what? Come again? Did you say no DRIVING?! Uhhhhh..... Are you aware that I live alone? And I sorta have to drive for my job and stuff? Holy crap. Ho. Lee. Crap. 😱😱😱
Next time on This Epi(lepti)c Life: Lessons Learned from Episode One! Also, adjusting to life after my first seizure. Last but not least--- a mystery from my past will be at the follow-up doctor's appointment! Hmmm, who could that be?! Find out next time 😉
Before we jump in- let's do a quick recap from Episode One.
Tuesday, August 30th- Captain Clarissa, Agent Moon, Chelsea and Grantpa had a grand ole time at the Dixie Chicks concert. It was wicked fun.
Wednesday, August 31st- Back to reality. Clarissa is in a board meeting, things get a little heated and she starts to get a funny feeling. Turns out- that funny feeling was an "aura" (pre-seizure "off/spacy" sensation) or something people often experience before having a seizure. Bam. 3 1/2 minute grand mal seizure. Ambulance comes, she goes to the ER, and then on to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka later that night.
Now--
As I recall, I had a pretty good sleep. Seizures, especially grand mal's, are a pretty good workout. The next day I'm stiff and sore like I'd climbed a mountain and then tumbled down it with my head cocked sideways. Apparently, however, Matt says that the nurses came in and woke me when they checked on me every couple hours throughout the night. Who'dathunk?
Meanwhile, Matt the *usual* morning person, is getting grumpy because he can't find any coffee. "How does a hospital not have any freaking coffee?!"... "People going through traumas and they don't have any coffee to ease their sorrows?! GAH!"
Me (in my newly re-oriented state of awareness): "I'm sure they have some SOMEWHERE. Just sweet-talk a nurse and maybe she can help you out."
Matt: "Aha! I like it!:"
......
Matt: "Well if a nurse doesn't come in here soon I'm gonna get me my own dang coffee at a gas station."
Me: "That works 'cause I need some..uh... lady products."
Matt rolls his eyes and throws a mini-tantrum because in all his experience with women he has NEVER been sent on such an errand! Can you believe it?! I mean, this guy was even married for a time. I find this to be HILARIOUS.
Me: "Now's your chance! You get to be a real man! You can do it!"
Matt: "Can't you ask the nurse for some?"
Me: "I did, but their stuff sucks. It's really uncomfortable."
Matt: "Well, so is this."
Me: "Pony up! Your girlfriend is in the hospital and NEEDS TAMPONS. Don't be the jerk who makes her go without because you're 'too scared to buy them'."
Anyway, Matt leaves to go get coffee and the other essentials, and then my parents arrive. It seems as if they weren't quite sure what to expect. Their furrowed brows eased with relief when they saw me bright-eyed and bushy-tailed sitting up in bed. We talk about the events of last night just a little bit before Matt comes back and someone from radiology arrives to take me down for my first MRI.
Have you ever had an MRI before? It's a weird experience. You lay face up on a vessel that slides in and out of the machine and they stick a foam thing under your knees. They put ear muffs on you and ask for a music preference. Then, if you're a reptile like me, you have to ask for a blanket so you don't get too cold. If it's a fancy MRI place they pull a soft, waffley blanket out of a warmer. If it's not a fancy MRI place, they pull a scratchy blanket off of the stack. This place was not fancy but it was my first rodeo so I didn't know any better. Once they get you fixed up, they slide you into the big white machine and ensure you're ready to go. The tech steps out, talks to you on the intercom, gives you the low-down on the procedures and turns on the tunes! Then the machine starts grumbling. It sounds like Weeee- grrrrr- click-click-click. BAMBAMBAM. BLUM BLUM BLUM, WEEEE- grrrr- click-click-click. Just kidding. Sort of.
The MRI lasts maybe 15 minutes and then we go back through the maze of hallways and elevators up to my room. My sister Amy, her husband Aaron and their 15-month-old Emelia had come now too! It was a full house and I feel so loved. We spend a while catching up, before everyone goes to get some lunch. I get to order off the hospital menu, which is actually pretty decent food.
Mid-late afternoon, they come into my room to perform an EEG (brain scan) and need to clear everyone out. Amy and Aaron take off, and everyone else goes to the waiting room. The nurse starts putting the electrodes on my scalp and it is clearly going to take a long time. I ask if Matt can come back in and she retrieves him. It's nice to have him there so I feel some reassurance, although he's more intrigued by the EEG than concerned about me at this point haha (I probably would be too, though). This EEG is nice because they let you take a nap during it! It's all about measuring the brain waves, so that sorta makes sense. The actual test just takes about 20 minutes- almost as long as it takes to put the electrodes all over my scalp! Then she removes them and I get to take a shower and wash all the goop out of my hair.
Sweet freedom! All done with my tests. Mom and Dad come back to my room and pass along well wishes from family and friends that they called during my EEG. We visit a little longer and then they head out so they can make it home at a decent time.
Matt and I chat, watch TV, and lounge around. I order some dinner. It's a pretty exciting time in the hospital. You know how I said I was all done with the tests earlier? Juuust kidding. Actually, they need to do another MRI because the first one was without contrast. Now we need to do one WITH contrast. Yaaaay.
So we go through all that again, and by the time I get back up to the room it's mid-late evening. We watch some more tv and hit the hay. Matt sleeps on that stupid hospital chair again.
FRIDAY, September 2nd
By morning, we're ready to get out of there. Dr. Huang, the neurologist comes by to talk which is nice. He just ordered the tests and looked at the results which all came back normal. It's one of those things which you're glad there's nothing wrong, but would like to know what happened. Dr. Huang doesn't provide a whole lot of insight and honestly, I'm not too worried wince I was sure this seizure was a one-time deal. I was fine. It won't ever happen again. Just the perfect storm. Fine.
 |
| I don't know why Matt didn't want to stay longer! |
Anyway, Dr. Huang talks about the results and offers to prescribe a few days of anti-seizure meds until I can see my family doctor. Usually if it's a patient's first seizure, medication is optional. In that case, heck yeah I'm going to decline! Like I said, I'm fine! Need to schedule a follow-up with neuro? That seems a little excessive, but ok, whatever. I'm fine!
A nurse comes back in, gives me some pamphlets on seizures and discusses "seizure precautions" I need to exercise now. No climbing things over 3 feet high, no swimming in large bodies of water unattended, and no driving for six months. Say what? Come again? Did you say no DRIVING?! Uhhhhh..... Are you aware that I live alone? And I sorta have to drive for my job and stuff? Holy crap. Ho. Lee. Crap. 😱😱😱
↞↠
Next time on This Epi(lepti)c Life: Lessons Learned from Episode One! Also, adjusting to life after my first seizure. Last but not least--- a mystery from my past will be at the follow-up doctor's appointment! Hmmm, who could that be?! Find out next time 😉
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