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Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Just getting started, yo.

I don't look sick.

You know how sometimes people have paranoia about getting a rare disease and usually those fears are unfounded? Well, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you. Up until 2011, I had yet to spend a single night as an inpatient anywhere, unless you count the first days of my life. Even with previous surgeries and procedures, the only time you found me at a hospital at night was when I was stuck in the emergency room, waiting for treatment, but I never ordered meals because I was never admitted. Talk about a rapid decline in health AND a reality check. To quote one of the doctors I used to work with when he found out my lovely list o' ailments:

"You're a walking time bomb!"

When I was first diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, it was January 24, 2006. I was paralyzed but very much awake and aware during the treatment procedure (known as a Swan-Ganz) and I distinctly heard the doctor say, "I'm not sure if I can get her off the table." That same doctor looked me in the eyes after the procedure and told me I would be lucky to live through the weekend; my cardiac output at one point during the procedure dropped below one. Cardiac output ranges from zero to four, four is normal, zero is dead. In the previous month, the middle of December 2005, everything was going really well, health-wise, and then breathing became difficult. It made no sense. In one week, I deteriorated from playing volleyball to a short walk from my bed to the bathroom causing shortness of breath and dizziness. Even speaking a full sentence required a break. At work, I would have to answer the phone, "American Airlines," *breathe*, "this is Miki," *breathe*, "how can I help you?" *breathe* as if I had just finished a race.

I took two years off work to get better, and I had to cash in all my chips (I went from being responsible enough to buy my own home at 25 to living check to check). Anyone who makes it past five years post-diagnosis is considered a long term survivor, and every day I survived caused the docs to just shrug their shoulders, surprised that I was still alive. I'm still trying to figure out why as well. I have an inkling or two.

But unless you know what signs and symptoms to look for, I look pretty darn healthy. I get many a dirty look when I park in the handicapped spot. The problem is, I am sick. And not in the fun, twisted way, not just in my head, I'm not imagining this, its more like a nightmare I found myself in. Its your proverbial rock and a hard place, to have a fatal and thus far, incurable disease. Add being single, and its messy. People who already know me are amazing, but at the same time I can often sense some discomfort because, well, how close do you want to be to someone who is terminal? Is it fair for me to still want to find that someone who will have the courage to hold my hand while I die? I'm blessed to have lots of friends, really, really great ones, but I still sleep alone at night.

I've already outlived the expectations and prognosis, but its proven that I can decline rapidly.

I've also proven that I can come back.

So I'm in constant limbo, and there are no easy answers. Doc says I could live well into my 50's and 60's if I slow down and take care of myself, but who wants to give up tacos? There's also the hope for a cure: there were NO treatments until the mid 90's, and now there are nine with more in the works. But I HATE the fact that my life depends on drugs. I used to hate taking tylenol for a headache; now I'm on a pill regimen three times a day. Plus there's another medicine that is a literal lifeline, a painful pump that is never to be disconnected; its keeping my heart and lungs going. I can't compromise with this, its either pain from the site, or not breathing. Hmm. In January I didn't have enough strength to go from sitting to standing by myself. My first night out of ICU, I ate my dinner sitting on the couch because I couldn't stand. Right before this last Christmas, sitting up in a chair without setting off an alarm was a small miracle. Four months ago, you know what the physical therapist assigned me for exercise? Pushing the back of my knees into the bed as I laid there, ten reps, three times a day. Making one trip around the nurses station was my marathon, the nurses cheered as I pushed my walker loaded with my oxygen and monitors. Last week, I visited that ICU for the first time since being discharged. I swear, the nurses station was a lot bigger when I was living there. I only cried a little bit right before the elevator arrived at the 11th floor. And I only cried a little bit again after I left, but the second set of tears were more of relief that I was able to leave without a wheelchair. Silly, I know. But true.

I'm just getting started with blogging, so please be patient. I'm not going to promise that I'll post every day, or every week, or on any kind of regular schedule. I'm still learning, still trying to figure out where I belong, still trying to figure out where I want to end up, and which path I'm going to take. I wish I was still that kid that believed I would have my act together by the time I was 'that old.'

So its late as I'm typing, and I'm not sure how much sense I'm making right now, but usually when I write anything late at night, I get more emotional so maybe that's a good thing for writing purposes.

I should be doing more unpacking and purging of my stuff if I'm up this late, but at least I'm doing something...

15 comments:

  1. All I know is that you are amazing and can get through anything. If I ever need to think of someone who grabs life well, by the nuts, and says, " let's go" ;) I think of you. I've never seen you afraid of anything and when I see you, you are always smiling. And even though I don't get to see you much, I'm still so blessed that you are in some way a part of my life. There is someone for everyone, I truly believe that. Someone will find you and love you and be willing to be there for you no matter what.. Someone has to, you are too wonderful not to be found!
    Love you roomie!!!!

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    1. Thanks, my poor Phylly who tolerated me, who thought it was funny to try and spook you every chance I could get in the dorms...I sometimes why you didn't kill me then while I slept. Or made me go live with Ms. Antsy-panties again. Love you too!

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  2. yo. I love you. Come live with me. I will bake you cookies and rub your feet.

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    1. Brei, you have no idea how tempting that is. Cookies and foot rubs?? Are there better combinations out there? Methinks not many. I love you too. Why do you think we tried to teach you to drive, a bazillion years ago? =)

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  3. Just wanted you to know that I'm reading and I'd like to read and learn more.

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    1. Thank you, I am hoping that if nothing other than entertainment, I can at least put out some information that can help. =)

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  4. I have often wondered why you were sick. I am glad that you have a place to write about your experiences. I will be reading from far away and sending prayers your way!

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    1. Ryann, thank you. I know, its the prayer factor that is keeping me breathing. I am sure of it. =)

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  5. I totally agree with what Mrs. Wiggle Bottoms (great name btw) said. She's right on, and I feel the same way. You are an amazing person and I'm blessed to know you and call you my friend :) Thanks so much for sharing your blog! Oh, and Juliet told me that you are watching the girls for a couple days - so fun!!

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    1. Thanks, Erica! Mrs. Wiggle Bottoms IS the best kind of people. I try to surround myself with people I want to be like. Don't kid yourself, you're one of them (as is Juliet)...

      And I had so much fun with the girls!!! Are there many things much cuter than a 3 year old singing Brandi Carlilse at the top of her lungs? No, not too many. Except, I do remember three little girls holding hands in a circle just laughing continuously. That was a darling moment. =)

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  6. I wish I was close enough to give you a hug. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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    1. Aww...I would hug you back. Thank you. Again, I know its prayers that are keeping me alive. =)

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  7. I just want to point out that of course you have every right to be loved by someone that you love in return. Why not? NO ONE falls in love for UNselfish reasons. I know I love Gary with all of my heart and soul and I can tell you that it has very little to do with altruism. :) If anyone deserves it it is you. Cliche' yes, but true too. But on the subject of selfishness, I would like to add: For purely selfish reasons, I would like you to lay off the tacos!!

    Candace,
    (Jared's Sister's friend)

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    1. Ok Jared's Sister's Friend, A.K.A. A.J.C, I had tacos yesterday. I had to, it was Taco Tuesday. It would be semi-sacreligious to not if I could, besides they're cheap on Tuesday and it would be like avoiding Mexican food on Cinco de Mayo. Its just not right. Plus the docs say I'm already doing everything I can as far as diet, levels on cholesterol and the likes are all good. Life is short, sister. I'm not going to give up tacos. And you don't always get what you deserve, but the trick is, I still have to try to BE deserving. =)

      I'll keep trying.

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