Like a kick in the balls

[triadruid]

So my procedure last Friday went off without a hitch; actually, I probably got out of there early, because we arrived early and the doctor was ready (since this was a reschedule due to him being sick for my first appointment, I think he was trying to get his schedule back under control). Nothing too unusual during the surgery itself, except that I learned that the blood vessels/nerves for the scrotum connect somewhere up around your belly (which is why you get that sensation way up there when you get racked, fellas). No pain, no surprises, except he does something unusual to ensure that there are no "surprises" later on: he uses a cauterizing wire to scar 1/2" of the vas deferens on either side of the snip, in addition to tying it off. Ever seen smoke rising from your crotch? Tres weird.

Spent the rest of the weekend flat on my back, read about 2 1/2 books, and slept more per day than I probably have in years. No painful reactions to speak of, but I do have to compliment saffronhare (and her florist) on the truly inspired "grapefruit-sized puffballs with cattail" floral arrangement that arrived Friday afternoon. Damn funny, I must say.

So what am I complaining about being kicked in the balls for? It's never what you expect...

Sunday night my grandmother called, to tell me my mother is in a medication-induced coma. She's had fibromyalgia (brought on by Lyme's disease back in the 90's, when it wasn't so easily treated) for years, and conversion-disorder-based seizures from the pain levels (presumably). It's waxed and waned over the years, and I knew she was never going to be wholly healthy again.

But apparently it's gotten worse in the last couple months, and she's been bouncing from hospital to hospital, finally ending up with some specialists in Tampa. They tried to put her on an IV-cocktail of anticonvulsants to get her brain to calm down, induce a coma for a while and get the seizures to stop, then wake her up gradually by tapering off the meds, all so she doesn't shake her brain apart. Unfortunately, the coma worked but the seizures have NOT stopped, even at that level of medication, so they're not entirely sure what comes next. My aunt and uncle are down there right now, meeting with the primary neurologist this morning, but it seems likely I'll be taking a trip down to Florida within the next few days or weeks. With my other thirds, thanks to their kind offers to come along. So keep a good thought in mind, and I'll keep you all posted as I know more.

::edit:: My aunt said that the seizures stopped late last night, so they are revamping the 'final decisions' framework they'd been working under. Right now a Limited DNR is being worked up, and the possibilities of a plan for her to leave the hospital in the same condition she entered, if possible. She's out of the coma as they taper the meds, but still not conscious/responding to non-pain stimuli.

Comments

[agrnmn.livejournal.com]

We can watch the dog, tend house whatever you need. Lighting a candle.

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

I appreciate the offer. See above for possible improvement.

[agrnmn.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear there is improvement. The offer stands should it become necessary.

[starwyse.livejournal.com]

You are in my heart and my thoughts.

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Star. See above for possible improvement in the scenario, at least for now.

[starwyse.livejournal.com]

Oh, David, I cannot possibly understand how this is affecting you. I will raise all the energy I can and ever so gently send it your way to assist you in whatever needs doing. Should there be something else that you need from me...please ask.

[zylch.livejournal.com]

I already know where the beastie food is -- 'twould be no problem to watch them again.

Thoughts with you,
V

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

Thanks muchly; I hadn't even gotten that far in the planning process (though we did discover that flying at least possible).

[featherynscale.livejournal.com]

When you say "leave the hospital in the same condition she entered", what does that mean?

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

Karen was kinda vague on that too, but mostly I think because she's been blindsided as well - essentially what it seems to mean is "conscious and upright (on canes or whatever), with some short-term memory problems and controlled seizures provided she takes her medication (the trigger effect here for her degeneration)". That's the back-of-an-envelope best-case scenario, of course... if my mom regains consciousness, they'll be able to make some better evaluations.

[teross50.livejournal.com]

I can relate, my mother has had epilepsy all her life and I have been through several rounds of hospitalization and chemically induced states while the IV meds had time to do their thing. It took two or three days for her to get back to a level of consciousness where she could communicate Due to post-distal type aphasia.

You and your other thirds will be in my thoughts especially during this trip I know how having to make decisions like you may be making can ware or the psyches
Like the rest of your friends who care a great deal for you I will be here if you need to talk or have questions about a procedure I will do my best if you need a friend who understands the medical mind

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

I appreciate that greatly, Terry.

Damn

[leiandra.livejournal.com]

*blink* Holy...

Keep us posted, which I'm sure one of you three will. I'm not sure what help I could be with teross50 virtually at hand, but you know how long I've been dealing with the medical industry. You've got the number to the batphone, if not, reply here or summat & I'll call you.

Re: Damn

[teross50.livejournal.com]

Support can never be too small a thing All the more friends the better

[greektoomey.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear about your mom's health. You & your family are in my thoughts. I guess the best wish that I can think of is that nobody has to make any difficult decisions anytime soon.

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

Luckily, we're pretty sure what my mom's quality-of-life standards would be for a DNR order, and no one in the family can say this hasn't been coming... best case, she wakes up and can answer some questions herself. Otherwise, we'll help her continue living with dignity as long as it makes sense.

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

Oh, and thank you.

[matchgirl42.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear the procedure went well.

Very sorry to hear about your mom. Good thoughts and energy to you....

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

Thanks hon. Sitting upright yesterday (and presumably today) has been more uncomfortable than I expected, but I'm still getting more sleep per day than I have in years...

Oh, Honey

[opaljax.livejournal.com]

Parental problems or not, this sucks. I'm sorry and big hugs.

Re: Oh, Honey

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

Thanks Jax.

[lexpendragon.livejournal.com]

I Just Saw This, And Thought You'd Chuckle:

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

*snort* Very nice, but if he's giving you the tool right there, won't that hurt business??