Thursday, November 19, 2009

If it's not one thing....it's another

5 weeks ago I was afraid for my sister and her baby, now this.....

My mom was admitted to the hospital last Monday because her platelet levels were ridiculously low (normal is like 350,000, hers was 5000) really bad. So we thought ok mom is in the hospital but she's still talking on the phone so it can't be that bad...well then it got worse, she developed pneumonia on Thursday but they were keeping close track of her so we were all just getting email updates from my dad saying she was doing alright. Sunday we get an email saying she was being admitted to the ICU and she had gotten ARDS which is a life-threatening lung infection - which was caused by the pneumonia....crazy right?? We knew it was extremely serious, I was a mess so my sister and I booked a flight up for the next day....this is the sister who just had a baby 5 weeks ago, so we were in for an adventure.

It was seriously the longest travel time ever!!! We met my brother at the airport and got to the hospital eventually. I walked in the room with my brother and my dad and I lost it. My mom has been the rock of our family - she doesn't get sick, she had been the breadwinner in my family for years - and now she is laying helpless in a hospital bed with a breathing tube, about 10 different IV's poking her and she is heavily sedated....not a fun time. I thought my mom was going to die- that is insane to write but we all just had no idea how bad it was.

Now it's Wednesday (well Thursday now) and she made vast improvements today alone. she had the breathing tube removed and she was awake and alert and talking and she stood up for a few minutes. She was really bothered that we were all there bugging her so she kicked us out for the night so she could concentrate on her breathing- she is still forced to wear an oxygen mask to help her but i'm sure by the morning she will be ready to check out....not that she's going anywhere soon. I am amazed at the nurses here, they have been awesome and sweet and they genuinely care about her- people are just nicer here in Washington, everyone I walk by smiles and nods - it's so odd!!

We find out tomorrow if the treatments that she was given to raise the platelets has worked, if not she will go into surgery to have her spleen removed.

She is totally frustrated by the situation so I hope that will keep her motivated to keep recovering. The sad part is she has an autoimmune disease that she will have for the rest of her life and will probably need regular treatments.

I'm glad she is alive, on Sunday I really thought I was going to lose my mom. Very scary, but I am glad we hopped on a plane here and can at least know exactly what's happening.

Thats all I got

9 comments:

The Cook Fam said...

Hey Megan! So sorry to hear about your mom. I'm so happy to hear that it's looking like some major improvements. When I realized you were here it Washington I got all excited thinking I should come find you, but then I realized that you should probably not be just hanging out when your mom is in the condition she is in. If you are needing any kind of a break just let me know. I could come pick you up and take you wherever you want. I'll be praying for your family.

Kyra said...

i was awaiting an update... glad to hear she is doing better and hope she keeps improving... thinking of you. one of those moments where life becomes a little too real.

Heather said...

So glad she is doing better! I'm sure she is glad you are there, would be even harder alone!! So scary!! Stuff like this is just not fun whatsoever! Hope she continues to do better!

melissa gargalis said...

So scary Meagan. Glad your mom is doing better. If you need a listening ear or a large ice cream sundae-you know comfort food, chocolate?...let me know. Hang in there, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ehrlebird said...

Meagan I am sorry you had to go through this. You are your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am glad to hear she is doing better. Please let me know if you need anything.

Michaela

The Gray Family said...

I am so sorry to hear this! I hope she gets better soon. Let me know if you need anything!

Kipn n' Sarah said...

O my goodness Meagan, I am so sorry to hear about that. I am happy to hear that it is heading in a positive direction and not a negative one. I am happy to hear that you and your sister got up there quickly and got to be with your family. I am sorry your mother has to be going through this right now. I will keep her in my prayers. As well as you Mrs. Meagan who needs a break. Love you girl!

Anderson Family said...

Meagan, I am so happy that your mom is doing better and that you are going to be back home soon. We will continue to keep you and her in our prayers.

Zipper said...

Meget, I'm so sorry to hear that. what a trooper she is. It sounds like she doesn't take crap from anyone. I hope things are getting better for her. Please keep us updated on her recovery. miss you.