And So it Goes… Life as a Frequent Flyer

As a kid I was labeled as a frequent flyer in the nurse’s office. Always with a general “I don’t feel well” complaint. Never ran a fever so I didn’t get to go home. I knew even then that something was up with my body, but it took over 35 years to figure it out. My immune system is not normal and doesn’t present normally. I have been severely septic and was not running a fever.

Fast-forward to today. I am currently in the hospital again, awaiting discharge after 3 nights. My blood pressure was dangerously high again (I cried “Uncle” at 250/100)! My head was hurting a lot and my chest pain returned. The ER docs/nurses were fabulous as well as the rest of my care here at Grand Strand Medical Center. I had 3 specialists working my case and one was better than the next. It is experiences like this that help rebuild my trust in the medical field after poor experiences (see https://fiercelyindependentpam.com/the-need-for-trust-in-the-medical-world/ for more details about my latest adventure that created even more mistrust)

So, since the end of April, I have been in the hospital more than I have been out. This alone gives me the title of a “frequent flyer.” I wish I was talking about the airline program that gives points for future travel, but the only thing I get is bills and more doctor appointments. I know this isn’t anything to be proud of but it gives perspective for sure.

I also had a weird experience of running a fever for almost 48 hours, but luckily that broke overnight and my white blood count never got out of control indicating that is was probably a random virus. I was feeling extra crappy during the fever as well.

It seems like the doctors finally figured out the correct meds for me to take to control the blood pressure while discontinuing other medications that were making my blood pressure rise. My neurosurgeon also readjusted my vp shunt. (see https://fiercelyindependentpam.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=148&action=edit for more details about why I have a shunt)

Here’s hoping my blood pressure stays under control and doesn’t go to dangerous levels (either too high or too low). More than anything, let’s hope that I stay out of the ER and hospital for a good amount of time!