Fiercely Independent Pam

Category: About Me

  • 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!

  • Finally, Good News- Shunt Updates…

    Well, previously I posted about my shunt/IIH/high pressure symptoms and issues. I had to wait a week to get the lumbar puncture (LP) done because of being on blood thinners and dealing with the weekend. Interventional radiology (IR) performed the LP on Tuesday and the opening pressure was indeed high. I knew it was! Also, they found high levels of protein in the spinal fluid (CSF).

    My local neurosurgeon was in this morning and developed a plan. The shunt is going to be readjusted to a lower setting so it drains more and go back on diamox (ick!). I need to follow up with ophthalmology asap and setup a new ct and appointment with neurosurgery.

    Not sure what is happening about the high protein levels, but it might just be an incidental finding, although I’ve had it before. I am just beyond ecstatic that the shunt doesn’t have to be replaced at this time. I really couldn’t wrap my head around another surgery at this point and/or the impact it would have on my hairstyle!

    Now I just wait… for neurosurgery to readjust my shunt, which can be done bedside with a cool magnet thingy, and for the final word on discharge. I am so looking forward to being home and in my community. I have more follow up appointments than I’d like, but that okay by mean if it means I can sleep in my own bed and do my “thing.”

    My bed at home, waiting for me!

  • A Shout Out- Saying Thank You to My Care Team at Grand Strand Hospital

    I am a big believer of acknowledging when people go above and beyond what is expected of them. Sometimes, it’s not a big gesture or lifesaving heroic act, but a quiet voice that whispers, “I believe you and want to help you” that makes all the difference.

    I am currently in the hospital and today is day nine of being here. Nobody enjoys being in the hospital, but that isn’t anybody’s fault. For the most part, nurses, doctors, and all the other healthcare workers really try to make a stay decent. It hasn’t been all smooth sailing, but there are many individuals that are allowing may stay to not be so hard.

    First off, a special shout out to the nurses that I have met and helped me thus far. From the emergency department, to the ICU and now on the regular floor, then nurses have been dedicated, knowledgeable, and generally enjoyable to be around. Whether it was a good conversation in the middle of the night(and there were many), careful administration of medications, or just interest in what I was doing to pass the time, “my” nurses help keep me positive despite the health challenges I face. It isn’t easy to find the time to connect with a patient in light of the demands of the job, but it is so appreciated.

    Secondly, the doctors and providers that have steered this latest visit have been top notch. My biggest hurdle on my personal healthcare journey, is when I am not believed, especially by healthcare providers. I have an odd sense about my body and can always tell when something isn’t right. I so appreciate the providers that trust this gut feeling and explore possibilities, even when the presentation isn’t typical. Today, my doctor came in my room after having a procedure and took the time to acknowledge that my journey is difficult; that made a huge impact on me.

    Finally, the “other” healthcare workers that pull together to make time spent in the hospital not so ,miserable. This includes the housekeeping staff that say, “Good Morning” instead of avoiding contact and listening to their AirPods. Also the techs who just know that an ice cream will help in that very moment or are willing without complaining to clean up a mess or change a bed without being asked. The smiles from transport workers and dietary departments go along way too.

    I am sometimes guilty of only acknowledging when something goes wrong. This visit things did go wrong at times, but someone always made it right by listening to me. Being chronically ill, means a lot of time is spent in the hospital. I see good, bad, and ugly, but this visit (which will hopefully be over soon), has been worthy of a BIG Shout- Out!! I wish I kept a list of names of individuals that made this possible, but for now, I say Good JOB and Thank YOU!