Fiercely Independent Pam

Tag: ER

  • A Little Setback: A Return to the ER!

    It was bound to happen! Last night I found myself in the ER after spending the day trying to urinate but barely able to even with self cathing. After about 12 hours of this, I decided that I should go get it checked out.

    It was interesting that with the bladder scan, I didn’t have a ridiculous amount of fluid in my bladder, but enough to cause pressure. The ER dr ordered some fluids to flush out any bad stuff and then we cathed again. The urine showed a bladder infection so I was put on antibiotics, given some pain medicine and sent home. All in all, it wasn’t a terrible visit, but still less than desirable!

    I am now on antibiotics for the bladder infection and they also called in some medicine that will help with the spasms. I am looking forward to seeing the urologist tomorrow to get his input on the situation.

    I am so thankful that I was able to take an Uber to the ER as opposed to needing to call an ambulance. My mobility is so much better. I appreciate how far I’ve come and know that it was because of all my hard work!

    This little setback isn’t a major deal, just frustrating! I am hoping that everything heals correctly and without any other trouble.

  • IIH Is A Scary Disease That Always Raises Questions at the ER- Especially About the VP Shunt.

    I don’t always talk about specific health issues I have. Sometimes, when something is going wrong, like with my shunt, I write about it. Having the shunt is because of my IIH- This was discovered in Florida when my eyes started to be difficult and I was diagnosed with papilledema, which is dangerous, sometimes permanent optic nerve swelling. It is treated with eye drops that are similar to eye drops used for glaucoma. I’ve been using these eye drops for a couple of years now. The doctor believes that beyond treating the optic nerve swelling, it is good preventative treatment for glaucoma since I have such a strong family trend. I constantly live in fear that the optic nerve swelling will be permanent and I will lose vision.

    Recently, I also was diagnosed with Giant Cell Artemis, where I lost a lot of my peripheral vision and it still hasn’t come back, despite having the VP Shunt. I am on high dose steroids (dexamethasone) and I just got a new medication after the prior authorization. Hopefully, I can start cutting back on the steriods.

    IIH is a scary disease, where you never know what is going to happen and the ER is always concerned with the VP Shunt.