Ahhh, time to breathe a sigh. The time for grief is over and the time for happiness is now. You see, I had my procedure, and everything went perfectly. PERFECTLY!
Two days ago, I arrived at the hospital for my procedure. Once I was there, the doctor had to explain all the risks of this procedure and complications as well as what could happen if I wasn't treated. All of the information was not good and really put perspective on what we are doing. If I lived in another time, I would not be here. Luckily, I've been able to utilize: brain surgery, radiation, medications and now interventional radiology. I just keep expanding my crew of doctors.
They wheeled me into a room. Gave me a medication in my IV that really stung and told me to breathe deeply for four breaths. I only can remember 3. Then I woke up in recovery feeling really tired and thirsty, but normal. The nurses diligently kept monitoring my neuro status, which was always good. Eventually they brought me to my hospital room where I got see Aaron and he told me that the doctor was able to get 100% of the fistula with no complications. I was elated! I've been feeling like I had a bad luck streak and things were not going to go well, but I was wrong and they did.
The rest of the day in the hospital I spent hooked up to the IV and took small walks around the beautiful 8th floor neuro ward (the best views in the hospital). My kids and parents visited me and we got some great take out from the Global Market. During this time I had pain, no dizziness, nothing. Even my vision was better. Well, I did have to pee a lot, but that was the IV fluids
When it got late, the family had to go, so the boredom set in a little. While I was walking, I met a friend whom I will likely never meet again, but we had a nice walk and conversation. She is still in the early phases of figuring out what is going on. I'll never learn what will happen to her, but I do feel that she has the capacity to deal with whatever comes. I watched some late night tv and tried to sleep a little, but the bed moved subtly every 10 minutes or so and I had the nurses come in to do neuro checks every so often. Not the best night sleep, but that is not why I was there.
In the morning the doctor came with some cool pictures (which I will post later) and sent me on my way.
I need to take it easy for about a week. The first few days, I can't do stairs, I can't drive. I can't lift anything over 10 pounds for a week. After that, I get to slowly resume life as normal. Well, really, better than normal. I've had time to think about a lot of things, and I am really trying to be more mindful and purposeful about my life choices. I also really want to run a marathon. I thought I was going to before this whole brain tumor thing. I'm going to get back to it. My body needs to be in the healthiest shape it can be because I can't predict what is going to happen and what will need to be done. I can give myself a healing edge and make sure I am healthy enough to soar through my life's hiccups.
What a difference a week makes!
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