Topsy Turvy

I've said before that life has a way of changing on a dime and turning you on your head...it happens...that's life. June 24th, 2013...flipped me upside down.

 I'll be vague on the details (only because we are still waiting for some more answers) but in short, I had a stroke followed by what we believe was a seizure. Stroke? I know...weird hey! Imagine my surprise when the doctor's had that chat with me!

 The seizure...well I don't really recall that evening of excitement and I'm undecided on whether that is a good thing or not. Adam filled in the blanks for me. I must admit that not being able to recall a certain chunk of time is...well...unsettling. I took comfort in the fact that Adam, the nurses and doctors took great care of me while I was unable to do so for myself.
Monday June 24th...not a good place to spend your afternoon (this I remember)

 Interestingly enough the key to this puzzle, After 2 CT scans, 3 MRI's, a couple of lumbar punctures and a bazillion blood tests...

That's my brain...isn't it pretty?

was this snippet of information that Adam provided "5 chemical pregnancies in 7 months". 

 Why is this important? Recurrent pregnancy loss can be linked to clotting disorders. 

 This is what they "think" is going on...

They believe I have a clotting disorder, specifically, AntiPhospholipid antibody Syndrome (APS). This allowed a clot to form. I have a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) that was discovered when I was in my twenty's. The clot formed, the PFO allowed the clot to pass up to my brain and cause a stroke. As for the suspected seizure...we have no idea but we are working on trying to figure that out. 

Things I learned while in the hospital....

 It helps to have an iPad loaded up with TV shows and movies to help you pass the time and more importantly, to drown out the hospital noises...


 It also helps to find ways to smile despite your fear and discomfort...

It helps to crack up at the site of your melon covered in wires...

I also learned that it feels so very, very good to head home...


I have had and will have a few more tests and appointments in the coming days and weeks. I'll keep you updated but for right now (surprisingly) we know that there is in fact a working brain in that head of mine ☺

Comments

  1. Non Sequitur ChicaJuly 3, 2013 at 3:17 PM

    Oh my gosh how scary!! I'm glad that you are doing better and maybe doctors can do something about the clotting disorder so that you can stop having chemical pregnancies and carry a baby to term!

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  2. KelBelJuly 3, 2013 at 3:21 PM

    I am so glad you are okay!! What a scary time for you and Adam. Thinking of you and sending hugs! xoxo

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  3. LaylarueJuly 3, 2013 at 3:44 PM

    Thank goodness you are okay!! I'm so sorry you are having to go through this scary ordeal. I know that it is hard to smile through some of the crap you've had to go through, but your good spirit is such an inspiration!!

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  4. JustMeJuly 3, 2013 at 5:05 PM

    Oh my god I can't imagine how scary this has been for you. I can't imagine trying to process that all. I am glad you are doing better (how do you manage to look so great in the hospital??) and hope that the doctors figure it out and you walk out with a good prognosis. Also, maybe the outcome could be that you will be able to keep your next pregnancy in a healthy way.

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  5. Team HarriesJuly 3, 2013 at 6:13 PM

    goodness, so glad you are ok and getting some answers on everything!

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  6. ErikaJuly 3, 2013 at 9:28 PM

    GIRL! This is so scary, but you've given me a lot of things to Google now! I WOULD say 'thank goodness they maybe found something that can explain the recurrent CPs' but I have no idea yet whether that is something that can be fixed/helped or not...so I won't. :) But maybe I will do some research and THEN conclude that it is good news. Either way, I am so thankful you're on the mend and pray you get more answers soon!

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  7. KanisJuly 3, 2013 at 10:27 PM

    Wowzers! That is scary. You amaze me. Scary situation but you're still smiling and joking around.

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  8. SadieJuly 4, 2013 at 7:00 AM

    This must have been such a scary experience and I marvel at your strength and humour. You are amazing Janet! I hope that the silver lining in all this might even be that you get to the bottom of the recurrent loss stuff...but one thing at a time, right?! Take it easy for now, hug that husband of yours close and I'm sending you so many healthy, healing vibes.

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  9. ChickenpigJuly 4, 2013 at 7:57 AM

    I am so glad that you are still here and able to write about it. Because things could so easily have gone another direction. I hope that it was all worth while in that you get to the bottom of this clotting thing, for your fertility and your life. Your grace under fire amazes me. You are in my thoughts. :)

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  10. Mrs. EJuly 4, 2013 at 8:01 AM

    Oh my gosh, I'm so glad you're okay!! So, so scary. To think that the cause of the stroke might also be causing your miscarriages as well... I hope that you get more answers in the days/weeks to come, and in the meantime, lots of thoughts and prayers heading your way!!

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  11. Our Journey Through This Lovely LifeJuly 6, 2013 at 2:38 PM

    Sending you lots of good thoughts and prayers! I am so glad you're okay I can't even imagain what a scary few weeks its been! I am happy to see you smiling! Stay strong my friend! Big hugs!!

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  12. JenSJuly 6, 2013 at 2:48 PM

    How scary! Hope they can give you some answers and find a solution to the clotting problems.

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  13. MariaJuly 6, 2013 at 11:20 PM

    janet, you amaze me. you are such a courageous woman. you make me smile and inspire me. i'm SO happy you're home and safe and with the ones you love. you're ALWAYS in my thoughts and prayers. xoxox
    maria

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  14. AnonymousJuly 8, 2013 at 2:10 AM

    I'm so glad to see that you're okay!! You'll be in my thoughts and I hope they find some answers for you.

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  15. AislinnApril 9, 2014 at 5:01 PM

    I know this post is almost a year old, but I'm reading through all of your old posts. My dad has APS as well, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask and maybe I could connect you guys?

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