Wednesday, October 17, 2012

A week full of yuck? I was jumping out of a plane and I crashed...here!

Two weeks ago I posted that it was a "seizure free feel good week" and my exceptions were for another great week.  If I'd not posted that I likely wouldn't really recall what a good few days we had.  This week and the one before it has been far from desirable with a few exceptions.  Falls, dizziness, confusion, nightmares, and seizure after seizure.  Last Monday, John rolled off the couch and exclaimed, "I don't know what happened.  I was jumping out of a plane and I crashed....here!" I confess that I chuckled.  Later in the evening he had a seizure episode that was so bad he was not responsive and had quit breathing.  

He asked for help in the bath as typical last week but while I was helping to dry his legs off, he told me that I was the "best wife anybody could ask for."  It really is the little things in life to cherish.  I helped him to the bed and then we later proceeded to play a little bit of our game of Words with Friends while on the couch.  I made wraps for supper and while John was eating, I looked over and panicked.  He was holding his hand out as if clutching his phone, except his hand was empty.  His eyes were rolled back in his head so that only the whites of his eyes were viewable and what was worse was that he was in the middle of eating.  He had food crammed in his mouth and after not responding for bit, I proceeded to do a finger swipe in his mouth that most people only learn about in CPR and First Aid Classes.  He began to regain consciousness and I helped him clear his mouth out as he was choking.  He was obviously startled and I apologized and told him I had my fingers in his mouth because he wasn't responding to me and he just wanted "to go to sleep for a year" at that point.

I let him rest and I escaped to type, checking on him periodically.  It would be so easy to see last week and the last couple days as a bad week but we have our good moments and I suppose that is what keeps us going on the bad days.  Be thankful for the small things, the little things that put a smile on your face, and cherish life to the fullest.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Exciting Times - A seizure free, Feel good week

It has been a great week! John hasn't had any seizure episodes for over a week.  I really can't even tell you when the last time was that we have been a whole week without any sort of fall, increased confusion, or seizure. 

John spent the weekend riding along with a friend at the Sheriff Office to get his hours in for an internship he is doing for a criminal justice class he is currently taking.  We had talked about us leaving for Jesup for the weekend but he felt he really needed to get his hours in and urged me to take the kids and "Go." He tried to assure me that he felt "fine."

I hesitate to hear John use the word "fine" as he uses it when he's on the floor semi-conscious and obviously not "fine."  This time, I knew he had had about 3 good days and I felt comfortable leaving so in a hurry of about 15 minutes the kids (ages 3 and 5) dressed themselves, packed their own bags, I changed clothes, and threw some snacks in a bag, and took off. 

We left in such a hurry that I didn't even take my debit card so we ran by the bank and withdrew some cash and got gas and left on the almost two hours road trip there.  I called John back a time or two and told him we may or may not come home Friday night.  Maybe it would be Saturday but we would just talk and figure it out. 

While I was driving, I realized it had been over a year since I had left John alone for a weekend trip.  I recall very vividly hesitating the last time before the boys and I went to a shower for someone.  John forgot to take his medicines each day that I was not here to remind him. I had even left him a note on the television with the meds on the TV stand.  The note, I might add was on an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper.  It wasn't your average sticky note.  John had a bad weekend at work.  He couldn't find the patrol car keys, wound up trying to apprehend a criminal, and tazed himself in the process while the patrol car gently rolled into the building where he was trying to subdue the man. 

This weekend, I knew John would be riding and not driving.  He assured me he would take his meds, but I had heard that so many times.  He kept telling me he felt good and that I should stay in Jesup even saying at one point, "See you on Sunday afternoon." 

I can not even begin to say how much I have needed a break.  But this worked.  It felt good.  I really believed that he was "fine" and would be alright until I got back.  I even enjoyed being gone, being in church, visiting with family and friends, and playing with the kids.  It was a "be anxious over nothing" kind of weekend. 

John did take his meds and he was ok.

Thank you God for a weekend break of refreshing renewal and peace.  This week, I expect a good week. No, I expect a great week and a great month.  I'm looking forward to going on vacation in a couple weeks.  A much needed family break.  I believe that we can have the best vacation weekend in a while.  

Last October's "I feel good. Let's go to Disney tomorrow" Trip.