Astonishingly Amazing April

I thought April would be a chill month where I could rest and recuperate. Turned out to be a very, very busy month! The good thing about it I end the month on a good note. I was able to do 5k+ steps today! The last time I was able to do that was in early February. 

That's a big deal for me because my average step count was only 2k per day at the beginning of the month. I used to average 6 to 8 thousand a day when I used to go to the office. At least 10k when I travel. It's been hard for me because I feel like I'm always carrying a heavy backpack uphill. That's why I walk very slow. 

I'm getting a bit more clarity now on what I'm going through. I did a number of tests in the last two weeks. It's been exhausting, but at least I'll soon find out what can be done to improve my quality of life. In the meantime I still need to stay home to rest and recover. 

Happy to end the month on a good note. Changing my mindset to improve at least 1% a day helped a lot. I spent a lot of time praying and focusing on where I want to be. Circumstances also forced me to strive harder, but I've been reminded to take it slowly. 

With faith, things can only get better :)

CB///Yr2/20  #StuckAtHomeDay/Yr2/47 #StayHome #BeKind  

Life at ICU

Yesterday I was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. It means I have several blood clots in my lungs. The cause has been a mystery for my doctors. Common causes for PE are DVT (deep vein thrombosis from your legs), your genes, birth control pills (never took them), May Thurners Syndrome (compression of a vein and artery), or from a trauma (or surgery). It was originally thought I have May Thurners Syndrome, but my doctors are not convinced about it. I'm truly an oddball and so the investigation continues.

My doctor was unhappy that I was still breathless after 5 days of treatment. Blood test showed my ddimer was elevated so I had a CT scan (I'm glowing again probably!). PE was confirmed a few minutes after I was sent to my room via a chariot (a bed lol). Few hours later I was sent to the ICU. 

It's my fourth time in the ICU. Twice after open heart surgery, once last month, and now. I'm one of the few patients in the ICU this weekend. The nurses told me they're glad things are under control here now. Most of the nurses taking care of me are Filipinos. They're the best!

My day starts with the nurse taking my vitals and they give me a sponge bath, then I dozed off until they give me my pre-breakfast meds. I'm happy I have more options for breakfast here! I had french toast with poached egg this morning (ala Toastbox!), tomorrow I'll have pancakes. 

My doctor usually shows up as I finish breakfast. By that time Sweetie is up too so I update him about what the doctor discussed. Then I nap for an hour, wake up, do the nebulizer and then eat lunch. Visiting hours are from 12 to 2pm so usually Sweetie is around while I eat lunch. I hope tomorrow he can spend more time with me. I dozed off again (hello drowsiness meds) and wake up for 4pm nebulizer. Chat with the boys, watch vids/read a book. 

Dinner is around 6:30pm and then I drink a cocktail of meds. I fight getting knocked out by it so I can chat with Sweetie, Miggy and some friends. The nurse took pity on me tonight and gave me another sponge bath since I really feel antsy if I don't wash up before going to bed. And now I blog, after this I'll say goodnight to the boys and then do my evening prayers, Didache reading and reflection. 

Things are rad, but the wires and drip stuck on me remind me I'm here because I'm sick. I'm thinking it's a little pain for now and I'll get well soon. I'm in bed all day, but I'm still exhausted (my body is working harder so I can breathe). 

Looks like they're turning off the lights now. It means I need to sleep soon.

Good night, don't let the bed bugs bite.

CB///275 #StuckAtHomeDay/305 #StayHome #BeKind