"Giving thanks for abundance
is sweeter than the abundance itself..."
~Rumi
12 hrs in ER yesterday (was finally discharged at 4:45am today) an MRI, meeting/assessment with Neurologist determined I did NOT have a minor stroke on Saturday while at work, but most likely a complex migraine, which can "act" like a stroke and affect just one side of the face.
Though ER docs didn't tell me WHAT is going on with the pain and swelling on the right side of my face, neck and body, at least stroke was ruled out, for which I am grateful. I am still navigating the swelling and pain on the right side of my face, but am very pleased to learn I'm going to be fine. I will admit I am beyond exhausted, so if I do not respond to messages of any form it is because I am in bed.
To the families who were in the ER due to a loved whose trauma was life threatening, my positive thoughts and energy go to you ... may peace be found.
Thank you to all who insisted I finally see a doctor... you know exactly who you are, and a very special Thank You to the one who held my hand the entire time.
Your insistence paid off, as I know I can be very stubborn. The lessons I learned: Don't ignore health issues... they could be more pressing than you realize, and to allow those who love and care to be there for you, even if you're accustomed to navigating this kind of "stuff" on your own. Feeling the warm hand of your loved one(s) can be so healing and comforting. Feeling the warmth and love stream from the eyes of your loved one(s) can help quell fears when faced with the unknown.
I feel incredibly lucky, and if anything an even deeper appreciation for Life.
Leggs, your one of the good ones that post here. glad to hear that you are ok.
10b4me ... thank you for your kind words. (Not to sound like a complete and utter wuss, your comment has brought tears to my eyes, in a good way... thank you... thank you.)
I am truly blessed... truly. And believe me, I don't take the love, support and blessing for granted. My eyes are opened to the wonderful attributes of others everyday. THAT in itself is a gift that keeps on giving.
Enjoy Life... REALLY allow yourself to Enjoy Life... it IS the only way to go.
The lessons I learned: Don't ignore health issues... they could be more pressing than you realize
YES! A lesson well learned! Even at your young age sh*t happens. Sorry it took a nasty rap from a nun on your knuckles to PAY ATTENTION...but you're on the mend...stay that way! ERs no good, TRs, very good.
I hear you on stubbornness....I ignored a growing mass in my abdomen until it got to 16cm and could feel it ... Chalked it up to occasional indigestion....I have pics of me
rapping off a climb on El Cap one week before I was DX with high grade ovarian cancer. Wish I listened sooner...
Pretty scary, Lisa Mae and Susan.
It's true - "Life's a gift" and you never know when it will be over.
So it's good to get out there and enjoy it; I try to do that, too.
I guess the trick is how to do that without shortening it by too much, and how to balance in the work so you can also live long without running out of cash to also enjoy your old age at some level.
YES! A lesson well learned! Even at your young age sh*t happens. Sorry it took a nasty rap from a nun on your knuckles to PAY ATTENTION...but you're on the mend...stay that way! ERs no good, TRs, very good.
I hear you on stubbornness....I ignored a growing mass in my abdomen until it got to 16cm and could feel it ... Chalked it up to occasional indigestion....I have pics of me
rapping off a climb on El Cap one week before I was DX with high grade ovarian cancer. Wish I listened sooner...
Susan, truer words have never been spoken/written.
TR's to the ER SUCK ASS. :)
"a growing mass in my abdomen ... and could feel it". Girl, I am so happy to hear your health outcome was one of victory, or you would not be here today. Much respect for the uphill battle that you won.
Susan, your story hits home as I look at photos of my Aunt Ruthie, who passed of uterine cancer on Dec. 28th 2011.
When Jefe and I met up with her outside JT in April of 2011, it wasn't until I looked back at photos that I realized she was holding her tummy, not realizing she was in great pain... or danger. She didn't realize the grave danger she was in either, until she was sent to UCLA Medical in early Dec. 2011, only to discover she was battling stage 4 cancer, with a cancerous mass the size of an 8 month old baby.
I would fly home (in between shows) to care for her while in-home hospice was in place, and she would pass 5 days after my departure. During my visit I overheard her husband say my Auntie hadn't been to a GYN since the age of 18-19. This was stunning to me as my Aunt was an RN, her sister, my mom, had passed of cancer at 35yrs of age, followed by my grandmother. She ignored what her body was saying, and I can only guess she was also avoiding "bad news". I too was doing the same thing late last week, and esp Saturday when I had difficulty stringing words and thoughts together, had trouble speaking, and realized the right side of my face was drooping. If it hadn't been the appearance of someone at my door, demanding I go to the ER NOW, I would have most likely stayed home and gone about my day ignoring the issues that were clearly present.
Again, listen to you what your body is telling you... it may allow you to get a jump start proactively addressing the issue. Thank you for sharing your story, Susan. It's a lesson for all.
~peace, LM
Outside JT
April 2011
Aunt Ruthie and my Uncle Leroy
Credit: Leggs
Outside JT
April 2011
Aunt Ruthie
Credit: Leggs
Dec. 2011
Aunt Ruthie and I the morning I had to come back home ...
That is scary leggs. I've had many migraines, but twice I had one like you described and it makes you think about what we take for granted. Migraines are horrible, but way better than a stroke, good thoughts your way.
It's true - "Life's a gift" and you never know when it will be over.
So it's good to get out there and enjoy it; I try to do that, too.
I guess the trick is how to do that without shortening it by too much, and how to balance in the work so you can also live long without running out of cash to also enjoy your old age at some level.
Clint, you're awesome.
My eKat... SistaLoveHoneyMoonSkyGoddess...Though we have not yet met, I love and adore you. I simply adore the Sam Lovin' Hell out of you.
Dingus... what the hell happened?!? I don't know!! But I do know I wanted you to enjoy your wonderful and much needed down time, I didn't want to bug ya. {smiles and smiles... and a thousand dancing feet)
Crock, you're gonna turn me into a tear filled wuss with your kind words! (thank you, crock... thank you... you've been so very supportive. YOU are important to us... Very important.) ~xx
this just in ... I AM beyond happy things went as they did, and I will NEVER again ignore my health. Ever. Thank you for your kind words... thank you. (thank you)
I am now officially a great big wuss! But a healthier one.
Marlow, that was quite beautiful visually and I liked the Haiku at the end... thank you. {smiles}
(I actually watched it several times, allowing myself to get lost in the movement.)
t*r ~ Thank you for the flowers, sweetie. {smiles and smiles}
I too am glad I finally gave in and went to seek medical care. It gave me peace of mind, and provided peace of mind to my friends who were aware of what was truly going on. I AM feeling better...even made a venture to our local Safeway last evening. The more activity I did the more my body told me to "slow down". I woke this morning, after a good nights sleep, and listened to my body which said "hey... stop it young lady... you're moving too fast." Listening to my body, I decided to stay home. Ibuprofen is still not touching the pain in my ear or neck, but I am thrilled the headache is gone. Beyond thrilled. I've not left the house today, but what I can tell it's another beautiful day in the desert.
Let us know!