Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Unwell...


Have been right out of action...

Last Saturday was day 8 of constant nausea, vomiting & diarrhoea (gone on far too long, could keep nothing down) and through the afternoon I had trouble with breathlessness and my heart rate was very fast & erratic so it was off in the ambulance to hospital. After some testing it was discovered my potassium levels were through my boots, normal range is 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/l, mine was 2.0 and later dropped to 1.6...more than low enough to cause a cardiac arrest.

There was also a specific cardiac enzyme called Troponin (which is an indicator of heart muscle damage) present in my blood, it indicated that my heart was under strain so that meant there was no chance of coming home. I had to be admitted for monitoring and I/V Potassium...had a total of 15 bags of the stuff and my levels aren't even in the normal range yet!!! I also had to have a series of Clexane (anticoagulant) injections before the PE was excluded so I am bruised & sore, my arms have bruises from wrist to elbow from the 4x daily blood tests...it's very attractive let me tell you.

There was also concern I had a Pulmonary Embolism but tests yesterday ruled that out (there had to be one that went my way)...the vomiting etc. has stopped and I am feeling much better in myself although have no energy whatsoever...just having a shower and washing my hair this morning took every scrap of energy I had, although I felt so much better for having done it.

I have John at home any time if needed and Matilda is home today cooking chicken soup, just what I need & desire. He has been amazing, just steps up and gets on with what needs to be done without a word of complaint, I'm a very lucky woman indeed.

Have to see my GP in the morning and work out a plan for the next week or so. Am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel now...I have lost almost 13kg (28lbs) but do not recommend doing it this way at all.

Hopefully will be back on deck soon & catching up with your news.

9 comments:

Kelly said...

oh Kerrie, i am sorry to hear that. I do hope your energy and health return to you soon.Keep getting looked after and remember when you're feeling better, just rest another day or two! Best wishes, Kel x

Lynda said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers, (((Kerrie)))

watercolordaisy said...

ohno! Hugs sweetie!!! Hope you are better soon!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness! I hope you are feeling better very soon and that they get to the bottom of what caused this! Lots of thoughts your way!

Kori said...

Damn it to hell. I will be sending you thoughts of strength, and I wish I could also make you soup! REST.

Anonymous said...

Kerrie - that sounds horrible and traumatic as hell! I am on daily clexane injections as well, they are frigging horrid. I'm glad that your condition has stabilised now and that you're getting so much TLC from John, sounds like you need it bigtime.

Hope you recover soon mate.

Take care!

Mouthy Girl said...

I am just now catching up with posts! *hard hugs* from the Buddha House. We love you and are worried.

Prayers have already gone up. I'm so glad you finally went to the hospital and had them gouge your arms in an effort to find the problem and search for a solution. Please keep us updated.

Again, I am worried. *hugging you*

Karin said...

I'm thinking of you every day. Hoping each day is a better one!

Sending you so much strength and healing vibes.

Lissy said...

FAR OUT, MY INTERNET GOES DOWN & LOOK WHAT HAPPENS???????????
Sending lots of love,
xxxxxxx