Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Unwell...

I had a birthday this last week, it went by very much unnoticed. I'm now 46 years old, goodness me, it's the wrong side of 45, all downhill to 50 from now on in.

Actually my birthday was crappy, really crappy. Since the 24th I have been in hospital, 4 days of which I spent in ICU. Last Sunday I started to feel a little unwell, sore muscles like I had worked them hard. By Tuesday afternoon I had no power whatsoever in my legs and arms and by Wednesday am. it was extending to my fingers & toes and also my lungs, my breathing was very compromised. John took me to my GP, she was flummoxed as to what it could be so sent me off to Emergency and told me to pack a bag.

After hours in the ER, they diagnosed me as having very low potassium levels, I needed significant transfusions of potassium and it had to be done under strict ICU supervision as it can cause cardiac arrhythmias. So there I stayed for the next 4 days, I had a central line inserted, not fun at all.  By Sunday I was able to go to the ward and today I have been discharged.

The Endocrinologist has discovered a small tumour on my adrenal gland which is causing the problem, it also plays havoc with my blood pressure, causing erratic readings. I am going to have it removed in 7 weeks, a very simple day surgery procedure.  It's so good to be home, John has taken the rest of the week off to stay with me, then Easter will be here so I should be okay after then.  Sorry I have been absent, will be around a bit more now.  Much love to you all...(((((((hugs)))))))

In the midst of sadness in losing dear Christa I have some happier news to share...

Our triplets arrived last Friday the 26th March at 1.23pm, 1.24pm & 1.26pm. Harrison, Grace & Sienna were born at 33w4d (phenomenal effort Briohny), and are all around 4.5lbs & breathing room air unassisted. One of the girls has a few apnoea & respiratory probs but maturity will sort that out. For those who pray, could you say one for her please.

Can't wait for photos, will post when I have them.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Death Of A Dear Friend...Christa Bowen

I heard this morning that my very dear friend, Christa, died in a motor accident on Monday.

I first met Christa Bowen on the MISS Foundation Forum Boards in 2004 and she quickly became a firm friend, as she did to many people. She was beautiful, so clever, brilliant at her work (an Embryologist) and had time and a quiet word for everyone. But what brought her the most joy and pride in life was being with her family...husband Andy and their six year old twin sons Tyler and Austin. In 2003 she lost twin daughters, Caitlynn and Alexandra, at 22 weeks gestation. She and Andy tried so hard to have their little family...the irony of her being an Embryologist and her needing IVF to have children wasn't lost on her either.

Monday evening was just an ordinary evening, nothing remarkable about it. I'm sure she was just running to the shops to pick up a few extras they needed, it was about 7pm. As she pulled out of the carpark she was hit by a vehicle driven by an 81 year old man, he (allegedly) ran a red light. The force of the collision propelled her car into three other cars. I ache to think of her in pain or being conscious...my hope is that she was unaware of any of this.

"Blondie"...I am going to miss you so much, all at The MISS Foundation will miss your kind words and replies to their posts. I'll miss your quick wit, your feigned "blond dumbness" and your (wicked) sense of humour.

Farewell Honeybunch...our world is a much emptier place without you in it.