Well, a proper writer would have built in some foreshadowing
in last week’s blontry. It’s not that I didn’t know there was a problem. So,
unless you have read Rae’s Facebook posts this past week, the content for this
week may seem to come out of left field. I have spent most of this last week in
the hospital. Knowing how much I enjoyed my hospitalization for kidney stones,
this may be surprising. I, myself, was surprised at the turn of events. So,
this is what got me into this situation.
When I arrived in Portland (hmm, I guess I missed
two foreshadowing opportunities), my lower back was kind stiff and sore. I didn’t
think too much of it since I had just spent nearly 30 hours in a cramped plane.
Over the time I was in Portland, in addition to my sore back I also started
having pain in my right leg: pronounced but not debilitating. I flew to
Washington DC and by the time I arrived I was significantly more uncomfortable.
I had started doing stretching and strengthening exercises but to little
effect. Day by day my back and leg got worse. I couldn’t sleep; I couldn’t sit;
and I couldn’t stand. I was having some kind of fun and looking forward to the
long flight back to Delhi in coach.
I also began to suspect that I was not dealing
with a back issue with radiating sciatic pain. As I researched on the interweb,
I began to suspect deep vein thrombosis. The symptoms all fit and by Friday
when I was getting ready to head back, my right leg was much more painful than
my back.
Charu graciously allowed me to upgrade my tickets
to business class but I was worried about how I would handle the flights. I
made it through the Dulles airport, white knuckling every step but I made it.
However, after we landed in Frankfurt, the situation was different. I was
hobbling down the aisle of the plane; gasping at each step. One of the flight attendants
asked me what was wrong. When she heard the Reader’s Digest version. She had me
wait. I was then taken through security and to my next plane by wheelchair and
electric cart.
Getting off the plane at Delhi was a repeat of
the scene in Frankfurt except the equipment was older and the attendant was
quite a bit smaller but I was fortunate enough to be taken right to the curb
where Robinson picked me up. It was after 2:00 in the morning when we got home
and I was in excruciating pain. Robinson proposed he pick me up and take me to
the hospital later that day, but I really believed I needed some time to rest
so I asked him to pick me up and take me to the hospital first thing Monday. I
was able to find some pain killer from when I had the kidney stones, and
between that and a blessing I received I made it until I could get to the
hospital.
Once I checked into the Outpatient Department they, quickly got
processed and met with Dr. Bali. As I explained the situation and my
expectation it was deep vein thrombosis. She rushed to get me admitted and my
tests scheduled. Within an hour the initial diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis
was rejected as the Doppler Echo showed no indication of blockage. Over the
next four days, I was poked, prodded, and had subject to any number of
diagnostic tests, blood values were run and rerun.
The working diagnosis was changed from deep vein thrombosis to a large
cyst that was so intrusive that it was effectively cutting off blood flow to my
lower leg, leading to all the associated issues. Rounds of IV medicines were
hung to shrink the cyst and to fight off infection. Every day I get a letter
better; have a little less pain; and can move about with less pain and
difficulty.
In many respects this was a more comfortable hospital stay. The room was
nicer and the bed was more comfortable. I didn’t take a ton of pictures but
here are a couple:
The last day I was in the hospital, I had a consult with a Rheumatologist
who is trying to get past the symptoms and find out more about the underlying
issues that may have allowed my current symptoms to emerge. I meet with him
again later this week. I may have more to report. In the meantime, thanks for
all the prayers, and positive thoughts and energy sent my way. I truly
appreciate it. Until next week.
Namaste
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