ICU continued

Continuing....

This next part aren't my recollections, but information told to me later. Weeks later.

I don't remember the rest of the evening on the night of the 16th. Mike sat with me in ICU until midnight when visiting hours ended. He went home briefly, and returned at 3:00 am to be with me until 6:00 am. Then he ran home to get the kids to school.

Friday the 17th---Mike had gone home to get the kids to school. He told me [weeks later] that his cell phone rang as he was dropping the twins in front of school. It was Dr G., the Interventional Radiologist.  He asked Mike how long before he would get to the hospital; as they really needed to get started on repairing my aneurysm and Mike needed to sign the consent forms. Mike said he was on the way, just dropping the kids off. Dr. G asked Mike to pull the car over so they could talk seriously -- at the same time Mike is telling the twins "I love you guys! Have a good day!".

Mike never did pull over to the side of the road. He kept on driving as Dr. G was explaining that " your wife is very sick. We can't wait for you to get here to sign the forms. We need to go over the forms over the phone. You need to give verbal consent.".

I have a vague impression of the hospital staff covering my face with an anesthesia mask. Random thing. Mike did get to the hospital and was in for a long day. The procedure to repair the aneurysm took several hours, I thin 5 or 6 hours.  There were complications. My carotid arteries clogged up during the surgery, resulting in stroke.  One artery was opened with clot busting drugs, the other was more stubborn and required a stent to keep it open.

The surgery was completed successfully and I was returned to ICU for what was to be a 12-14 day stay and constant watch was additional strokes.   They checked everyday for vasospasms, which would be dangerous.   Dr. G, the interventional radiologist talked to Mike and my mom and told Mike several things. Firstly, he told Mike that during their phone conversation that morning, that it had broken his heart to be calling Mike about my surgery and the seriousness, while listening to Mike tell the twins that he loved them and to have a good day at school.    Mike was trying to not worry the kids, and still be attentive to the Dr.  Secondly, Dr G told Mike that "Jamie is too young for this... I've done everything for Jamie  that I would have done for my own wife.". WOW!

To be continued......

Aneurysm -- ICU

I was diagnosed on September 16, 2010 with a Subarachnoid Brain Hemorrhage or Aneurysm. After arriving in the ER via ambulance, and getting the diagnosis, I knew it was not good news. That was about the last rational thought that I had for a few weeks. I was feeling so bad and was very nauseated along with the head and neck pain. I don't even rememberer going for the CT scan. I had started to lose time at that point, I guess.

The Dr. Explained that I would be admitted to ICU that night for observation, and until a surgeon could repair the Aneurysm the next morning. Poor Mike. I can't imagine how he must have felt at that point. I've been told his boss from work came, as well as my mom and several others. If you were there that Thursday night, please remind me as I am trying to journal this and get it written down.

They took me to ICU on a gurney; I was so confused; but it was also my first realization that things weren't good at all.

A male nurse named Paul was on duty.( I think I developed a hero crush on him--he was so caring) When he asked me to move from the gurney to the bed, I was first puzzled that they had done the surgery and that I still had all my street clothes. Even my shoes. I'm not sure what time it was, but I was still at work at 1:30 in the afternoon--- and I think Mike said I was sent to ICU by 8:00 PM. In those few hours, a lot was happening in my brain. Secondly, and more importantly, they had me try to stand for the transfer to the bed:

I could no longer stand up.

To be continued...

A short update

Where have I been? First, I went back to work part time in November '09 at my local craft store. Close to home (5 minutes) and flexible. Casual clothes and comfy shoes. And it worked with my crossing guard job too. I was hired as Seasonal help.

The job was fun. Stressful at times, well make that really busy more than stressful. It worked for me and worked for the store manager too. He invited me to hire on full time in April '10. By then I was being trained to cover the cash office one day per week and also, one of two department managers in Crafts. I quit my job as crossing guard around this time.

Mike and the kids have been getting along with work, school and various sports. Jason still plays baseball in high school and got his drivers license. He is currently a Junior. The twins, Ryan and Megan, are 5th graders and in a brand new school -a middle school. It serves 5th through 8th graders. Ryan is playing U11 Soccer and Megan is competing Level 5 gymnastics. Mike is still with his company for which we are more-than-ever grateful these days. Mike has always done a bang up job of caring for our family, but even more so in the last 6-7 months.

I worked full time all summer and juggled work with kids, sports, family, etc. It is tough. I had forgotten after being a SAHM. Still, my coworkers were nice and I was enjoying myself. As summer progressed, and the kids went back to school, work continued and we settled back into routines.

Thursday, September 16, 2010 started out like every other day. Showers, breakfasts, lunches made, kids to school and Mike and I to work. I wasn't scheduled to work that day; but we had a reset project to do in floral. I was offered extra hours and was happy to work them, in spite of a nagging cold. I feel that it was by God's hand that I was at work that day, and not home alone.

Shortly after lunch, I became ill while working with Lupe on the reset. It happened very fast. A sudden headache and excruciating neck pain, tunnel vision, nausea and profuse sweating. I was helped to the break room where many coworkers were with me. I texted Mike who came to the store. Someone called 911.

Although the paramedics didn't realize the severity of my illness and were not insistent on transporting me--- I was very certain something was not right. Mike agreed and we asked them to transport me anyhow. My other friend at work, Cindy, said she really began to worry when I didn't seem to realize my kids would need to be picked up from school.

It was interesting that the paramedics wore masks and started an IV too on the ambulance ride.

Upon arrival at the ER--- the medical staff was fabulous, quick and I don't know? Led by God?? I think so. While I have lost blocks of time that afternoon and evening, I do know this:

A CT SCAN was performed of my brain. Within a very short time we were told a diagnosis for my sudden headache, neck pain, nausea etc. I had suffered a Subarachnoid Brain Hemmorhage. I was scheduled for surgery and sent to ICU where I spent twelve days.

In my next several posts I hope to share some of my journey. The good, bad and the ugly and the frightening. By sharing I hope I can not only heal mentally, but maybe someone else could somehow benefit too.

May God bless me with the strength and the words to tell about my journey.

Anybody out there?

Hello! I'm still here. I have a long story to relate. although, i don't know how to start. My family is great though. How are you?

Jason's 16th Birthday

Hard to believe, but Jason turned 16 years old on January 31, 2010. We had a celebration with Grammy & Poppy at their house. We ate steak and baked potatos. Later, we had some yummy cake and ice cream.

Blowing out 16 candles!!

We celebrated on Jason's actual birthday at the restaraunt of his choice, "Joe's Crab Shack." True to Pugh form, we just had to tell the wait staff that it was his birthday. They love to help people celebrate!

They made Jason some 'wings' (napkins) and also a 'wand' (made from a straw and some sort of plastic dragon drink stirrer) and had Jason run a lap around the restaurant while they sang to him.

Jason was a super-good-sport about it! The pictures were taken with the iPhone and are not all that clear, but you can get the idea of the fun that we all had!

Finally, just for the update. Jason is 16. He is 6 feet 1 inches tall and is a sophomore in high school. He plays baseball on the JV high school team and is an outfielder. This year he is on the A/B honor roll taking German II, AP Chemistry, world History, Geometry, sophomore English, Computer Animation and Baseball/Athletics. Jason has completed all of his drivers education and basically just need one more form from the high school to go and get his Driver's License. Wow. Where has 16 years gone? Here is one last photo of my handsome son!

OK Go - This Too Shall Pass - Rube Goldberg Machine version - Official

Fun Pictures from Mike

As an advertising mechanism, Mike and his coworkers created this adorable bear near the Monterra Village - some luxury apartments owned by Hillwood. It sits at I35W and North Tarrant Pkwy.

Also, this week - not sure where this was taken - Mike came across a fire hydrant that was missing a cap and some honey bees decided to call it home. Isn't this interesting?

Megan & Ryan start 4th Grade

Well, this is it! Megan & Ryan started their final year of elementary school yesterday! It seems like just yesterday they were starting kindergarten!

(Below) Here they are at home before that first day of kindergarten! (Below) Here they are with their Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Smith

And here they are at home before they left for school to start the 4th grade!

(Below) Here is Megan being silly!

(below) Megan being serious!

(below) Megan being silly again! Maybe, just maybe, a hint of Diva?

(Below) Here is Ryan!!

(below) Ryan being silly

(below) Megan & Ryan together!

Family Visit - Part 2

On Wednesday July 15th - we headed out to Six Flag Over Texas. I didn't do much photo documentation - but here is what I did actually take pictures of:

BELOW: Jason, Mackenzie, Courtney and Megan in the GINORMOUS chair!

BELOW: Melissa and Mackenzie - I don't know why - but I had a crazy urge to snap this picture.

BELOW: Megan and Ryan in the GINORMOUS chair.

BELOW: Superheroes were roaming the park and Mike jumped in to have his picture taken with Wonder Woman!

BELOW: Here is "Mighty Mike" and the Super Heroes!

Family Visit - Part 1

July 14th. Mike's Mom Margie and his sister Melissa, her hubby Scot and daughters Melissa are here for a visit. We played Putt-Putt earlier that day and then everyone was hot and sweaty and ready for a swim. We had the pleasure of being able to use a nearby pool for the evening. We cooked a yummy dinner of lasagna, salad and garlic bread, dessert and took along a cooler of drinks.

BELOW: Here are Mackenzie, Courtney and Megan eating poolside.

BELOW: Jason and Ryan eating poolside!

BELOW: Melissa (center) and Courtney (right):

BELOW: Here is Scot. He had just come back from running over 11 miles!

BELOW: Mike's Mom Margie (in yellow) and Melissa:

BELOW: Here is Mike - proudly sporting one of the nieces sunglasses!

BELOW: The 5 cousins in age order: Jason 15, Mackenzie 14, Courtney 11, Ryan 9 and Megan 9.

Megan was invited to be on Team ASI Gymnastics

In early June - we received a call that Megan has been invited to be on a gymnastics team. She has been taking girls gymnastics a bit less than 2 years. She participates in floor, beam, bars and vault.

She is in Level 2 and now takes class 2 hours per week. She has a practice leotard now - and later will get a competition leotard, a warm-up suit and a gym bag. The girls will compete later this year, but we don't know when yet.

Here Megan is in her brand new Team ASI practice leotard!

Learners Permits-- July 3rd

July 3rd - a day to be remembered. Jason and his friends Cody and Dylan (from baseball) and all us moms - met at the local DMV to get their Driving Learners Permits.

7:30 a.m. walking up to stand in line. Dylan (left), Jason (center) and Cody (right) I think these looks are a combination of the early hour and embarrassment that I was taking their picture to commemorate the day!


Below: We are too cool to have our pictures taken !

Below: REALLY Mom!!? Dylan ducked and Cody hid behind his hands!

BElOW: We aren't worried - we are cool!

Below: Jason is proud of his permit - but embarrassed I am documenting it in front of everyone!

Below: The three Amigos... All VERY cool with their new drivers permits.

From THAT to THIS

On June 22nd, I injured the middle finger on my right (dominant) hand while cleaning the carpet in my van. I saw the orthopedist on the 25th and he confirmed that I tore the tendon that goes over the top of that first knuckle completely off the bone. However, it did not chip the bone. The official diagnosis is called "Mallet Finger". My injury also includes a "Swan Neck Deformity" . This is where that second knuckle was being forcefuly hyper-extended. So, what to do now?

For the next 8+ weeks this "Stack Splint" is my new best friend. I must wear it 24/7. No exceptions. It holds the joint in the proper position to, hopefully, allow the tendon to re-attach itself to the bone. If I bend the first joint for even one second, it will undo any healing that has taken place.

Isn't this attractive? The Dr. was not all that encouraging about results of any potential surgical correction. So, I am being very compliant with wearing it. And, I must say that my finger is much more comfortable IN the splint than OUT of it. This isn't a painful injury - just really awkward. Please wish me luck for complete healing without surgery!

Trick Photography?

Ooops! That just doesn't look right!

Yesterday - I hurt my finger. Mike and I were scrubbing the carpet in my van. I was scrubbing and the tip of my middle finger caught on a ridge in the carpet and buckled under - I also heard a loud POP sound,

I see an orthopedist Thursday - but unofficially - it seems that I have torn the tendon on the top of my finger resulting in the inability to straighten the tip of my finger.

It isn't terribly painful - but it is awkward.

Swimming Lessons

The twins started some private swim lessons this week. They have 4 more days next week. I think they are doing quite well. It has been a few years since they took lessons.

It was time for some "tuning up".

This is Megan working on the back stroke:

Another of Megan working on the backstroke:
Ryan working on backstroke:

Time to wipe our faces!
Megan working on breaststroke:

Ryan working on breaststroke:

Ryan doing freestyle:

Megan doing freestyle:

Megan practicing her kicking with her coach Olivia:

Ryan practicing his kicking with his coach Chase:

I think that they are doing very, very well! I can't wait to see what next week brings!