Life threw me a curve ball

 

I cannot believe I have not posted anything since last Wednesday!!

I mean, seriously.  I don’t know when the last time that happened!

Well……ya know how ya never know what a day will bring ya?

That was true for me last Thursday.

I never in a million years thought I would spend 4 hours in the emergency room that day.  But I did.

That morning, I woke up with a TERRIBLE headache, but Dad was coming over to watch the boys for a few hours so I could finish my Christmas shopping.  {And I had a LOT left to do!}

So I took some ibuprofen, but on my game face, and went shopping.  It was raining cats and dogs that day, which does not make for a great day of shopping.  I stopped at ToysRUs first to knock some things off my list, and thankfully it  wasn’t that crowded.

But my headache would NOT go away.  It actually kept getting worse.  So bad, in fact, that I began feeling nauseous.  I was getting so frustrated.  A headache, a down pour, and a long shopping list do not make for good buddies.

I had gotten as much as I could get done before I felt like I was going to vomit in the car.  I cried to Cy on the phone because still had some stores to go to, and I knew I wasn’t going to make it.  Maybe I had the flu?

Around 11:00 am, I called Dad and told him that I was going to swing by my doctor’s office and see if I could get checked for the flu.  He said that was fine.  I called Cy and cried some more on the phone because I felt soooo bad.  I really didn’t know if I could make it to the doctor before I threw up.

Within the next 5 minutes, things took a turn for the worse.  My arms and legs began going numb.  I really began freaking out.  Quickly after my arms went numb, my fingers began to cramp and get stiff.  I couldn’t even bend my fingers to grip the steering wheel!

Y’all, I would like to say I remained calm, but I didn’t.  I was crying hysterically thinking that I was having a stroke or something was terribly wrong.  I had never experienced anything like that.

I made it to the doctor’s office, but could barely feel my legs and had trouble walking in the front door.  I bypassed the check in line and walked straight to the door in the waiting room.  I saw a nurse, and began to cry.  I told her I felt like I was going to pass out and that I couldn’t feel my arms and legs.  She immediately led me into a room, and the nurse began to talk my blood pressure and do an EKG on me.  They called an ambulance and said I needed to go to the ER.  I was having a lot of trouble breathing, and finally threw up in the waiting room.  {To which I kept apologizing to the nurses for doing so.}

I threw up in the ambulance too.

I kept crying and asking someone to “help me.”  I just wanted to the feeling back in my arms and legs.

Long story longer…

They took me to the ER and hooked me up to an IV and checked a million things.  Cy got there as they were wheeling me into the Emergency room.  He was a mess as well.

My sister got there shortly after, and I cried when I saw her.  In one glance, we both knew in our hearts that we wish Mom was there.

I was told that my CO2 was at a very dangerous level, and I had been hyperventilating.  They made me breath in a bag for a while.  The medicine they gave me in my IV made me feel better within about 30 minutes, and I had all the feeling back in my arms and legs and the nausea went away.

They also did a CT scan on me to make sure it wasn’t anything neurological, and it  came back clear.

Soooo, the doctor feels that I had a severe migraine that caused me to get sick. Then, when I began hyperventilating, I was taking in to too much oxygen and not releasing any CO2 which caused my arms and legs to go numb and my fingers to cramp.

Weird, right?

I have to go see a neurologist and my obgyn to get my hormones checked.

Isn’t it lovely getting older, ladies?!

So that is why I haven’t posted, or been on social media, or answered any emails.  I’ve needed some rest, and I’ve done my best to get some.

Unfortunately, I now have a head cold, and have felt terrible all day today.  Sad smile

But I will tell you friends, in light of what others have had to endure the past two weeks, I cannot complain at all.  My life has been inconvenienced by a scary trip to the ER and a bad head cold, but I still have so much to be thankful for this holiday season.

I don’t have everything checked off my Christmas list, and I haven’t been able to do all the traditions that I love right before Christmas, but I will still celebrate.

Cause Christmas is WAY more than presents, more than traditions, more than spending time with family and friends, more than a spirit of cheer, more than holiday tunes, more than any of that.

Christmas is about God’s great love for us.  So great, that He came to earth as a baby to live and die and to demonstrate His love for us.

He is our Joy during times of pain.

He is our Strength when we are weak.

He is our Hope when we think we have none.

He is our Peace in times of turmoil.

Those are the gifts I am celebrating this Christmas.

 

 

{p.s.  I missed you guys.}  :)

73 Comments

  1. How scary for you! Praying that you will feel better soon and be blessed with a restful Christmas. Let those precious boys and wonderful husband take care of you!

  2. Oh sweetheart, I am SO sorry all of that happened to you! Terrible timing. I’m glad you made it to your Dr’s office okay.
    Just get yourself better and don’t worry about the traditions, presents, etc. I’m sure the best gift for Cy and your boys will be for you to feel well.
    God Bless….
    Maggie

  3. I’m very sorry to hear that. I hope yo won’t hesitate going to the er if there’s a next time. I’m thinking you’ve never had a migraine before. Most people think it’s just a bad headache, but as you know, that’s not true. Mine are preceeded by aura, weird lights and partial vision. Besides medication, I ice my head and can now avoid the whole thing. Really strong coffee or anything with caffeine cane help also. I know you’ll still have a beautiful Xmas. think about where you last year! CTD

  4. Traci, I am so sorry that you had such a scary time. I hae suffered from migraines my whole life so I know how painful and frightening they can be. The pain is caused when blood vessels in the brain to constrict and cut down on the blood flow to that portion of the brain. Your symptoms can change from headache to headache depending and what part of the brain is involved. I have had some where my ability to speak or see was temporarily affected. I hope this is your one and only migraine.
    Merry Christmas,
    Traci

  5. Traci, I’m so glad that you are feeling better! Migraines are definitely NOT fun. Hormones do wondrous things, don’t they? The poster above has a lot of great suggestions, however the coffee/caffeine thing doesn’t work for me. If migraines continue for you, it helps to take note of all the symptoms leading up and catch it right away. For me, it helps if I take extra strength liquid Advil right away, but if I miss the exact onset, it won’t help. Timing is everything ;0). Cold and the darkness are your best friends…..as in, i strip naked (if possible with no little ones around, or the ability to lock yourself in your room) and lie in your bed with the air on high, window open in the winter, fan blowing directly on you, cold washcloth on the head, etc. until chilled. In complete darkness, if possible. With any luck, the pain will lessen enough to cover yourself and have a cosy nap and sleep it off. Some of the triggers for me have been not eating well, or enough, lack of exercise, dehydration, lack of sleep and stress. I know you like to run, and the increased oxygen from running has been a God sent for me. Perhaps, ask around your family to see if any blood relatives also suffer from migraines. They can and usually are hereditary and what works for one person can differ from what works for others who are unrelated. I’ve just taken note that what seems to work for me, also seems to work for my mother and brother, who also have suffered from migraines all their life. Worth a shot… Either way, I’m so sorry that you’ve had to experience one on such a busy day and while driving. Very scary for you, but thank God all is well. :0)

  6. How scary Traci! I’m glad you’re doing better and that it wasn’t something really serious. You just take care of yourself…and don’t stress over the small stuff. Enjoy your Christmas!

    I know how scary trips to the ER are – I had one in May, actually on Memorial Day. That morning I had gotten up around 5am…and had a glass of water. No problem. Went back to sleep for about 90 minutes, got up again and decided to have some breakfast. While I decided what I was going to have, I poured myself some OJ…only to dribble it down the front of my nightgown. Then I noticed that my face felt weird. I looked in the mirror and one whole side was beginning to droop. I knew (almost for certain) what it was…but hubby wasn’t taking any chances. I went to the ER…and was diagnosed with a severe case of Bell’s Palsy. Not only weren’t the muscles working in my face, but they weren’t working in my neck either – all on the right side. Seven months later (almost), I am about 75% recovered. It’s been a long 7 months and I figure it will be another 3-4 months to recover completely. Given the little chance in recovery that I got from the Doctor in the ER (because of the severity of the BP and how quickly it began)…and the fact that I wasn’t going to be taking the Steroids or Anti-Viral Meds they usually start you on…I am very happy to be where I am. God has shown me a better way for me to heal. Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Reiki, Essential Oils, Raindrop Treatments and Relaxation.

    Stay well…
    Merry Christmas…
    Jan ♥

  7. How scary! Praise the Lord for your safety and clear results. We missed you here but are happy to let you rest and regain strength. Praying for you. Enjoy your family this Christmas!

  8. Hi Traci,

    I just noticed that my comment to you, wouldn’t take you to my NEW Blog, which I’ve been at for a couple of months already. So, I changed everything and copied and pasted my comment in here!! :)

    How scary Traci! I’m glad you’re doing better and that it wasn’t something really serious. You just take care of yourself…and don’t stress over the small stuff. Enjoy your Christmas!

    I know how scary trips to the ER are – I had one in May, actually on Memorial Day. That morning I had gotten up around 5am…and had a glass of water. No problem. Went back to sleep for about 90 minutes, got up again and decided to have some breakfast. While I decided what I was going to have, I poured myself some OJ…only to dribble it down the front of my nightgown. Then I noticed that my face felt weird. I looked in the mirror and one whole side was beginning to droop. I knew (almost for certain) what it was…but hubby wasn’t taking any chances. I went to the ER…and was diagnosed with a severe case of Bell’s Palsy. Not only weren’t the muscles working in my face, but they weren’t working in my neck either – all on the right side. Seven months later (almost), I am about 75% recovered. It’s been a long 7 months and I figure it will be another 3-4 months to recover completely. Given the little chance in recovery that I got from the Doctor in the ER (because of the severity of the BP and how quickly it began)…and the fact that I wasn’t going to be taking the Steroids or Anti-Viral Meds they usually start you on…I am very happy to be where I am. God has shown me a better way for me to heal. Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Reiki, Essential Oils, Raindrop Treatments and Relaxation.

    Stay well…
    Merry Christmas…
    Jan ♥

  9. Oh Traci! How scary! Migraines are the worse. I struggle with them also. I’m glad you are feeling better now. We try to make everything so beautiful and perfect for our families at Christmas time, but you are so right, it’s the beauty of Christ’s birth that we really should be focused on. Have a very Merry Christmas my friend! xxoo

  10. oh my goodness. i am sorry you had to endure all of this. glad everything checked out ok. blessings to you and your family during the holiday season! merry christmas xoxo

  11. Oh Traci, I am so glad it was not something more seriouw. I am so sorry for such a really bad day and week. I hope you are feeling better. The Lord is the reason we have this wonderful time of year to celebrate and you are right, that is the most important thing of all. Let your children do most of the preparations for you, that is a gift they would love to give I am sure. I hope you have the most Blessed Christmas ever. Hugs Marty

  12. So sorry you had to experience that terrible day but glad
    You are feeling better now. Maybe God really just
    Wanted you to rest :)…..that’s hard for me too….there
    Is always so much to do! Lol !! Praying you and your family
    Enjoy the celebration of our Saviors birth and continue to feel
    Better with each day. Merry Christmas Traci :)

  13. Why is it that we feel that getting everything done for everyone else is so much more important than taking care of ourselves. I’ll admit, I’ve done it before and ended up in the ER. It’s scary and you end up feeling foolish for pushing yourself to the point of illness.
    Take it easy, enjoy your family, and have a relaxing holiday.

  14. Thank God you are ok. You are Christmas is way more than buying presents, it is all about Jesus – the birth of our Saviour. Hope you and your family have a blessed, Merry Christmas. Take it easy on yourself.

  15. I’m so glad you’re okay! That really got to me about you and your sister thinking of your mom and your husband being a mess, too! So thankful you are all right!!! Lots of love to you:)

  16. How frightening! I’m thankful you’re ok. Your family would rather have you healthy than every tradition in place. Blessings to your family as you celebrate THE GIFT. Take care of yourself!

  17. Traci,
    I am so glad that you are okay. What a blessing to me that you shared this and the reminder of what Christmas is truly about. Blessings to you and your family.

    Holly

  18. So glad you are Ok and that you also are celebrating the true meaning of Christmas this year, as I am, too. :-)
    I thought I might have the flu on Thursday, as well. I didn’t have as sever symptoms as you, or vomit, but I thought I was coming down with something! I think it was stress from getting stuff done and then Friday night it turned into a head cold, which I still, have and is one of the worst I’ve had in a long time. Thankful I know what Christmas really means, because I could let myself have a big pitty-party for not being able to do “traditions” right before Christmas like you said. :) I just pray that my little boys don’t get this terrible cold (or my husband) and that tomorrow we can have a relaxing Christmas with family. I can always do gingerbread houses later this week when I feel better. ;-)

  19. you are so right, Christmas is not about the gifts or the cookies that didn’t get baked. Enjoy time with your family, reflecting on Christ’s birth. Glad it wasn’t any more serious and hope you are feeling much better!

    Merry Christmas to you and your family, Traci!

  20. That’s the scary kind of crazy. So glad your on the mend! Take it easy and get rested, afterall, I think that is what the Lord is trying to tell you that you need… rest!

    Merry Christmas, Traci!!

  21. I am praying for you Traci. I pray that you would remember the Holy Spirit inhabits peace. Where there is peace ther is the divine Holy Spirit!

  22. oh Traci I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through this :( So glad it doesn’t seem TOO serious – praise God!! I’ll pray that you’re able to relax and enjoy family time (whether things are “done” or not) and be blessed by those around you. Hugs!!

  23. Praying for you this morning and asking the Lord to give you a joyful and peace filled Christmas with your family. I continue to work on keeping what’s really important the focus, but it is so hard to not want everyting to “look” perfect. Thank you for sharing your life and your family with us. Bleesings to you.

  24. Oh, Traci, you poor thing! that must’ve been so awfully scary! and I would’ve entered panic mode too, freaking out and hyperventilating!! I never knew you could go all numb from that, so weird! You will be in my prayers! I’m glad you aren’t experiencing any of that but boo to your head cold… God is so good.. He uses things like this in our life to snap us back to Him, and it certainly has and now you can encourage us to do the same, which you have :-) I’ve also gotten caught up in everything but Him, when this holiday IS about Him and not ourselves.
    God bless you and Merry Christmas!

    -Jeana

  25. I’m so sorry you experienced that! I’m glad you’re better and hope you get rest. Christmas is in our hearts, not a wrapped present. Hugs,
    Lori

  26. That must have been so scary- not knowing and trying not to let worst case scenario seep into your head. So grateful you are better despite the cold. Blessings to you and your family.

  27. oh, no, Traci, so sorry to hear of your scary day! I’ve had migraines for years, but first er visit last year- not fun! I’m so glad it wasn’t anything more serious, though I know the pain is miserable. I pray you have a blessed and joyous Christmas despite the head cold.

  28. Sooo glad you’re okay Traci; felt like reaching out thru the comp. and giving u a biiig hug! ….praying this Christmas you, Cy and your sweet boys will be blessed with peace and joy. Wishing you a verrry happy New Year! Your blog is a blessing to me!

  29. Oh, sweetie! How awful and scary! :( I would have thought I had a stroke or encephalitis or something horrible.

    Thank God I have haven’t had a migraine in years, but I can totally see how this could happen. And thank God you are okay. Christmas will seem a little more precious this year, I’m guessing.

    xo

  30. So glad you are feeling somewhat better. Migraines are nasty and scary, I get one each month before my cycle…so fun! But I know they are coming and I know why they are there, so not so scary anymore just painful and at time debilitating. I pray you have a very restful Christmas with your family. And I hope you allow them to pamper you just a bit.

    Praying for you…Merry Christmas,

  31. Sometimes it is these curve balls that help to keep our lives in perspective. We spend so much time making things perfect for the season and forget about the true meaning! I am sure things were not perfect in Mary’s eyes when Jesus was born. What I am sure of, is that is was perfect in GOD’s eyes! You will enjoy this holiday more since you had such a scare, God bless you and your family!
    Merry Christmas!

    DeDe@DesignedDecor

  32. Hope that all the love poured out to you in the comments will give you comfort and encouragement. Yes, we missed you, but we are glad you will be back on top soon. All I can think about after reading this is how wonderful just having family around is. Don’t have to have lots of trappings and gifts. The best gift is the love of those we love. Merry Christmas to you and yours. As always, God Bless and Keep.

  33. So glad you are ok. My 17 years old boy has that kind of headache each month since he was 6 years old. He has missed some school days to recover. Seems as he gets older, it has become a less problem for him. Which I am happy about. I really am glad you are ok. I am a lot like you, when I am sick I cry. I am now trying to get over my flu AND pneumonia (merry Christmas to me haha). I have been crying a lot this past week. Get well. Go be with family. Go and have yourself a very merry Christmas and praise God from above.

  34. Im so glad that you are OK! I was feeling so bad for you,..when I was reading your Post.

    Im sending prayers that you start feeling better very soon!

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

  35. So thankful you are better. I fully understand “wishing Mom” were there with you. You and your sister’s blog are trully a blessing to me…..SO I know your Mom must have been a wonderful Godly lady to have such Godly women like you two. You know….she is so proud of you….how you have “pressed-on” in her absence. God KNEW you and Cyndy would need each other later in life. even more than you did in your younger days when your mom was here with you. Yes, life is NEVER the same without our precious Mothers. I always thought everybody felt this way about their mothers UNTIL I met someone who’s mother wasn’t a Godly influence in their life. This will be my Mama’s 6th Christmas in heaven and my Daddy’s 10th in heaven….the holidays and my life have never been the same. We have been blessed BEYOND measure. Merry Christmas and Have a Blessed New Year, Joyce in Texas

  36. I’m glad your scare had a fairly quick resolution, though the time surely went by slowly at the time. You’ve been brought back to the essence of Christmas, embracing and being embraced by those we love. Let that love flow over and around you as you recover and take care of yourself. Thanks for sharing this with us.

  37. Migraines are the worse. There are times that I get them in clusters and I want to die! I do agree with you, there are worse things in this life and you are still alive to enjoy the Christmas season.
    I hope you have a very Merry Christmas with your family. I’m glad you’re feeling better with the headaches. Here’s prayers for you to feel better with your cold.
    Thanks Traci for making my days better with your blog. Sending love your way!

  38. Wow, that sounds extremely scary. I’m so happy that you were able to make it to your Dr. and get some answers from the E.R. Drs so quickly. Bless your heart. Don’t worry about Christmas because I know the rest of your family feels just like you and knows what the true meaning of Christmas is. Get plenty of rest sweetie.

    Merry Christmas and warm hugs…Tracy @ Cotton Pickin Cute

  39. Oh Traci – I missed you too! So sorry you had to go to the ER. Praise God that he watched over you to get you where you needed to be.

  40. Well I hit post comment before I was through! :) I will be keeping you in my prayers for your doctor checkups.

    Merry Christmas to all of you.

    Hugs and Blessings!!!!

    Marilyn C.

  41. Traci,
    Rest enjoy your family and the season, everything else can wait. My prayers are with you and your family. Merry Christmas

  42. I’m so glad you are better! Sounds like a migraine. I started getting them around menopause. In y case, the extreme pain and nausea causes my heart to have issues and I have had 2 emergency room visits with severe, but temporary heart issues. The migraines meds I used to take with the onset of a migraine often didn’t work. I could take over the counter pain pills and not even get the slightest bit of relief. 2 years ago I began taking a daily preventative (atenolol, a blood pressure Rx). And it has given me my life back. I tend to have low blood pressure anyway, which can be a bit of a problem, but the benefits far outway the side effects. I’m on hormones also, which worked for 6 months, but then the migraines returned, so that’s when I started the daily preventative. Migraines are the worst! I pray you don’t ever have another one, but know that if you do, there is help!
    Merry Christmas!

  43. I am glad to hear you are ok. I am sure that must have been a scary moment for you.
    Hope you are having a blessed Christmas with your family.
    Ruth

  44. I suffer from migraines too and I really felt your pain when reading this. You have my prayers.
    Mine are food induced so you may want to start tracking what you have eaten when you have them.

  45. Merry Christmas to one of my favorite bloggers!! Hope this Christmas is wonderful Traci, Cy, and your 4 precious boys! I love you and your blog and look forward to another year of reading it. Happy New Year Traci!

  46. So scary, Traci ~ I know your family was happy just to have you with them on Christmas. Our health is a blessing we so often take for granted! Feel better soon and revel in God’s love for you and yours. Merry Christmas!
    xo Heidi

  47. Sorry for your not so fun ER experience. Migrains are not fun and nothing to take lightly. Stress, sinuses, lack of sleep etc are all contributors. Take some time to chill….the best medicine.

  48. Take care of yourself. You have been doing a lot renovating your home, taking care of your family along with blogging and then getting ready for Christmas. I read your blog often and I hope your feeling better.
    Kelly

  49. Oh my gosh! That sounds soooo scary! I would have been hysterical too! Thank the Lord you made it safely to the doctor’s office! I get migraines too, and it’s hard to explain to people just how awful they are. I feel lucky that I don’t get them very often, but when I do they are a doozie! I am so glad you are ok and are on the mend. Take care of yourself because we need your sweetness in this world! I hope your Christmas was fantastic and may your New year be blessed!

  50. Traci,

    Bless your heart. I get migraines and they are the worst. As I was reading your post I got scared for you because I knew that went beyond the average migraine. So glad that they were able to figure out what was wrong and treat you for it quickly. Sorry about the head cold but hopefully that too shall pass quickly. Take care and rest! Prayers for you going up.

  51. Traci, I’m so sorry to hear about this scary experience! I’ve had migraines for my entire life, and I’ve had similar (but not identical) things happen to me. I hope that if you ever have another one, you have medicine on hand that you can take (sometimes they refer to it as a “rescue med”) just so you won’t have to endure that again. Of course, it might have been a one-time thing! We can hope for that! Glad that other than the cold, you are much better. :-)

  52. How scary!! I hope you are feeling better…..take the time for YOU…. for you to relax and stay away from the computer for awhile ;)

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