I'm Home

I came home from the hospital today. I want to thank EVERYONE for your love, prayers, support, emails, phone calls, and visits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't begin to tell you what that means to me. I send a cyber HUG to all of you!!! I especially want to thank Jennifer. She's been so wonderful, coming to fight for me when I was getting no where!!! I have three major issues going on. I have had a small stroke. They are guessing that this is a genetic disorder in my blood, although I have six kids and five surgeries and never had a problem......... Further tests by the hemotologist are needed to determine our course of action here. I have damage to my right side, mostly my arm. But the neurologist thinks that it should recover completely, we just need to avoid any further strokes. I have BeriBeri (the dry version). This is major mal-nutrition largely caused by Vitamin B1 deficiency. But all my levels are messed up. It appears that my body is not getting anything out of the vitamins that I take. My potassium dropped low and I was given 4 bags of it in the hospital before it came up. Yesterday it was good, and today it was lower then it origanlly was. My echocardiogram shows a small hole between the two upper chambers of my heart. They need to do more tests on this before we can get a diagnosis. Needless to say, it's been quite a devistating week for me and I'm basically in shock still. I feel like I've been given these problems and then sent away to deal with them on my own. CORI would not let me talk with Dr. Wood. They only said that I could have my doctor call him and see about a transfer. My doctor refused to do that. (McLaren docs will NOT refer/transfer out of the McLaren network) My doctor discharged me today with a shrug of his shoulders telling me that he has not a clue how to help me, but that I HAVE to get follow up care ASAP. (geee thanks a bunch doc, how much do I owe ya?) So that's my update. I'm sorry it's so "down" I was hesitant to post it at all because it's so depressing, but I know many of you are waiting to hear. Thank you again for all your love and prayers. Please keep praying. Laurie

Laurie, It is soooo good to hear from you. I am continuing to keep you in my prayers. Sounds like some tough news, but please know that we're here for you and will definitely keep praying for you through all of this. It's so nice to see your smiling face! Hugs, Wanda

Laurie, it's so good to see you back here. I've been praying for you, and I hope you get the help you need. That's got to be scary to not know how to get the care you need! Lean on us, please, we're here for you.

Awww, hon... We've been so worried! I'm so glad that you are home. Sounds like you have a difficult road ahead of you. I hope that you find doctors that treat you the way you deserve and need to be treated. Everything sounds so scary. You are not a downer! Honey, you've been through the ringer. We need you to post so that we can give you support, encouragement and love. Not everything here needs to involve clapping and celebrating. We are here to celebrate your accomplishments and to provide a shoulder when you need it. Hugs, Kathy

I'm so glad you're home, but I'm so sorry it's with the news you have. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you've posted and let us know what's going on, I've been so worried about you, but man am I pissed about what you've been through - especially the treatment (or lack there of) you've received so far. Is there ANYTHING we can do to help?

Hi Laurie, I am so glad to see your post. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything at all that I can do for you and your family please don't hesitate to ask. You definately have a good friend in Jennifer on your side! Please keep posting and keep us updated. Have they referred you to a cardiologist? That seems to be the first step that needs to be taken, and a good internist! Sending God's blessings your way, love, Barb

Laurie So glad that you are home from the hospital. You said it yourself in an earlier post...only you can really know what is going on and take care of yourself! I am a nurse and know that those MDs can be too much! Why bother asking you how things are, they already know!! Again...glad to hear from you and see you posting your journey...Jen

I'm so glad your are home girl. I've been really worried about you and keeping check on the maysters and the Michigan board to see how you were doing. Look on the positive side. At least you know what the problems are and now we just need to find you someone to fix them. If there is anything at all that we can do, please let us know ASAP. Heather 267/174/155

I am glad you're home Laurie, and you are still in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Tracy

Laurie, I'm so sorry that you are having to go through this. I so hope you can get the help you need! We are here for you! Lori