It is impossible to tell you just how crazy this last week has been in the Dickinson household. It was just about this time of the morning that we found our daughter Heather nearly unconscious in her apartment. She was in excruciating pain, unable to stand or walk and delusional.
Heather is 31 years old and the mother of our 4 year old grandchild, Keygan. She is actually my step daughter, but for the last 16 years I’ve been pretty much the only father she has known.
Heather is a severe Type 2 diabetic and is in stage 3 kidney failure because of the side effects of the diabetes. The last couple of years have been a succession of doctors visits, hospital stays and tests to numerous to measure. Through it all, Heather has soldiered on taking care of herself and Keygan. She has a powerful will – one that I often watch with amazement and pride.
On Monday last, we were absolutely stunned to find her in such a condition. Did she accidentally overdose on some of the too many to count medicines she takes? Was it a bad reaction to a new drug or dosage?
We rushed her by ambulance to the local hospital, trying to answering a thousand questions – none of which we were certain.
Her pain was evident. We could see that she was unable to use her legs. We just had no answer to the question of why.
Long story short – three days later she was diagnosed with Rhabdomyolusis – better known as “crush syndrome” and usually associated with accident victims that have been somehow crushed.
We decided at that point that her care was above the level of the expertise of the local hospital and moved her to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
It’s amazing to me that we had to fight the local hospital on this and that we actually had to leave “against medical advice”. I’m still stewing over that one and trying my best to resolve the frustration.
Barnes has been a life saver for Heather and I mean that quite literally. Rhabdomyolusis can be fatal as it moves throughout your organs especially the liver and kidneys. Everything we read about this syndrome assured us that this was super serious and not to be taken lightly.
Barnes jumped on the case immediately and we soon saw results.
Heather has a long road of physical therapy ahead of her to restore the muscles in her legs so that she can walk again. Things will be different around here for a while as we take on her care and the care of our beautiful Keygan.
UPDATE: As I was writing, we received a phone call from Heather. She is going to be allowed to come home today! Because she has a good support system, they are allowing her to come here to us and undergo home physical therapy. Good stuff – very good stuff!
The other impossibility I have right now is in telling you all just how much your thoughts, prayers, notes and emails have meant to me this week. They have truly been the sustaining force that has kept us above water during this crazy scary time.
I have said it before, but must say it again – I am so thankful for the awesome community I am privileged to be a part of here on this blog. You guys teach me, support me and make me a better blogger – and most of all, a better person.
Thank you.
Thank you also to Marcus Sheridan (@thesaleslion) and John Haydon (@johnhaydon) for rallying their communities to provide help and support during this time. John and Marcus – I cannot thank you enough for your friendship – you are truly appreciated!
Again, for everyone who has sent a notes, a tweet, an email, a thought, a prayer, a good vibe or anything else – THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
I am a blessed and fortunate man because of all of you.
Om shanti my friends.
Frank,
I am so glad that Heather has recovered enough to go back home. I am so happy for you and your family. When these life events occur, the purpose of life becomes very clear.
God bless,
Fred
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