Okay, I told Debbie I was posting a story today even if the creek does rise...which it won't at this time of year. I've had my coffee, read my Bible, pleaded with the Lord to take control of this mess, brushed my teeth, and found some soothing music to enjoy. All set....here goes..
My last post was in February, and I apologize for this, but it isn't my fault. I have a strict policy of never writing while I'm depressed. Those who've known me long and well understand this and also recognize how long a period of time can pass before the darkness goes away. Depression hasn't been my entire problem this time though. In April I decided to fall in my garage while sweeping sawdust. I hit my forehead on the corner of my work table and knocked myself out. I woke up after fifteen minutes (a fact relayed to me later) on my belly with my face pressed onto cold concrete. My first thought was, "Why in the world did I decide to take a nap on the garage floor?" I tried to get up but couldn't lift my head off the floor. I yelled for Debbie. She didn't hear me. I yelled "Help" and nothing. I yelled "Free chocolate" and no one came. I finally managed to reach my phone and called Deb. She came running and immediately called Cody, our neighbors Charley and Susan, 9-1-1, and the Salvation Army. All but those rascals at the Salvation Army came running. They told Debbie she would have to put me on the front porch and wait until one of their drivers was in the area.
I was in a bad way, enough so that I didn't argue when the paramedics insisted on carting me to the ER. In fact, I don't remember anything about the ambulance ride or my introduction to the ER staff. I also don't remember anything before hitting my head....it's a complete blank. I could have been pushed but a poltergeist would have had to do the pushing. I don't really think that happened. I just didn't know at the time why I fell. Of course I now know my balance issue and other problems weren't just my imagination. I spent three days in the hospital nursing a severe concussion, huge knot on my forehead, two black eyes, and a nice headache.
Well, that was supposed to be the whole story before I got started on my slap your knee funny story I was about to tell, but my sad tale didn't end there. I had to see a neurosurgeon who diagnosed me with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, or NPH. I know! I never heard of it either! And of course the doc, my wife, and both sons took this as serious information and insisted on more tests, more CT scans, more MRI's and more time in the hospital. It's been a tough six months since then, including enough CT's to cook bacon, hospital time, and brain surgery. Supposedly my problem was fixed when a hole was drilled into my brain and a shunt (formerly known as 'foreign object') was installed. It did work though. I didn't realize how bad I had gotten until it was fixed. I felt 25 years younger! Good old neurosurgeons! Can't beat 'em....but, and this is a big but...
...the shunt was set too high for removing the excess spinal fluid in my brain. After a few weeks of outstanding good health I went for a followup CT scan. That same day I got a call from the surgeon's PA asking how I was feeling...any dizziness....any headaches....numbness?? Nope, I felt great. The PA then said this was quite surprising. I needed to have someone drive me to the hospital immediately. Reservations had already been made and they were expecting me with needles, tubes, uncomfortable bed, and all the other stuff associated with hospital time. It turns out the shunt was removing the spinal fluid so fast two voids had been created in my brain. One 'ventricle' had shrunk and one had completely collapsed causing the brain to pull away from whatever the little protective sac around the brain is called. I was bleeding internally. Oh my goodness. That was a bit unsettling. Over the next several weeks I was placed on limited activities, which meant doing absolutely nothing but sitting. I had several more scans while adjustments were made unsuccessfully. I was still bleeding. Finally, they had to turn the shunt off. Actually, a shunt can't be turned off. The drain tube has to be crimped to block any more drainage. This involved an incision in my neck which is still hurting as I write.
After the shunt was turned off I slowly drifted back to my old self with my balance problem, dragging my left foot causing a shuffle no dance song will ever be written for, and a speech problem from vocal chords taking an extended medical leave.
And this is where I've stayed for weeks. Debbie deserves a medal for all her help and support. She makes sure I try to stay as active as an immovable object can stay. She takes me to church as long as I stay close to her. She even takes me out to eat occasionally because my appetite is still perfectly healthy. Sadly, I can't remember the funny story I was going to tell. Sorry about that. It's completely gone from my defective brain. Memory loss is another fun symptom of NPH. I had forgotten to mention that earlier.
Oddly, I'm not depressed over this situation I find myself in. I'm perfectly content sitting and watching the world go by. I know I will eventually be fixed again and life will go on. I still get to enjoy my family, especially those not so little grandkids. I enjoy reading and watching old movies. I just can't seem to remember too much about my earlier years right now. If I can't get those memories back I will get depressed eventually...but not today. Today all is good. I'm going to shuffle on in to the den, hug my wife, eat some lunch, and ...take a nap. I wasn't going to include the nap thing but Debbie will probably read this. Honesty is the best approach. Love to all!!
