A blatant plea for attention from an old DUer--What a ride I've had!

[blondeatlast]

Early October, I had yet another spark plug installed (coronary artery stent). A week after being released from health jail, my mom died. Well, I handled both situations pretty well considering--I even went to the Phoenix get-together and had a wonderful time (this was prior to my mom's passing).

So the service for my mom comes around--simple, respectful, lovely--hosted some lovely close relatives. Time to move on slowly--no such luck.

The day after the service, I began my period--again, no biggie, right? HAH. I bled well, to put it politely--profusely. Became anemic, couldn't return to work.

This continued for 2 1/2 weeks. Made two trips to the ER, both times I hadn't become anemic enough for a transfusion, but the bleeding wouldn't stop.

So comes Tuesday of last week--I HAD A STROKE. Blessedly there was no lasting damage, but scary as hell. Well, finally they addressed the bleeding problem--three liters someone else's plasma (thanks to all you blood donors--THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU--I received the blood on Thanksgiving, ironically!).

Anyway, turns out I have a 90% blockage of a carotid AND a smaller blockage of a parotid artery. I'm scared (not to fear--I'm getting professional therapy to handle the emotions).

Anyway--I'm still here, but considerably worse for wear. For those who know me (lotsa new cyber-faces here!), I'm not afraid to beg for a little cheering up--I am NOT ready for my old GD and GDP haunts yet--that's for damn sure!

Thanks gang--DU has been a shelter from the storm many times. I'll get back to my GD/P duties once I'm R&Red--count on it.

[GOPisEvil]

1. Yikes!!

I hope you get healthy soon. I thought it had been a while since I'd seen you. Take care! :hug:

[ernstbass]

2. Oh my gosh!!

I'm glad you're hanging in there! What an orderal! And as a blood donor, I'm happy to hear that a good Dem such as yourself is a recipient!! Take care!:hug:

[rbnyc]

Health Jail!

Man, do I hear that! I'm gonna use that if you don't mind.

But seriously, I'm so sorry. What an ordeal. And it's so hard not to be scared.

I'm so glad you're not afraid to ask for cheering up, I just wish I were better at it it. All I can say is, I'm so glad you're here, and I'm thinking of you.

:loveya:

[auntAgonist]

3. blondeatlast, you certainly

have my best wishes for a healthy recovery! You've been through the mill. My sincerest condolences on the passing of your Mother, may she rest in peace and may the fond memories you have sustain you while you go through these trials of your own. Go slow and be good to yourself, please keep us posted and let us know how you're doing.

:hug:

[RandomKoolzip]

4. Whoa! Get better!!

My goodness, I had no idea! I'm sending good vibes to you, blondeatlast, one of my firstest, most favoritest DUers.

Good luck and :hug:

[oneighty]

5. Here Blondatlast

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((hug))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

180

[Bunny]

6. Holy cow, what a ride it's been!

I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother, and for your various ailments. It's good to see you back, and take care, please. :hug:

[blondeatlast]

10. Tower of Power's here in January--this time--hubby WILL take me!

Count on it!

[Bunny]

14. Awright!!!

That sounds like fun! :bounce:

[bertha katzenengel]

7. great to see you - hang in there, baby

:hug:

[MsAnthropy]

8. Good grief, you've had more than your share!

Hang in there, you've got friends here. You're in my thoughts.

[catmandu57]

9. I hope everything works out for you

We've lost too many DUer's this year, I'll pull for you.

[merh]

11. Dang, I'm sorry to hear about all of these troubles.

Sending you positive energies and well wishes and cyber hugs and will send out prayers for you, if you don't mind.

Please rest and heal, you are too important to DU & GDP - we need you strong for 2006. :hug: :loveya:

[dpbrown]

12. Keep plugging away!

Good thoughts to you.

:hug:

[flamingyouth]

13. Oh my gosh - I'm holding good thoughts for you.

Wow - I can't believe everything you've been through the past two months. Take care of yourself and know that your friends here are all pulling for you. :hug:

[blondeatlast]

15. Thank you all so much--your words of encouragement truly help!

Off to the primary care now, but wanted to thank those who've responded (so fast, too!) already.

It really does give me hope.

I'll get through this--I'm seeing the light already.

Thanks again.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

16. Here's hoping for a better 2006!

:hug:

[tigereye]

17. oh my!

:hug: take care!

[blondeatlast]

18. Update--not a stroke (just returned from my PCP)--a TIA

(as in Transient Ischemic Attack), but still. . .

Also, it was a more minor artery with the 90% blockage, but still...

Thanks for all the good wishes--they really are helpful.

[myrna minx]

19. Take care.

:hug: