Tuesday, April 07, 2009

I didn't plan my day this way

I don't know if I've mentioned that Christopher has had a terrible time recovering from the surgery. He's had the strangest symptoms (muscle aches, dizzy, numbness in his hands and legs) and he's not been able to catch up his college work. Although he has had a sinus infection, these severe symptoms didn't seem to have anything to do with that.

This afternoon I dropped him off at the college as he didn't feel like driving. He was to go to a class and then give a tour. After the class he called to tell me he was very ill and someone else was going to take the potential students on tour so I left Barnes & Noble where I'd been perusing (not coveting, no... not I) books. Before I made it to the college, he called again saying we'd have to head to the emergency room. He was having a difficult time walking.

We ended up spending hours in the ER as they did blood tests and a CAT scan on his brain. I have a niece and a nephew who have M.S. and they were quite concerned about that. As it turns out, he has a potassium deficiency which is probably causing the symptoms. They believe it is caused by the "trauma" of surgery combined with (I told him so, uh huh, I did) all the pop (aka: soda in other parts of the country) he drinks at times. It can be very dangerous if not treated.

They still want him to see a neurologist, just to rule out M.S.... especially with two cousins who have it. In the mean time, they gave him mega doses of potassium and let him come home. While going back to the hospital with no insurance was no fun, we are quite relieved as it seems this is the reason he has been so ill. He feels better tonight than he has in weeks.

I'll be back tomorrow with news of a give away (starting on Thursday). I'll leave it up Thursday through Easter day and the winner will be announced on Monday. It's all about... tea things. Check back tomorrow for the information and Thursday to leave a comment.

Now, I'm worn out from all of today's excitement. Sasha is curled up next to me snoozing (I heart my laptop, thank you again to the sweet giver of this gift). Sasha lessons are a good thing, no one knows how to relax like her. She has a PhD in napping and sleeping. :)

8 comments:

The Journey said...

How scarey- I am sorry- I had potassium defincecy once- I thought I was having heart attack- turned out panic attack too to the definency. I sure hope all turns out well.

Rain said...

Sorry to hear that Christopher has not been well. Praying it is nothing more serious. Bananas are high in potassium too. Praying for your family.

Deb said...

Hi Brenda ~ I know it must be a relief to have some answers on what was going on...glad that Christopher is feeling much better!

~Bren~ said...

Oh Goodness, Brenda! I am so glad he is ok. That had to be pretty scary!!! Praying for a full recovery and "wow"...I had no idea pop could cause a potassium problem.

Vee said...

Keeping Christopher in my prayers. He's flushing potassium right out of his system if he's drinking too much soda pop. You're good to be on his case.

Anonymous said...

Please educate us Brenda... what is the correlation between pop and loss of potassium? And how much pop could inbalance it? I love a pop a day! :( I have heard some say pop can leach some calcium out of your body. Some say yes others no so I am not sure of that. I sure hope is what Christopher needed and now he can fully recover. Jody

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

I sincerely hope that Christopher's situation has been taken care of with the potassium.

I love an afternoon in Barnes and Noble myself!

Scrappy quilter said...

Sorry to hear Christopher wasn't doing well. Hope things will start to improve now.