Thanks to those who've stopped by and checked out my blog, even though I haven't posted too much, it's wonderful to see that people are enjoying it!
I can't believe how much of a whirlwind life has been this past month. I've run two races, spent some much needed time with family, and continued job searching. But everything came to a stop this past Wednesday when I received a call from my mom. She was at the hospital and told me that one of my aunts was in surgery. A little confused I asked what for--my aunt is 44 and in perfect health. She's a runner, very active and eats healthy. Well, my aunt was going on a short run this past Wednesday and started to feel like she was going to pass out. She was sitting on the curb when a man walked out of his house and she flagged him over. When he asked what was wrong, although short of breath, she managed to say, "ambulance." The man called 9-1-1 and she was taken to the hospital. They did not know what was wrong with her and called in the cardiologist to examine her when she complained of pain in her chest and back. They found liquid around her heart and upon draining it found it was blood. Upon further examination they found that she had an aortic rupture, a very, very serious ailment. We were told by the cardiologist that 99% of people do not survive this. They were debating on whether or not to operate, but decided to go through with it. Thank God that they did. I can't tell you how elated I am to write this: she made it through EVERYTHING and is looking like she will be able to make a full recovery!!! We can't believe it and as I sit here it's still sinking in.
Wednesday we were unsure of her condition. She went in for surgery and after she was in there about 4 hours a nurse came out and told the family that things were going well. They had said that it could be up to an 8 hour surgery and the longer the better. This was about the time that I received the voicemail from my mom. The surgery lasted about 6 hours and I made it to the hospital to be with my family shortly after she made it out. The first hurdle was crossed: she made it through.
Thursday around 2:45am the sedation started wearing off and she moved both of her legs and nodded when a nurse asked her a question. They again sedated her so she could rest. Later, around 9:30-10 am they lowered the sedation. She opened her eyes and moved her limbs, both sides. And they again put her under so that she could rest. She had a small fever as well, which was to be expected.
Friday morning when my uncle got back to the hospital his wife was already awake and responding to commands (this is before 7am!). This was incredible to us!
Saturday morning the she was awake and aware, but still on the ventilator. The only reason she had it in at this point was to allow her body to focus on healing. I guess that about 60% of your energy is used to breath (didn't know that before). So the ventilator allowed her to use what energy she had towards getting better. Since she had the vent in she could not talk, so they gave her some a pencil and paper to write, which she did. It was awesome! Her mom was showing others what she had done :)
Sunday they finally took out the ventilator...and she spoke! It was so great! The doctors who helped her came in to see her and her family and to say a few words to us...on their day off. It was so nice of them to do this. My aunt's story has seemingly touched them, too.
Monday my sister, boyfriend and I were able to see her and she was sitting up in a chair and talking...but very, very tired....we are soo thankful that she is alive and feel very, very blessed.
Today they were supposed to have her walk a little...it's just so amazing to my family and I that just a half a week ago she was in such danger and now she's back to walking, however slow it might be. The CEO of the hospital also visited her this morning to see how she was doing. What a wonderful thing.
I've been praying and thanking God for helping my aunt. He's truly showing my family and I. If you're reading this and you don't mind, please take a couple of minutes and say a prayer for my aunt. She is doing so great and we're all hoping that she continues to do so through what will be a long recovery. Also, many, many, MANY thanks to the person who called 9-1-1, the EMT's and all of the hospital staff who have helped her and who will continue to do so. Just awesome.
Life is a gift. I know I'm hugging those I love a little closer and thanking God for the health of my family, friends and me.
Thank you for stopping by and allowing me to share my story :) A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, your families and your friends.
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