Recuperating From The Battle

Wanted to let you know that sometimes we are down..."But Never Count Us Out!"

Many of you know the sudden onset of a Sickle Celll Crisis.  Many of you know we can be perfectly well during the day and then the pain starts. What do we do? We take pain meds until we hurt so bad that we submit to getting medical attention. When do you know? Can you call your Doctor? Does he respond appropriately to your distress? I ask these questions because my Hematologist is great. He is on point because he knows that I work as hard as he does to better my quality of health.  One of the things I appreciate about my doctor is he directly admits me to his unit rather than allowing me to sit in the emergency room.  This reduces the time I am without pain meds, oxygen, fluids etc.  How is your relationship with your doctor? 

My last admission in May was a result of my hemoglobin dropping from 9.0 to 7.2.  My physician thought that I needed a transfusion and therefore admitted me.  I went into crisis after being typed and crossed. I attribute that to waiting for blood as well as the frustration of the staff not being able to find a vein for an I.V.  My choices at that point were to have a PIC line put in (which could not be done for 36 hours) or wait until the next morning when the VAT Team would be available.  This is a downfall when being admitted on the weekend.  So my creatanine went up to 5.8, critical level, Potassium was 7.0+ another critical level.  At that point my physicians consulted and prescribed Kaexolate and fluids with insulin in attempt to lower my potassium.  I received 2 units of blood a day later and given diuretics.  My hemogolobin went from 6.0 to 6.9.  Not much improvement!  Two more units were ordered.  Another day's wait!  After receiving the additional 2 units, my hemoglobin went to 8 and my kidney function began to stabilize.  Potassium came down and my energy level rose.  The next day I was released due to my request.  Bad idea!  I probably should have stayed another day or two.

Upon my arrival at home, I felt that the transfusion would allow me the energy and strength to be my old self.  What I didn't realize was my body's inability to recover after being transfused.  I say this because over the last 2 years I have been hospitalized and transfused every 2 months.  The lack of exercise, conditioning and age has lengthened my recovery time. I also think that being hospitalized as often as I have makes you want to hurry up and get out even when you are not well enough.  How may of you leave to soon? 

We all know the battle is in our hands.  But by the grace of God, no matter how hard we try to be our worst enemy He watches over us.  Be strong!