Hi Y'All

[Guest guest]

Hi All ...

Just wanted to check in and say howdy. I feel like the list whiner these

days. I had a great birthday on July 28th. Had had a backache and sore throat

since the Sunday before (it was on a Wednesday) but didn't feel badly. Then

the night of my birthday I had a temp of 103.4 and it got worse daily. By

Saturday night, I was taken by ambulance from Urgent Care to the ER with a temp

of

105.1. Of course, that kicked in my a-fib. I must say that I was pleased

that ALL the docs listened to my " Dr. Natale advice " on the meds and didn't even

try to give any of the ones to me that most people can take. I got admitted

and spent 11 nightmarish days in the hospital. Had a spinal tap, CAT scan,

echo, and finally a bone marrow biopsy as I spent 48 terrified hours thinking I

had leukemia or lymphoma (which is what they told me was highly probable after

viral meningitis got ruled out). Fortunately the bone marrow biopsy

eliminated leukemia, though one type of lymphoma is apparently still a

possibility due

to " spots/lesions " on my spleen and liver tests off the charts (bad), though

they are improving. Now they think I have CRV (mono, Epstein Barr) ... I have

never been so sick in my life. They say it's " self-limiting " meaning it will

run its course, and since it's viral there is nothing they can do. Apparently

this amazing immune system that kept me from getting all childhood illnesses

except chicken pox has made it worse. 95% of the population over 20 has

antibodies to mono ... not me. And it's apparently way worse to get it as an

adult.

I've been home from the hospital since August 12. Still feel horrible ...

had 385 messages from the group,and I apologize, but I had to just delete them.

Sitting at the computer makes me weak. I have been through a lot of terror,

they upped my digoxin so now I can feel how bad my a-fib is, which isn't

helping anything for me. I had to go on disability for a few weeks, but I hope

to

be back to work on August 30th. It's just been a sucky few months for sure.

I must say, for all the complaints I've had about my healthcare system, I have

never gotten such wonderful care as I did in the hospital. I had a private

room (they even made me keep the door closed) because I had zero white blood

cells when I was admitted. I couldn't even have flowers. And it was to protect

me from everyone else. All very odd and frightening.

It is nice to be able to read your posts again and be able to sit at the

computer for a little longer periods of time. I just wanted you all to know

what's up with me and thank you again for all your support. It's so great to

see

everyone support one another. I'm a tad self-centered right now (or is that

STILL?) ... but I'm working on regaining my health so a-fib becomes my major

health concern again! ha ha

Toni

CA