Sunday, April 13, 2008

AIR HEAD springs a leak!

Hi everyone it has been a little bit of a roller coaster these past two weeks.  First of all we had a girlfriend of mine of 10 years Tracie came in from Colorado and she was very helpful around the house, with the kids and great company.  I got her hooked on some reality TV and we laughed a lot.  I have good days and some others loaded with headaches and fatigue.  If a bad day occurs, I know a better one is around the corner.  On this past Friday (always a the start of the weekend when we can not reach the Mds as readily)  I developed a throbbing headache, nausea and swelling at the temporal site. David Arbaugh and Joe Griffen from the crazy high school days were going to make a visit from San Diego and I was not feeling so hot.  It was great reminiscing about old times and laughing my booty by phone.   I put a message into the Mds and he said go to your Hospital in LA.  I knew something was not feeling right and these symptoms were different.  We just got our Sequoia back from the shop and I told Art I could drive myself.  He said absolutely NOT.  Driving oneself and the ER have no business being in the same sentence.  So, I grabbed by neighbor Barbara and she drove me to the hospital about 45 minutes away.  She was brave to take me in Friday afternoon traffic and we pretended that her mini van was a two seater Portia.  Art met me in the ER and off we go see Air Heads newest Head shots (CT scan).  I asked the CT tech if he could see my hole.  He said yes, very impressive.  I knew he would dig it and I got a little more special treatment after he saw the scans. The nice ER doc came in, Yep I have sprung a Cerebrel Spinal Fluid CSF Leak.  OUCH!  The good news is that the old bleeding site has stopped and my brain is starting to shift into the space where Willy once resided. Yea! They reached one of my surgeons in SD and he took a look at the CT.  He said to wrap the noggin really tight.  I mean really tight and to send me home for a few days to see if this resolves the leak.  I was happy to not get admitted because I have a better chance of keeping the hospital infections away.  I took my not so happy scrunched head home.  I was not to sick to pop a couple of pain pills and  we went for Mexican food on the way home.  Got some great stares, I guess I got my a taste of stardom, but I was hoping for a free dessert.  Once again Art and I looked at each other and decided the hard part was over removing Willy.  We will just cope with everything one day at a time and count our blessings.  It is Sunday and I have been pretty useless.  Lots of pain, bedrest and I am back to sleeping on the recliner.  Art is playing Mr. Mom and Hero once again.  We are suppose to call SD surgeons on Mon. AM and find out how long they want to leave the bandage on and when I need to come in and see them.  We have an exciting week coming up and Art's father is having surgery on Thur for the icing on the cupcake.  We were suppose to take a three night trip to the mountains with just the four of us to get away.  I glad we didn't go.  I bet my head would of exploded.  I will be great and will be sure to keep ya posted. New Pics of new head gear to follow.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love your title!!!! Sending lots of prayer and hugs your way!! Tell Art thanks for calling Friday night. We truly do appreciate all that he does for you. I think he is a keeper!!! You are doing good, Dara! We both love you very much!!!!! Can't wait to see you in July. You will love our new house!!!!

Anonymous said...

Darlin Dara,
You are one spunky gal!!!
Hang in there; no bump in the road is tougher than your determination to recover. You are our HERO!!!
We love your fiesty spirit, you rock!!!
Love, Mom J.

Kevin & Stephanie said...

Glad to get the update. Sorry to hear of your leak. I'll keep the prayers coming and put off the call to see if you are up for a visit for a little longer. Can't wait to see you, but don't want it to make it harder. Every post you teach/remind me about graditude. You are truly amazing.

Tamara Dowling, SCV PTA Family Involvement Chairperson said...

Hey Dara,

Wow, glad you have the leak under control. Sounds like overall things are going well. Your attitude is awesome! Take care and see you back at the Paseo soon. They are renovating the courts US Open style - blue/green. Considering what you are going through...I'll try not to complain about the pounding of the equipment. :)
Tamara

Anonymous said...

Hi Dara,

Just wanted to say that I am praying for another speedy recovery. I know everything will be back to normal soon enough for you. I wish I were close enough to come and see you and your family!!! Love you!

Charly Simpson

Anonymous said...

Do you need to name the leak? In TEXAS mexican food cures almost anything that ails you, so glad you felt like eating some last weekend. I love and miss you bunches. Art is the best, but you already knew that. Take it easy, don't deny yourself any pain meds, drink a glass of wine, and remember we are all praying and pulling for you my dear.

Love,
Cathy Clyde

Anonymous said...

Just an update incase anyone is checking....Dara and Art are in San Diego and she will more than likely she will spend 3-5 days in the hospital. They are testing her for meningitis, but it is highly unlikely she has it they said - just a safety precaution. She had fluid drained from the ole brain. When I spoke to Art they were eating Mexican food (seems to be a common theme in our family) and she was waiting to be admitted to the hospital. They're going to perform a spinal tap on her and drain more fluid off the brain area! Dara - I pray you find relief and are free from the horrible pain you have been in! I will still come get the kids to come to CAMP CANON!! To all our friends and family - please continue to pray for healing. Love you d,
michelle

Anonymous said...

Hey Sweet Girlie,
I just wanted to tell you I love you sweet girl. Hang in there it is gonna get better soon!!! You really are '' Supergirl''.
LOVE, Michelle F.

Anonymous said...

hey dara,
been peeking out the door looking for signs of your return from sd. im glad you enjoyed the ride in my porche...our lil secret! i wish you a speedy recovery, faster than my porche of course. you are truely an amazing person and an inspiration to everyone you has had the pleasure to meet you. you amaze me with your positive attitude, which is why you probably do so well. cant wait for some giggles and chow!!! maybe another trip to wings. thank you to michelle for the update, it really helps. remember if you need anything just give a ring and i will be there. and remember...no cabs please...you silly goose. and of course, art you are a wonderful person, your love for each other is so obvious. qithout a doubt, two peas in a pod.
love ya
barbara and ian

Anonymous said...

Oh, one more thing...if you need some fat to clog that bad boy, the offer still stands. i've got lots for the taking. smiles.
barb

Anonymous said...

DARA UPDATE:
She was admitted into the hospital and they did a procedure last night to insert a tube into the bottom of her spinal cord. It was a bit of a rought night, but she is so strong. The tube is supposed to drain fluid and she will have it in for 2-3 more days while she stays in the hospital. They are also doing a complete lab work-up on just to make sure there isn't anything else going on. We should here from Art this evening and we will keep everyone posted.
michelle

Anonymous said...

Wishing & hoping & praying that you feel better soon. You are such a brave & positive sweet girl. Thank you Art for taking good care of our sweet girl.
Donna E. Pearland