Monday, August 23, 2010

In Which Connor Has Two Seizures, And My Day Goes Down The Tubes

Well, today I can add yet another check mark to my rapidly growing list of Totally Bizarre Things I Never Had Any Interest In Doing But End Up Doing Anyway. 

Connor had not one, but two seizures today.  The first was in the early afternoon and happened while our respite care worker was here.  The little guy was out for about a minute and a half, and it was a pretty typical seizure for him-- you know, keel over, turn blue, stop breathing, etc.  The second one happened early this evening-- about an hour and a half after he'd woken up from the nap induced by the earlier seizure.  It was also a pretty typical seizure in execution-- it was the circumstances surrounding it that prompted me to whip out the checklist.

Let me explain.

I've talked a little bit in the past about how Connor's seizures mean that if it's just the two of us in the house I get zero alone time.  And I mean zero.  Connor's with me while I change clothes, do the laundry, check the mail, take a shower and yes, even go to the bathroom.

Speaking of which, guess where I was when he had his second seizure?

So do you think when I put together a resume I can put "Has Resuscitated Person With Pants Down Around Ankles" on there as a job skill?  Because I can assure you, it's not as easy as it sounds.  For one thing, I almost killed myself getting over to the wheelchair.  In retrospect it would have been best to have taken the time to, you know, put my pants back on before trying to get over there, as knocking myself out would not only have not helped Connor out at all but also would have been horribly embarrassing.  However, in the heat of the moment I was more concerned with getting to the little guy than with the state of my clothing, so I just sort of lunged for the wheelchair and hoped for the best.  Not fun.

Also I still really had to pee.  This did not make things any easier.

While I was resuscitating Connor I was frantically trying to figure out what the heck I was going to say to the EMT operatives if I had to call them, since if it came to that I probably wouldn't be able to stop doing mouth-to-mouth long enough to get back into my jeans.  Thank goodness the seizure didn't last that long, though I'm sure if it came down to it the EMTs wouldn't have batted an eye; they've likely seen far stranger things over the course of their careers.

It would probably still have been kind of awkward, though. 

Connor's now had six seizures in as many days, which is not so hot.  We've got another call into the neurologist, and we'll see what he has to say.  Jeremy is probably going to take some time off of work to spend some more time with the little guy and help me out during the week, as the seizures are taking their emotional and physical toll on all of us.  Let's hope the hospital can come up with some quick solutions for us, because we all really need a break.

So in conclusion, that was my crappy (no pun intended) day. 

~Jess

10 comments:

Justin said...

Hugs to the family and I hope the week gets easier from here on out.

Kelsey said...

Oh Jessie, I'm so sorry. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Niksmom said...

Sending you prayers for answers and cessation of these dang seizures! But, like the rest of us SN parents, I love the black humor you've developed and that you can find the humor in things like bare-booty resuscitation. Hugs.

Julia O'C said...

Oh, God. I'm sorry. I hope you hear back from the neuro today and he has some answers. I'm so sorry.

Julia said...

"Bare-booty resuscitation" -- love the phrase, not so keen on the concept, and very sorry you had to add it to your list. This neurologist needs to get back to you. It's kind've important. I really hope you get a break soon. In the meantime, keep striking your usual balance between steely-jawed can-do Super Mom, and chocolate-consuming poetry-writing human-in-mom's-clothing. (And with that I use up my hyphen quota for the next month.) In short, eat a truffle.

leah said...

I think Julia said it the best. Sending all my prayers in your direction- while doing naked resuscitation is an impressive skill, let's hope that it never happens again.

The neuro really needs to get back to you!

Wherever HE Leads We'll Go said...

UGH! I am so sorry to hear/read this. I really hope that the docs are able to come up with a better plan and FAST! These seizures have got to stop, not only for Connor's health and safety, but for your sanity. Praying things turn around soon!

Karen Morris said...

Jess,

Rick, Kevin and I are thinking of you and praying you get some answers.

I follow your blog often and want to share two things:

1) You are in our hearts. Your bravery and strength are simply amazing, as is the fight you wage every day for Connor. God bless you!

2) You are an incredibly gifted writer. Your blog not only inspires others to persevere in the face of adversity, but is a lasting legacy for your precious son.

Love to you and yours.
K

ANewKindOfPerfect said...

Oh my gosh! I am sorry to hear that he is having so many seizures lately. I hope the neuro can get them under control. It must be so scary and tiring at the same time. You literally don't get a minute to yourself! I am glad your husband is going to take some time at home to give you a little rest. I'm sure the EMT's would have understood, but it would have been mortifying! LOL I love that you keep your sense of humor. If we don't laugh we cry, right!

pamct said...

Just wanted to add my love and prayers.I pray for answers,healing, and rest to come and to come soon.

 
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