2 March, 2011

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Sudden tearing in my chest. Called emergency services right away. Crawled up the stairs to front door and waited for help to arrive. Right leg went cold and numb. Taken to hospital where I was quickly diagnosed with aortic dissection, Type A and B. I had a 6-hour surgery and was drugged for two days, I finally awoke on the third day. Spent the next seven days in hospital but with delirium. Scary times. It went unnoticed by staff and my family didn't know why I was hallucinating and delusional. Fortunately this ended the day after I came home from the hospital. I had nightmares for weeks following my return home and was experiencing dizzy spells, vision difficulties and nausea. I was a long time establishing my 'new normal'. I felt drained, always tired and had a complete lack of energy. I didn't drive for a year-and-a-half. In October of 2015, a CT scan revealed that my right vertebral artery was mostly blocked and was using a false lumen to pass what little blood was getting through. This causes the ocipital region of my brain to receive reduced levels of oxygen on occasion. I work around it now and I am able to drive as these spells are much more infrequent and not near as severe. My GP has been excellent and coordinates with my specialists, all of whom are quite good. The doctor that did my emergency surgery is the best surgeon and doctor I have known. I've been told that the massive dissection I suffered was very bad and I've been told on many occasions, how lucky I am to be alive! I count every day as a bonus and with gratitude!!