MAYBE IT WAS MORE THAN JUST A BUMP IN THE ROAD???

Hi Friends!

It was more like a fiery crash of the road...and then my truck exploded...

There's a reason I haven't blogged for a while. First, I came down with pericarditis and was hospitalized. Basically the lupus attacked my pericardium (the lining around my heart) causing severe pain, swelling, and some fluid built up. My blood pressure and heart rate were super-high. I spent several days in the hospital on high-dose steroids, anti-inflammatories and heavy-duty pain meds. I was then sent home to follow up out-patient. Now I'm used to this type of thing -- lupus is a systemic disease in that it attacks all of your systems. So, I needed to follow up with several specialists...

And then on my way from one doctor to the next in Thousand Oaks -- and yes, I was driving myself, and yes I was cleared to do so, I appear to have suffered a catatonic seizure while driving. I became disoriented, confused, and was completely unable to move. I was in the SUV alone when it left Rolling Oaks Drive, shearing off a electrical transformer and crashing at high speed before the vehicle burnt to the ground while I watched. It was rather dramatic to say the least. I had covered my day in prayer and God truly sent angels to protect me. I was pulled out of our Expedition, and put in a lady's car who then drove me away from the fire. We waited in front of BorderLine for the Los Robles ambulance to come get me, and we called Bill to tell him I was OK considering what had just happened.

I suffered chemical burns to my arms from the airbags, bruising from the seat belt, and a concussion from my head hitting the seat back and the steering wheel. But thank God, I didn't break anything (shocking considering my osteoporosis) or have a problems with my port which was hooked up with a needle for chemo/testing. It nicely stayed in place.

So, the basic concern is that I seem to be having seizures -- not a good sign for someone with a history of lupus attacking the brain. Obviously my days of driving are over, and we're just glad that a truck can be replaced. I was immediately switched off of my methotrexate (that remission was way too short if you ask me!!!) and put back on the more aggressive Rituxan chemotherapy. I have had home health nursing here providing me with IV steroids and hydrations and monitoring my general health, because I really really really don't want to go back to the hospital.

Bill's parents came and stayed with us for a week. They were a huge help and a fun distraction for the kids. We celebrated my 40th birthday on Friday, Nov. 12 -- and it felt like a huge accomplishment.

I really don't know much except for the lupus is once again in full flare. Tomorrow I am meeting with the cardiologist to discuss its effects on my heart. Tuesday I am having a uterine biopsy, because of some female abnormalities. Wednesday I meet with Dr. Cohen to discuss and plan out our lupus kick-butt treatment. And Thursday, I am scheduled for Rituxan (chemo) at Los Robles. I am also waiting to hear when the neurologist can squeeze me in to discuss my brain issues... it's almost funny:-0

Anyway, that's what I know...meanwhile I am supposed to be resting in bed. And since Bill surprised me with a laptop for my birthday -- I now never need to leave my room...I have been allowed to take a short walk up and down my street each day so that I don't have circulatory issues...but other than that -- my chest and head hurt too much to do anything else.

I'll blog again when I know something pertinent. The pictures of the accident and my 40th birthday are up on FB. Sorry, but I do not have the energy to post pictures on this blog anymore.

Much Love,
Michele