So I got home yesterday afternoon after a month in the hospital. I was diagnosed with a rare blood disease called TTP (Thrombocytopenia procura). It's a blood disease that simply put, causes your platlets to stick together and form clots. I was pretty close to death and to be honest it's actually had a positive effect on me. I learned a lot in the remission process about myself and my friends and family and I also learned how to rely on the kindness of strangers.
I am not totally in remission yet, I just got the word that the disease is considered inactive at the moment. My danger zone is the next four weeks of this re flaring. But for right now I am going to relax and enjoy being home until my first blood test tomorrow.
But I have to say thank you to a lot of people. First the nurses and PCA's at the OSU James center on the 16th floor. They treated me like family and I felt so loved and comfortable with these people. They helped bring me back from my illness but mostly they provided emotional support and kept my anxiety at bay with laughter, hugs and kisses.
The Apheresis team was amazing as well. They also treated me like family and made sure I was as comfortable as I could be during my plasma exchanges. They supported me and cheered me on constantly. I had the most laughter down there. It's amazing how quickly they had all of my habits and preferences pegged in such a short time.
And the doctors of course. I know I gave them all headaches with my anxiety attacks but they handled it with grace and one in particular kept me sane there at the end (I'm looking at you Mr. Specialist). Then there are the other staff members who I got attached too that came to see me even after they were switched around and a certain house keeper who visited me with giggles every day that I adore.
Also there is a blanket thank you to the churches that donated money to help keep our home afloat and the siblings, cousins, neice, best friend and Aunt who visited me and brought me goodies to keep my fingers moving. I don't think I would have handled it well without my crafts and goodies.
But I have to say I am most greatful to those who donate blood and blood products. I never realized how important this was until I needed it to save my life so anyone reading this with good blood, please donate. Please please.....
I still have months to go before I am out of the woods. This can put me back in at anytime and I have tons of blood work to go and treatments and lots of medication so I am still weak and sick. But what I need most right now is prayer, time, patience and love. Pray for me. I love you all.
Ariel
My prayer today: Thank you God for my seizure which saved my life first of all. And thank you for sending me to the right place to start to heal. Thank you for supporting me and guiding me and thank you for guiding me to my wonderful supportive husband and for my beautiful friends and family.
p.s. Winnie the pooh characters to come soon!
