[NPInfo] My neuro update and new diagnosis

[Diana Galler]

I see a movie in that story!!! Funny story, Linda...

-----Original Message-----
From: pattinp at verizon.net
To: "NP Info" <npinfo at nurse.net>
Sent: 4/10/2008 11:26 AM
Subject: Re: [NPInfo] My neuro update and new diagnosis

Linda,
I am so sorry to hear that your battle to get well continues...you have inspired us all with your courage, strength, resolve and HUMOR!
If your career as a NP doesn't pan out, I think you should consider writing as a second career. Your desciption of this experience was wonderful - I felt like I was right there beside you watching. I hope you won't be offended but the image of you with 32 electrodes on your head in a bathroom full of pregnant women created quite a picture in my head!
Cyper hugs, friendship, prayers and love are here for you always!

Patti Robertson

>From: Linda Marie De Zago <lindamarie76 at msn.com>
>Date: 2008/04/09 Wed PM 07:09:41 CDT
>To: 'NP Info' <npinfo at nurse.net>, acc-circle at listserve.com
>Subject: [NPInfo] My neuro update and new diagnosis

>Dear Colleagues, 
>
> 
>
>My neurological journey continues. 
>
>To refresh your collective memories, I was a new NP (8 months) when a
>cavernous angioma in my left frontal lobe hemorrhaged (Aug 2007). I
>underwent a craniotomy in October 2007 at Barrows Neurosurgical Institute. 
>
>I was cleared to return to work part-time in Jan 2008, had four seizures in
>13 business days, and was subsequently fired. 
>
> 
>
>My seizures persisted and my neurologist kept increasing and adding
>anti-epileptics. I disagreed with this practice and researched epilepsy
>centers in my state. I had a consultation with Dr. Passaro at Bayfront
>Medical Center near Tampa in March 2008. Bayfront is a Level 4 Epilepsy
>Center. I was admitted on Monday, March 31 at noon. 32 leads were attached
>to my head and I was placed in a padded hospital bed. My brother-in-law
>stayed the first night with me. The only medication discontinued was my
>Xanax. I was sleep deprived the entire night. The following morning at 8 AM
>I had my first generalized seizure complete with SOB and CP. I thought I was
>going to be intubated. 
>
> 
>
>In the afternoon the EEG tech guided me through 3 minutes of
>hyperventilation and then started the strobe light test. I had a full
>generalized seizure but was cognizant throughout. The seizure lasted about 7
>minutes and my body took another 20 minutes to calm down. I was given Reglan
>for nausea and then developed heart palpitations and diarrhea (this is
>pertinent). 
>
> 
>
>Once Dave (my brother-in-law) left to get his much-needed rest, I was no
>longer allowed out of my bed without an escort - not even to go to the
>bathroom (ugggghhhh). I tried not to pester the RNs about my building
>anxiety; however, every hour I kept pleading, "I'm very anxious. Please call
>the doctor. I need something to take the edge off." The doctor was never
>notified of this. 
>
> 
>
>By 8 PM I was in a state of panic. I climbed out of bed and walked to the
>door. My RN told me to get back in bed and I refused. I told her I needed to
>get out and walk or else I needed medication. She told me that she had to
>check on another patient and would then call the doctor. She pleaded with me
>to return to bed because she wa
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