Yesterday was one of those days that every mother fears – the day you find yourself in your car following behind an ambulance that has one of your children in it.
The day started off fine. I decided that I would treat Cali to a pedicure. I only have a month and a half left before Cali goes off to college and I want to cherish every moment of it.
As we were sitting in the chairs getting our toes done Cali began to feel nauseous and lightheaded. As I turned to tell the technician that she needed to go to the bathroom Cali began to have what we thought at the time was a seizure. Fortunately for us there was a nurse and another medical personnel (can’t remember what they told me they were) in the salon too and they felt it was a seizure so 911 was called.
After about 30 seconds (which seemed like forever at the time) Cali came to and asked what was going on. The ambulance arrived and off we went to the hospital.
Of course every “worse case scenario” went through my head during the short 10 minute drive to the hospital in between calls to my husband – who is out of town (aren’t they always out of town when emergencies happen!?), to my parents and to my good friend, neighbor and nurse Debbie – she is always the first one we call in an emergency!
After several hours at the hospital and lots of tests later it was determined that she had not had a seizure (thank goodness) and that she had just passed out. Yes – my daughter is a fainter. The more technical, medical term for it is Vasovagal Syncope.
She has passed out two other times – both due to intense pain. There was no pain this time but nausea and, lightheadedness can bring it on as well as dehydration and low blood sugar.
I knew she was going to be alright when she asked for a hamburger and said, “Is this going to be on the blog?” So, I couldn’t disappoint her – it’s on the blog! And yes, we stopped for a hamburger on the way home – neighbor and nurse Debbie joined us for lunch too – thank you Debbie!
I was also sure to clarify with the Emergency Room doctor that this was not a “pedicure problem” and that future pedicures were possible – he assured me they were. Especially since Cali and I both only have half a pedicure right now!
The people at the nail salon were wonderfully helpful and even called to check on her later in the day.
Three hours later, emotionally drained but incredibly happy and relieved we returned home. I was pretty much good for nothing the rest of the day. Cali took it easy, watching a movie and reading and I spent a lot of time just staring at her and giving her kisses.
How grateful I am for the good outcome we had, I realize that is not the case for all parents following behind the ambulance and my prayers tonight will be extra long.
I am grateful for the scare I had today -because of it I am a little more thankful for my children, a little more respectful of how fragile life is and a little more grateful for the many blessings I have in my life.
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
What a blessing that she is alright. Sounds like you were cool under pressure, a great quality to have. My husband is always out of town for the big stuff, too.
We’ve been to the ER a couple of times now and to the Urgent Care too many times to count, and each time I have been amazed at how it focuses me on what is really important. I get a feeling that everything is just fine because we’re all together as a family. It doesn’t matter what we had planned, or what “needed” to get done – those things seem to just fade away as unimportant. I’m glad everything is OK at your house, and that you gave yourself permission to just chill after all the morning’s stress.
Scary! So glad everything is ok…
I’m so glad that she’s alright!!! That sounds like a very scary situation. I will add her to my prayers that she won’t experience that again, especially not during a pedicure…those are too much funny to enjoy!
Oh, I am so sorry! I am glad that she is doing fine and that you have such a great support system around you. Thanks for sharing so that we can pray for your family and take more moments to enjoy the blessings we do have. Sending many loves and prayers to you and your family.
Tell her that we are glad that she is fine!
Our Christina is a fainter, too. Most recently on the risers at chruch (top row), while singing with the choir. Yikes!
Nothing like giving you one more thing to think about has she heads off to college.
This will make a memorable story for her to tell, years from now.
Glad she is all right. That is so frightening. All the angst and not knowing is so very un-nerving.
I have so much to catch up on with your blog.
Oh how scary for you all. I’m so glad she is ok! I have that same condition and so does my sister (it is often a hereditary thing). Apparently I act as though I am having a seizure when I am “out” too.
I find that keeping well hydrated is very helpful,as well as adding a little more salt to my diet. Does she know what triggered it? It can be the weirdest things for me, but they are very specific. I was three the first time I fainted because our dog was getting a shot (I didn’t even see it). And now I am a doula. Go figure
The vasovagal I experience is a symptom of a condition that I have called Dysautonomia, but it is very often just an isolated phenomenon and not linked to anything. I hope she does not experience too many more swoons in her future, it is really disturbing and unpleasant for everyone. So much for your relaxing pedi.
I once wrote an article about my husband being out of town whenever my kids are sick. Or my kids getting sick whenever he goes out of town. It seems to be a common phenomenon
Hope her remaining days at home are less dramatic!
k
I could personally do without such scares, but I can’t think of too many other types of experiences that put life into perspective so quickly. I’m glad you had such a happy outcome.
i just got this book from Amazon.com…i too suffer from VVS..have all my life…i’m only halfway through this book but have already used it’s techniques to stop symptoms…it is a medical publication..seems more for doctors..a thin volume…but lots of testing results..i recommend this highly!!!
Physical Manoeuvres to Prevent Vasovagal Syncope and Initial Orthostatic Hypotension by Paul Krediet (Paperback – Dec 28, 2007)
Buy new: $35.00 9 Used & new from $35.00
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Thank you so much for the book recommendation – I am going to go and order it right now!
Especially since Cali is going off to college in six weeks, she needs to figure out how to deal with it on her own. I appreciate you taking the time to share this with us.
I am glad Cali is OK. I hope this is something she will be able to manage. I had the very same experience yesterday of following an ambulance w/my “baby” (she’s 20 yrs. old) in it. Her car was hit by a guy in a full size truck that ran a red light ( and he has no insurance and a suspended license). After 6 hours in the ER, many stitches and prayers she came home. The experience was paved w/miracles. Oh, and my husband was on a boat in the gulf of Mexico (he’s a rescue swimmer for the military) -no cell phone coverage, of course. Gratefully, Heavenly Father heard and answered the prayers of a desperate mother.
BTW, Leigh Anne, I LOVE your blog. Thank you