Meryl's Notes Blog

As previously reported, I went back in the hospital on Friday due to severe bleeding. Had to go to the OR for stitches to stop it since other measures did not work. Apparently, a blood vessel had broken open and sprung a leak. Stayed over on Fri and Sat nights. They wanted to watch me to see if I needed a transfusion.

My hematocrit count was 40 before surgery (36 - 44 is normal in women), 30 when admitted to ER, 27 three hours later in ER prior to an attempt to stop the bleeding, and then 22 on Saturday (before and after the surgery). I would’ve had a blood transfusion at 18 or earlier depending on how I was behaving. I had a horrible headache most of Saturday afternoon and night. They still would not give me blood and gave me a CAT scan. It turned out to be a sinus infection. That coupled with everything else made the headache worst. Got more medicine and slept most of Saturday afternoon and night with interruptions to check vitals.

Sunday morning, still had a headache when the nurse woke me up for vitals. It finally went away after coffee and medicine. I came home at 11:00 am today. Doctor has ordered me to stay home until my follow up on the 15th. It’s good to be home and not hooked up to an IV.

I’m glad they kept me another night as I was in bad shape last night. Could not even get on the computer. I could do nothing but curl up in pain and keep my eyes closed. Even when the kids came to visit, I couldn’t enjoy them.

So here I am in bed reading my Sunday paper. Came across an interesting book [may require free registration] mentioned in the paper. It’s described as “Jane Austen with wizards.” Ooh, sounds great, eh? Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell: A Novel. Anyone check it out? Love to hear thoughts on it. Oh my gosh, 800 pages!