Argentine blood in my viens

I'm writing about the brain I guess, my brain. I convince myself that all is well. Things are looking good, and ignore all the signs and signals that there's something wrong. How can it be? Things did seem great, the kids were happy at school, Mike was busy with work, and my work was also going well.... Meanwhile I was bleeding to death inside. I really was. I was pregnant inside my fallopian tube for two months. The baby was growing and I was bleeding into my intestines and stomach. It's called an ecoptic pregnancy.

After surgery I came to, as they wheeled me into my room. I saw Mike and my heart leapt. Then they moved me off the stretcher and onto the bed. The pain coursed through me and I wished for unconsciousness. I whimpered through that night unable to move or shift from my miserably uncomfortable position, if I tried I was rewarded with agony. They came in and out checking my blood pressure, giving me pain medication, taking my blood and checking the drain that was attached to my stomach.

It was hard to think straight. I couldn't read or draw at first. I learned new words in Spanish though, "Mucho dolor", "duele acca", and "Adelante". That last one means "Come in!" People would knock on my door all day long and I lay there saying "Come in!" and of course they wouldn't because they don't speak English. Finally our wonderful friend, Betina, gave me the words to say and it made a huge difference for me in the hospital.

Our friends here have been very helpful, especially Betina who came to the rescue and watched the kids while Mike rushed me to the emergency room on Tuesday night. I'm so grateful that we've managed to make such good friends here.

When I was a child I lived near a moderately busy road in Northport, New York. The lawn was next to the road and ended with a steep short hill right into it. It was an unremarkable day that my brother and sister and I decided to play freeze tag. My brother, Duncan, was "it" and chasing me. Without thinking I was rushing towards the road in an effort to stay "unfrozen". With a burst of speed my brother tackled me and pulled me back to the edge of the lawn as a white sedan zipped past my toes. It happened in an instant and was over an instant later. This time it was happening very slowly and took more than one quick thinking person to save me. It took my doctor and his team 2 hours of work in surgery, it took the hospital staff and last but not least two Argentines who took the time to donate blood at the local hospital. I received two liters of blood and now I'm happy to say I have Argentine blood in my veins.

Comments

samosity said…
You poor thing. Hopefully this is just a temporary set back. I sent a much longer message to fanvisions. I hope you feel better very soon.
Sam
Unknown said…
Carolyn,

Jill and I were sorry to hear about this distressing medical problem, but also pleased to learn that you are O.K. We are at the camp right now, and miss having you all out here for a visit - the first summer in a long time we have not seen you. Quizas, el proximo ano en Argentina.

Espero que hasta ahora estara un inveirno de creatividad y sin problemas.

Con abrazos,

Ray and Jill
Corrina Gardner said…
Hi Carolyn,
We are so sorry that you went through such a terrible time. Glad that you are feeling better.
The girls & I miss you all soooo much. It's been a while since I came on your site. Now that I'm home again I'll try to keep in touch more.
Our love to everyone
Corrina

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