On My Health

As open as I want to be with this blog, I don't often share details concerning very personal issues like finances or health. Not only is it generally no one's business, it's boring - who gives a shit?! But, at times, not sharing with people who genuinely care is rude - especially since some word has already leaked out.

So, here it is:

This past Tuesday, I went to do the laundry in the basement of our apartment house. While I was loading the machine a horrible feeling came over me. It was as if I KNEW something terrible was either happening or going to happen to me or someone close to me. It filled me with dread and actually made me weak in the knees. I gathered myself, shook off the feeling, and continued with my laundry. I remember leaving the room - and that's ALL I remember.

Here's what I am told happened next:

My next door neighbor heard a load CRASH on the porch. When he looked out he saw me convulsing on the porch deck. While his wife called 911, he rushed out to attend to me. He said that I was "completely gone", kicking and foaming at the mouth. After a time, I tried to right myself only to collapse again. When I did say something, it was incoherent babbling. Eventually, the paramedics game and loaded me unto a gurney for a trip to Nyack Hospital.

At the hospital I continued my incoherent behavior. Tests were taken and my blood pressure was found to be over 200!! Not good. It may have caused a small stroke. After more tests and some medication, I began to be myself again - weird but coherent. After 14 miserable hours, I dismissed myself from the hospital and walked the mile home (at 4am - see WEIRD). But, this is a story for another day.

I am the first to admit that I am terrible with my own health care. I haven't been to a doctor for a checkup in over 25 years - haven't had to - my health has always been EXCELLENT. Well, this has been a serious wake-up call and I have appointments with healthcare professionals to deal with it. I may be crazy but, generally, I'm not stupid! I don't want to die - not tomorrow anyway!

Let me take this moment to assure everyone that I am fine - for now - and am moving forward to make sure that it doesn't happen again. I would also like to THANK everyone for the outpouring of concern and support that I have been receiving. YOU will help me beat this!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, ALL!!