What's life all about............

[Danny_5134221]

Having just spent the last 3 days in hospital with my 2 1/2 year old son you begin to think about lifes rich tapestry.

He was playing at home with his brother when all of a sudden he colapsed on the floor. It turns out now that he probably suffers from asthma, and like I said we spent 3 days and nights in Bristol's children hospital. All sorts of things pass through your mind in this position, and you have plenty of time to think when you are sat in the room and they are asleep.

Although it turned out not to be so serious as it first was you can see from other children that were in there, that there is always someone worse off than you. It certainly brought a lump in my throat when I could see the other parents anguish and hopes for their own children.

With all that is going on in the world and like some of the replies to other threads on this forum, Whats life all about..?

It certainly made me sit back and take a hard long think.

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

When my daughter was 4 she was sat at the table at her grandmothers eating her tea when she let out a groan and her eyes started to roll. I laid her down on the settee and called the Doc. He came, usually thing, told us to take her home to bed, keep her warm and give her some Calpol.

About 3 hours later, about 9pm, there was a knock on the door and it was another Doc. He said he had been asked to come and give a second opinion. He admitted her for tests and I took her to hospital in my car where they did a lumbar puncture straight away. She had had a brain haemorrhage. They kept her in the childrens ward until her B.P. had gone down then transferred her to the Neurosurgical Hospital at Smethwick, Birmingham.

After having an Angiogram where they inserted tubes into her ankles, thighs, arms and neck and pump a dye around they found that an abnormal bunch of blood vessels in her brain had ruptured. In the tests they also found she had a tumour.

She screamed blue murder when they came to shave off her long blonde hair so had to have it done under general aenesthetic.

After the operation, Mr. Williams came and told us it was a success but in the next breath informed us he believed there was another tumour on the other side of her brain. She then had to have more Angiograms but his fears were unfounded.

She had her 5th birthday in the hospital and the kitchen staff made her a cake. The sister also got her a nurses uniform and when she was able to walk took her on the ward rounds. On her hat they had written "Beware Matron".

Yes Danny,it does make one think. I used to say I'm just popping out for a *** when I felt the tears coming on, then go and sit in the car and cry my eyes out. Because we had to travel everyday to Birmingham I had to leave my watch with her so she knew we would be back the following day.The hospital didn't really cater for children, she was in a 4 bedded ward with 3 elderly patients.

My daughter is now happily married and has 4 children of her own :O)

 

[sparkes]

When my daughter was 4 she was sat at the table at her grandmothers eating her tea when she let out a groan and her eyes started to roll. I laid her down on the settee and called the Doc. He came, usually thing, told us to take her home to bed, keep her warm and give her some Calpol.

About 3 hours later, about 9pm, there was a knock on the door and it was another Doc. He said he had been asked to come and give a second opinion. He admitted her for tests and I took her to hospital in my car where they did a lumbar puncture straight away. She had had a brain haemorrhage. They kept her in the childrens ward until her B.P. had gone down then transferred her to the Neurosurgical Hospital at Smethwick, Birmingham.

After having an Angiogram where they inserted tubes into her ankles, thighs, arms and neck and pump a dye around they found that an abnormal bunch of blood vessels in her brain had ruptured. In the tests they also found she had a tumour.

She screamed blue murder when they came to shave off her long blonde hair so had to have it done under general aenesthetic.

After the operation, Mr. Williams came and told us it was a success but in the next breath informed us he believed there was another tumour on the other side of her brain. She then had to have more Angiograms but his fears were unfounded.

She had her 5th birthday in the hospital and the kitchen staff made her a cake. The sister also got her a nurses uniform and when she was able to walk took her on the ward rounds. On her hat they had written "Beware Matron".

Yes Danny,it does make one think. I used to say I'm just popping out for a *** when I felt the tears coming on, then go and sit in the car and cry my eyes out. Because we had to travel everyday to Birmingham I had to leave my watch with her so she knew we would be back the following day.The hospital didn't really cater for children, she was in a 4 bedded ward with 3 elderly patients.

My daughter is now happily married and has 4 children of her own :O)

The Neurosurgical Hospital at Smethwick is now gone. A sad day.

I had to be transfered from Swindon to the Neurosurgical Hospital at Smethwick after my eyesight went while in the fast lane of the motorway when I was 19. The trip took hours as they had to drive at slow speed all the way. They removed a large tumour from the left hand side of my head and gave me a 50/50 chance.

Danny, I hope your daughter will be OK. Asthma is well treated now and easy to deal with

Steve

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Gentlemen I can fully appreciate your concerns and worries over the children's sickness. My daughter had a lumber puncture when she was five, screamed the place down, my wife was with her, I will admit I did not have the nerve to stay with her but I could hear her out in the car park. Thankfully every thing was clear and she is now grown up with two wonderful children.

A parent never wants to see their child suffer and only wish that they could be ill for them no matter how trivial the illness is. Danny as your child is over the worst I only hope and prey that you do not experience any further set backs and that she will grow to a fine young lady that you can be proud to call your daughter. Good luck to you, your wife and more important your daughter.

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Sorry Danny I should have said your son. I was thinking of both Lord Bs. daughter and my own daughter as I was typing. Sorry mate.

 

[Val & Frank]

Well it looks like we have somethings in common. I had an angiogram 2 weeks ago to check on how my AVM repair is progressing. I had a brain haemorrage in 2003 whilst working in the USA, this was treated with Gamma Knife Surgery. The first operation for embolisation failed and the AVM is in to dangerous a place to operate on. The only safe way for removal is a surgical operation, so I had no option but to go down the Gamma Knife Route. So I have had an angiogram every year since, it looks like blood is still flowing through the AVM so I need more gamma knife work. The only place in the UK is Sheffield Hallam. So guys I can confirm their is life after surgery. The only problem I have now is a driving licence only lasts three years, but they did let me keep B+E. Oh and the possibilty of a further bleed still exsists until the veins are sealed off. That's the only problem I get a headache and think oh not again. But it's better living with that than the alternative

Frank & Val

By the Way there is an AVM support group operating in the UK should anyone feel in need of it.

 

[Robert_374242026]

I read your story and L B and as a father of two i understand the thoughts we go through, however to me its like seeing a road accident which makes us all slow down and afterwards we continue our life as there are other things which take over.Of cause when one self is had a fresh "start" from a problem often you can change if you are able to .

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Well it looks like we have somethings in common. I had an angiogram 2 weeks ago to check on how my AVM repair is progressing. I had a brain haemorrage in 2003 whilst working in the USA, this was treated with Gamma Knife Surgery. The first operation for embolisation failed and the AVM is in to dangerous a place to operate on. The only safe way for removal is a surgical operation, so I had no option but to go down the Gamma Knife Route. So I have had an angiogram every year since, it looks like blood is still flowing through the AVM so I need more gamma knife work. The only place in the UK is Sheffield Hallam. So guys I can confirm their is life after surgery. The only problem I have now is a driving licence only lasts three years, but they did let me keep B+E. Oh and the possibilty of a further bleed still exsists until the veins are sealed off. That's the only problem I get a headache and think oh not again. But it's better living with that than the alternative

Frank & Val

By the Way there is an AVM support group operating in the UK should anyone feel in need of it.

If I recall rightly Frank, they cauterised my daughters blood vessels, also the ones feeding the tumour. It was a long time ago now, she's nearly 36 years old. After the op she had to go back and see Mr williams once a year for about 5 years then she was given the all clear :O) Sorry to hear about your problems, it must be worrying and that wont help regarding stress and B.P.

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

I read your story and L B and as a father of two i understand the thoughts we go through, however to me its like seeing a road accident which makes us all slow down and afterwards we continue our life as there are other things which take over.Of cause when one self is had a fresh "start" from a problem often you can change if you are able to .

Yes, that's true Robert.

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Reply to colins post above ...

I was with my daughter colin when she had the lumbar puncture. It was late at night and my wife had to stay at home and look after the other child. Our third hadn't been born at that time.

Notice that I had to take a semi-conscious child in my car alone to hospital. No ambulance offered by the doc in those days if you had your own transport. Today they ring 999 at the drop of a hat as I can verify. We attented a 999 call one night because the person couldnt sleep, when I asked if it was important enough to ring 999 he said to him it was.

Another time we arrived at a house because someone had fell and hurt themselves. On arrival there was no answer so we called the police to break in because we feared for the persons safety. When the police arrived I noticed two people walking up the road, one limping. Yes, it was the idiots who had rung 999. They had walked 500 yards to a phone box to call us. We actually got to the house before they arrived back. I told them if they had continued walking another 500 yards they would have been at the hospital. The one traffic officer really let rip at them, especially when it was ascertained the injury was nothing.

OMG aren't I glad I'm out of it :O)

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Lord B. I will admit when it comes to any serious medical/health problem I am a complete and utter failure as I just cannot face the problem. I admire any person who has taken up a profession within the health industry from the ward/corrider cleaner through to the top surgeons (I do not include the pen pushers in this). The returns that they receive in relation to their expectations is pitiful. I have been witness to a few road accidents and although I was virtually the first on the scene on one occassion I administered as much help as I could but was glad to see the ambulance and police arrive so that I could take a hastey retreat. They all desrve far better salaries and recognition. Also to go out on a weekend and tend to drunks, etc. and have the abuse ther get is crazy - the yobs should be horse whipped.

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Lord B. I will admit when it comes to any serious medical/health problem I am a complete and utter failure as I just cannot face the problem. I admire any person who has taken up a profession within the health industry from the ward/corrider cleaner through to the top surgeons (I do not include the pen pushers in this). The returns that they receive in relation to their expectations is pitiful. I have been witness to a few road accidents and although I was virtually the first on the scene on one occassion I administered as much help as I could but was glad to see the ambulance and police arrive so that I could take a hastey retreat. They all desrve far better salaries and recognition. Also to go out on a weekend and tend to drunks, etc. and have the abuse ther get is crazy - the yobs should be horse whipped.

..horse whipped? .. corporal punishment??? OMG colin, here borrow my flak jacket and helmet, theres bound to be fallout ;O) hehheh!

 

[Val & Frank]

If I recall rightly Frank, they cauterised my daughters blood vessels, also the ones feeding the tumour. It was a long time ago now, she's nearly 36 years old. After the op she had to go back and see Mr williams once a year for about 5 years then she was given the all clear :O) Sorry to hear about your problems, it must be worrying and that wont help regarding stress and B.P.

Hi LB.

I don't suffer from stress or HBP, I have found a great way to reduce both heheheh Now as for Colin I can't vouch !!!!!!. As for the AVM I should get results this week so here's hoping it's blocked off. It may sound silly but your daughter could have been lucky finding out whilst still young. The neuro guy was telling me "these things tend to bleed between ages 50 and 60" causing a stroke. Then he said how old was you? 55 I replied, see I told you I was good says he. The nurse winked and when he had gone she said, he just asked me your age, if you had been 65 he would have said these things tend to bleed sometime between the ages of 60 to 70.

But I do know for a Fact it is between 50 and 60

Val & Frank

 

[Val & Frank]

13 May 2007 09:27 PM Hi LB.

I moved this from comments

I don't suffer from stress or HBP, I have found a great way to reduce both heheheh Now as for Colin I can't vouch !!!!!!. As for the AVM I should get results this week so here's hoping it's blocked off. It may sound silly but your daughter could have been lucky finding out whilst still young. The neuro guy was telling me "these things tend to bleed between ages 50 and 60" causing a stroke. Then he said how old was you? 55 I replied, see I told you I was good says he. The nurse winked and when he had gone she said, he just asked me your age, if you had been 65 he would have said these things tend to bleed sometime between the ages of 60 to 70.

But I do know for a Fact it is between 50 and 60

Val & Frank

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Frank I have over the passed few years suffered two TIAs. and it was for this reason that I took early retirement. Thankfully as the stress associated with the work has gone I have not suffered any further problems. The first attack came when I was 57 and now I am coming up to 62 so hopefully I will not suffer further. I can and will sympathise with you regarding your health as at our age it is worrying to be told anything regarding health that we don't want to hear and hope that you will soon be given a clean bill of health and a long and health retirement. Good luck for your next appointment.

 

[Val & Frank]

Thank you Colin,

I had an MI in 1982, An AVM in 2002/3 And last year I had a Tumour removed from my Parotid Gland. So I must be a real bad SOB, still God's missed me 3 times now, he must be blind,or he can't stand the heat in the kitchen when I get going. And the Devil musn't want me either to disruptive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Still the wife says she loves me, and the Grandaughter will only evers sees the nice side of Grandad.

Val & Frank

 

[harry_374244037]

HI,

This is a real sad story ..

One of my friends became a grandfather for the first time 11 months ago, we saw how proud he was doting over his grandson, then last bank holiday monday his son and daughter-in-law took him to the casualty dept. of the local hospital as the doctors surgery was closed. he was diagnosed with a high temprature and was given calpol to help to alleviate the symptoms, but the next morning (tues.) he was not getting any better so they took him to the doctors surgery and as he got there he starting turning blue, they rushed him inside and just as the doctor came the child died.

Everyone is in complete shock and toally numb. They are still waiting for the post-mortem results , buts its suspect as a rare form of meningitis which did not show any outward symptoms at all.

Such a tradegy, poor kid just starting out in life.

Life is so precious and we take so many things for granted. Our condolences are with the parents and immediate family.

Harry

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Yes Harry, life can be so cruel but hopefully, taking strength from each other and helping each other to grieve, the pain will ease but the memories will never go away.

It took me 6 months to come to grips with my Miniature Schnauzers death and about 3 years just to watch videos I had taken, God only knows what I would have been like at the death of my own child.

United they will overcome their sorrow harry but it will take time, probably a very long time.

 

[lolly_5087162]

Hi

Yes, that's very true LB - you do overcome your sorrow, but you never really get over the loss of your child. I speak from experience of a daughter who would have been 3 this year who was stillborn at 30 weeks, and the loss of 2 children by miscarriage 2 years ago. Some say "well they were never really born" but they are still your children at the end of the day. We never expected to have to organise our own child's funeral - but I am a great believer that everything happens for a reason and we were just never meant to have anymore than the 1 daughter (who will be 12 the end of this month).

Our thoughts go out to everyone who has been touched by the comments on this thread.

Lolly x

 

[Val & Frank]

Our own troubles pale in to insignificance when you see others.

Our children are 35 and 28 and we couldn't think of life without them, so how people cope when young children are involved is really quite remarkable.

Val & Frank

 

[Fubar]

makes you feel very humble when you read about kids like this:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6634857.stm
Mark

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

makes you feel very humble when you read about kids like this:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6634857.stm
Mark

It sure does Mark. Like they say, it's a good job we don't know what's around the corner.

 

[colin(bridgend)]

I am in a similar situation to Frank as both my children are grown up and healthy. We now have two young healthy grandchildren and for a parent to have to go through the agony of arranging their child's funeral must be horendous - even if that child is grown up. We all like to think our children will outlive us. It was brought home to me today on Breakfast Time this morning with the report of the 14 year old girl with cancer. God she must be marvellous because her bright eyed approach to the problem would put many an adult to shame. She appeared to have a very bright, positive and chearful outlook whilst her father appeared very down and concerned for her. Her biggest concern appeared the loss of her hair during the treatment. Good luck to her for a speedy and permanent cure and also to her family.

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

ummmmm colin ... thats probably the link that Mark above posted. Promise me you'll pull yourself to pieces man and try and shape up ... or have you just got out of bed hehheh!

 

[colin(bridgend)]

My dear sir I was up at 7:30am in order to put the recycable refuse out for the wagons at 8:00am. After this the normal WEEKLY refuse collection turns up. Having completed thes two tasks I made breakfast for my wife and self and then went and did the weekly shopping for my mother-in-law. Having done the shopping we delivered it to her approx. 9 miles away and eventually came home at 1:15pm for our lunch. I have had a hectic Monday morning - more so than if I was in work at Neath College. So get off my back wus.