FYI: Misdiagnosed and hospitalized...but I'm still alive!

Well, the ER had it wrong...REALLY wrong!!
Yes, you heard it right....the WHOLE time I was in excrutiating pain, it was actually because they didn't notice I had appendicitis when I went to the ER. DUH!! My doctor actually told me he "was better with gun shot wounds and trauma and that he was trying to remember about this from boards." I went in with severe abdominal pain and they didn't even run the tests to eliminate appendicitis. He sent me home with 32 hours worth of pain medicine on Labor day weekend and told me to rest.

So, I went to two other doctors after the ER trying to get some answers. They were still following the diagnosis of ovarian cysts and were to a point where they took me in the hospital for surgery on my ovaries and I was told there was a strong chance that the doctor would have to take one out and possibly my uteris. He sent me in for one last CT scan before they wheeled me in for surgery and they discovered that my appendix had ruptured (yes...9 days after my ER visit where this should have been noticed!!!) and my abdomen was completely covered in infection and toxins. I have been told time and time again that I am so lucky to be alive. They immediately checked me into the hospital where I stayed almost a week until I begged to get out so that I could get a good nights rest without buzzers, beeps, nurses, blood draws at 4 am, and more. I came home on Tuesday and the next few days I tanked to a point where I think I was worse than when I was in the hospital. (oh and...did I mention that Larry had left for a seminar in Oregon when we thought it was just cysts...and I was hospitalized while he was gone for 4 days...BAD TIMING!)

Many prayers were answered when I finally started improving on Saturday. Now I am slowly recovering...I am weak, but determined to be grateful for my overall good health. My heart breaks for those who have to live with family members so ill or in the hospital. It was quite a trail, but I was also immensely blessed and my life was preserved. I wish I had a picture of all the cards, flowers, and kind thoughts that were brought into my hospital room. People taught me novels about sincere "charity" and warmed my heart. I will be eternally grateful for the charity and kindness of others. I have been better taught how to give of myself while others are in need and I promise to grow from the experience.

I must also take a moment to thank my amazing parents...especially my mother, who stood tirelessly cared for me, my illness, my children, home, plants, and family for the last three weeks. She is a woman of great love and exemplifies charity...and does it with a smile. Thank you, Mom... I have always known how lucky I am to have you, but the Lord has reminded me yet again!!