Thursday, September 23, 2010

A Bump in the Road

I'm unhappy to report that I had to spend the last 5 days in the hospital. After undergoing a spinal injection of methotrexate as an experimental treatment to stop the progression of my disease, I developed aseptic meningitis. This is a non-infectious form of meningitis caused by my body's reaction to either the drug itself or one of the chemicals used to stabilize it. Basically my immune system went on the attack causing massive inflammation to the lining of my brain and spinal cord, resulting in high fever, headache and extreme weakness. Although I'm now home and feeling somewhat better, I'm still running a fever and I'm not sure how long this will continue. As soon as I'm up to it, I'll be back to my usual shenanigans. Until then I hope that all of the people who have commented on my previous post or have sent emails will understand the delayed response. Thanks to my dear wife Karen for her support throughout this mess, and who's fingers are typing this post. A full account of all of this (including incredibly inept nursing and an extremely colorful roommate) as soon as I'm up to it.

42 comments:

  1. Oh man. You are way too precious to be cared for by inept medical providers. Don't they realize? We're hanging on your every word out here.
    BJ

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  2. Wow. Sorry you had to go through all that. Sounds awful. Get well and we look forward to hearing of your adventures.

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  3. I'm sorry that you went through all that, Marc. When all is said and done, I hope the methotrexate slows the progression, and that you return to baseline soon. Keep up the good spirits.

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  4. Hope you're feeling better soon. I'm glad you're feeling good enough to even post a little.

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  5. HANG IN THERE AND BEWARE OF GUIDO'S WIELDING YOUNG PHILLIPINE WOMEN.
    GREEK

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  6. Wishes of Wellness to you!

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  7. Marc,

    My best wishes for a speedy recovery.

    Take care,
    Suzanne

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  8. Sorry you have had such a rough time. Hope you will feeling well again soon.

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  9. So sorry to hear this. Hope you are feeling better soon.

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  10. marc,

    since i have no literary gift, i need to quote ... "great minds have purposes, others have wishes."
    well? i have wishes: get well soon. you marc, do what you need to do with the 'great minds' thing.

    best.

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  11. Sending healing thoughts your way.

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  12. Tons of prayers, good wishes and virtual hugs flying your way!! For Karen too.

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  13. My warmest wishes for a speedy recovery. Sending love, light, and prayers your way. We need you "back in the saddle" as soon as you're up to it.

    Regards,
    Kathleen

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  14. I'll be blunt: that totally sucks, Marc! :( It will take you a while to recover, so don't worry about us (although we WILL miss you!!!). Break a leg, my friend (and I DON'T mean that literally ;)

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  15. So sorry to hear this-- hope you feel better soon and can get back to your "usual shenanigans". Take good care, both of you...
    prairiegirl

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  16. Marc, hope you feel better soon.
    Ed

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  17. Sorry to hear that, hope you feel better soon!

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  18. Marc, First, all the best for a speedy recovery! Thanks for keeping us abreast of the situation.

    I looked up methotrexate and Wikipedia names more side-effects that positive effects. It doesn't mention the drug's use for MS, but I guess that's why you called it "experimental".

    I'm so sorry you had to go through that experience. But we'll all be waiting here for whenver you are feeling well enough to continue to post.

    All the best, Ann

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  19. so sorry to hear. just want you to know I'm thinking about you and always will~! XO Amy

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  20. Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that. Please take care of yourself, and know there are countless Wheelchair Kamikaze fans out there pullin for ya! Get well soon.

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  21. One thing MS haven't stolen from you is your way of still being positive depsite the MS showing its ugly face. WOW!!

    Hope you get better soon

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  22. I hope you are on a swift road to recovery. I also wanted to let you know that I used your "MS is a thief" line from your Grand Larceny post as the beginning line of my haiku today. I posted a link to your blog in my acknowledgement. Get well soon.
    Judy

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  23. Get well soon Marc. So sorry to hear about the bad reaction...Moshe

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  24. Please feel better soon...Judi

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  25. Sorry to hear your news. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

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  26. I have missed your posting and was a little concerned as I have been following you for a bit and even signed up for the auto feed. I hope you are better soon and back on the blog. Dianne

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  27. How MSerable for you. We all will miss your shenanigans while you heal.

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  28. Hey Marc

    Get yourself well very soon and fully back to your amazing self.

    Nigel Sweeney

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  29. Marc,

    I feel really bad for you, I'm sorry you are going through this. Get better soon

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  30. Hi Marca,
    Hope the fever goes soon and you feel better.
    Please visit my blog and pick up your You Inspire Me Award.
    Love,
    Herrad

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  31. Marc,

    Thinking of you and sending you all the best. Be well soon!

    Peace,
    (the other) Red

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  32. I'm wishing you all the best and a very speedy recovery so you can go out and enjoy the nice fall weather while it lasts!

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  33. Hi Marc,
    This is the first I've stopped by and read about your latest complications...I'm so sorry...I will be holding you in my prayers.

    May you feel safe.
    May you feel happy.
    May you feel strong.
    May you live with ease.

    I know this metta meditation might seem ridiculous in light of what you are experiencing...but notice I said feel...this is a wish for an internal/emotional healing process. It helps me tremendously to say these words to myself, for myself and then for others. I don't know why it works, but it comforts me. I hope it will be so for you too.

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  34. Hoping each day you are feeling better and to have a speedy recovery.

    Be well,
    -Scott

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  35. Just got out of the hospital after breaking my hip. Two weeks of hell, so I can relate. Feel better soon! Remember you are speaking for all of us with MS (and very well too). Blessings, Melinda

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  36. Marc,

    I just found your website yesterday while doing MS research (I had never heard of CCSVI, friend with MS told me about it). Anyway, I'm embarrassed to say I spent much more time than I should have at work reading it, and look forward to following you and your shenanigans from now on. In addition to being eloquent AND down to earth (not always easy to do) you're obviously a very special person. Hope you're feeling better and back on the road very soon. I'm holding you in the light...Julia

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  37. sending well wishes and a prompt and full recovery, so i can continue to procrastinate on studying and cleaning

    pfrox9

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  38. Marc & Karen
    My prayers and thoughts are with you. You have been so helpful for me. Being newly diagnosed (April/10), you have provided me with information as well as the human side of MS. You are an inspiration. Karen is the true meaning of a hero. A bump or a bend in the road is just part of the journey, and you have graciously let us, your readers, in to be a part of your journey. Thank You,Prayers and love sent your way, always.

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  39. Hoping you get back to your cantankerous self soon.

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  40. As long as you know what your senior parent needs in a wheelchair, choosing one shouldn't be too difficult.

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