Day 7 Procedure 1-The Lumbar Puncture

The day started like normal - the only difference is it's Halloween. Not too much celebrating going on here in Delhi, but I did bring a pumpkin with candies for my yoga and hospital friends. It's enjoyable to share your holiday with the others.

Trick or Treat! 

I went to PT a bit early in hopes that I would get a few exercises or some stretching in before I had to leave at 11:00AM for Gatum Nagar, the other hospital where the procedures are preformed. Pam stretched me for about 15 minutes while Gurbaksh finished up with his first patient. Once he was done we had enough time to work my upper body before the front desk called to tell me that the taxi was waiting.

 


As usual, it was a crazy 15 minute ride to Gautam Nagar. When the taxi pulled up to the hospital, I reached for the door handle to open the door. It didn't open. I pulled the lock up, pushed it back down, and up once again before trying the handle. It didn't move. I got the attention of the taxi driver and motioned him to open the door for me. It didn't budge. I pictured myself climbing out the window like knight rider, but waited to see if we would be civilized and use the door. To my surprise the driver grabbed a screw driver, pulled the inside of the panel off the door, made a few adjustments, and “Voila” the door opened! “This must happen often,” I thought to myself. We looked at each other smiled and I got out. Only in India!


Today marks the first time I have not taken my wheelchair to a procedure, hopefully a glimpse into the future. I climbed the steep stairs at the front of the hospital and once at the top, I was greeted by many old faces. Their smiles radiate energy, love and happiness, and calms my soul. We sit in the reception area until we are escorted into the elevator and up to the second floor, room 201. Our home for the night.

 

Sister starting IV 

I'm filled with anticipation, as I have had this procedure before and know what the side effects bring; headache, agitation and pain. The best way to describe it is “head injury.” I change into the blue checkered gown and my vitals are taken; temperature, blood pressure and pulse. Am I healthy? Am I alive? I joke. The sisters start my IV. Through the IV I'm given antibiotics as well as anti-nausea and pain meditation. Before we can finish this process the OT (operation theater) staff is knocking at the door. They are ready for me. I'm lifted from the bed to the gurney and rolled to the elevator. Pam wishes me well and I'm gone. There's no going back now. 

 

 

OT Crew. 

Into the OT my energy drops and so does my pulse from 68 to 39. Dr. Ashish wants the rate to be above 50 so they give me an injection to increase the rate. Within a few minutes, my pulse rebounds to a safe level. The OT staff proceeds and I'm rolled onto my left side. Knees and head are tucked tightly into a fetal position to give Dr. Ashish access to any vertebrae. He then begins to clean the area around T8, the site of today's entry. I ask what is our goal and he answers with, “the whole body.”

 


I lay there calmly feeling the cool iodine wash over my spine. Dr. Ashish calls for the local in order to numb the area. I grip on to Celestian's shirt for security and he holds me tight. One hand on my shoulder and one on my feet in order to keep me still and in position. The next 2 needles are injected directly into my spine - 20,000 to 25,000 stem cells per needle totaling 50,000 cells. Wow, that's a lot of cells! I can feel the cells as they enter my body, giving me a heaviness or a squeezing sensation below my ribs. And just like that the procedure is complete. He covers and tapes the site with gauze as the head of the bed is dropped. All cells are to flow toward the site of injury. I'm ordered to remain inverted, head lower than the feet and on my back for the next 5 hours. Once this time has passed, I must stay inverted until morning, but I am allowed to shift onto either side. Have you ever eaten or peed on your back and inverted? I can do it, however it is not enjoyable.


Immediately upon arrival back to the room, my right foot and ankle begins to flutter involuntarily every 10 seconds. It's a good sign that changes are near. 

 

Elevating the bed with bricks... must lay inverted. 

Pam is there for me; she helps me eat, drink and use the bed pan all with love, support and kind words of encouragement. We watch 3 movies as the time slowly passes. Expecting the worst, the headache never comes! Dr. Ashish has modified the treatment, making the needles smaller, which seems to help with the side effects.

 


I'm asleep by 9:30PM, only to wake throughout the night about every 2 hours to go to the bathroom. The night brings many dreams and I struggle to stay comfortable, constantly fighting with the hospital gown and IV.  My expectations are high, and tears come and go as I wonder what will be.

Leaving the next morning...I'm walking out of here!! 

Posted by Leah at 11:09:14.  Send to a Friend

Comments

  1. Saturday, November 01, 2008 21:33:06

    I have tears! This is so amazing! Thank you so much for sharing everything with us! My love and prayers are with you! -Christi


    Saturday, November 01, 2008 21:34:37

    Incredible story, incredible journey and one remarkable person. Your an inspiration to us all and I'm so pleased to hear the good news. Keep up the great work!!!!!


    Sunday, November 02, 2008 17:14:54

    You are amazing girl. Keep up all of that hard work. We love you and pray for you daily. The Millican's


    Sunday, November 02, 2008 22:17:57

    Oh I am so glad to hear the pain didn't come. I was afraid to read this blog for fear of your pain. Praises to Dr. Ashish for his skill and you for your bravery, Pam for her love and care. Can't wait to hear of that ankle and hip flexor!! I love you Leah.

    MOM

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