From a Coma to My Blog
From a coma to my blog — Part 1
It’s been 2 months since I went into the hospital with kidney stones and then had my “near death experience” and I finally feel pretty much back to normal — or as close to “normal’ as I’ll ever get! lol I’m told these are some of the first questions I had when I awoke from the coma… “Where am I?” and “What day is it?” and the strangest one of all, “Oh no, did my blog expire?” lol They say everyone laughed and was relieved that I hadn’t lost my memory and that I was pretty much all right in the brain department. They say I also worried about my cat, my bills, my finances, and my house… so basically I woke up worrying! lol
I think everyone has wondered what it feels like to be in a coma and now I know. For me it was confusing. The last day that I was conscious blurred into the day I woke up, but I do know that I was irritated, upset, and felt very helpless. Waking up on a respirator is not fun! I have since learned that they have to take the respirator and breathing tube out of you the moment you wake up… it would be nice for the patient if they could take it out BEFORE you are conscious. That way you could just open your eyes and wake up peacefully… like they do in the movies! But that’s not how it is done. If you were dependent on a respirator to breath while in a coma, they take the breathing tube out the minute you wake up. If they find that you can’t breath on your own, it goes right back in and you get heavily sedated until they decide what to do. Luckily, I could breath on my own and did not become dependent on the respirator/ventilator to breath for me.
So, one minute I was “out of it” and the next thing I knew was that everything got bright and light and there was a room full of strangers, machines beeping, X-rays hanging next to me (with pictures of my kidneys, my brain, and heart, I think), and definitely something down my throat. It was hard to breath and I wanted it out. I tried to move my hands but they were tied down! (A horrible feeling!) Commands were being hollered out by a Hitler-type woman who sat me upright. Everyone started counting… 1-2-3, and what is in my throat and down into my lungs got pulled (did I say “pull”? I meant “ripped”!) out of my body and I could not catch my breath.
Hitler-Woman hollers “Cough, Cough, Cough!” I finally catch my breath and give a weak and painful cough then Hitler-Woman says “Let’s hear it for Ned!” and the room breaks out in applause — for Ned! Who the hell is Ned? Why not “Let’s hear it for JJ!”? (Later I found out Ned is the respiratory tech who yanked the tube out of my lungs. “Yeah Ned!”) lol I asked where my family was and I swear they told me no one could be here with me because they were having a Super Bowl party and one of my sisters was taking a bath! (That’s not quite how it happened, but it is MY reality. It’s what I heard them say to me. lol) You see, the day I went into the coma was Super Bowl Sunday, so that day blurred into the day I woke up but I knew there was a chunk of time missing and something was wrong.
I must have fallen asleep because the next time I woke up I was in a different room with a window, monitors, a few nurses and my family. There was also a stranger who acted like a friend. He said he was the hospital Chaplain and that he just got beeped and told that I was “starting to wake up” so he came as fast as he could. He told me that he’d been praying for me “every day since this happened” then he held my hand and everyone stood around my bed holding hands and he said a prayer for me. It was not normal for my family to be praying like that so I knew something bad had happened. Then I thought maybe something bad was about to happen. I was not sure. It was very confusing, but I did feel lucky to be alive.
Comments
JJ – I am SOOOOOOOO happy to see4 this post, and know that you are okay. You were very missed…I wish you a speedy recovery and if you need anything, let me know ; ) GOD BLESS U.
JJ – There were many prayers for you! I am glad to have you back….If I can be of assistance to you in any way, please let me know. I sent a guest post, but I am assuming you did not have a chance to read it?
Good to have you back JJ -
I am so glad you are back. I missed you. And I’m glad you could tell us what it’s like because I have always wondered about the whole coma thing myself.
Tonne Thanks to god that you are fine now.
Well that was really funny – “Oh no, did my blog expire?” This one is showing how you are close to your blogs and I think that’s why we come again and again to this blog.
Just back to normal and forget about this as a bad dream.
Wow! I can’t wait to read the rest of your story. You didn’t say how you ended up in a coma in the first place, or maybe I missed something here. If it isn’t too personal, it would be interesting to know. Glad for you that all turned out OK.
I am happy you are back to “normal” and really happy to read this post. Thanks for keeping us updated.
Thanks everyone! I KNOW that your prayers and thoughts really did help me. (you can never have too many prayers!) My friend who has been helping me says she thinks bloggers are “the nicest people in the world” after reading all of your comments while I was gone! lol I do appreciate it, and I agree with her.
Hi Krysti, Thanks for taking the time to visit! I think God has already blessed me cuz I’m still here! lol
wow..good luck for better health..
Applause, applause! From here at my house. So glad that you are back, JJ. I’m still a big fan and kept checking here waiting to see something from you. Wow, what an experience and one that makes us all so glad for our health and yours. Continue to get well and concentrate on that. We will be here supporting you.
We are glad you’re doing well now JJ.
Thank you for the comment in my post. I am currently working in a department store but not in Walmart. It is really wonderful to have a break sometimes .
Have a blessed day,
Marly
I am glad you are recovering from your ordeal. Thanks for sharing all the details, it should drive home to everyone just how quickly life’s circumstances can change on us.
And since many of us make money online with websites it should be a wake up call to everyone that you need to leave complete details on how your business works for your loved ones should something happen to you.
Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.
Rhonda
hi JJ, i’ve been reading your blog for a while and it inspired me to start my own (again) like you’ve done for so many. i’m so happy to hear you’re better. i’m not very religious but when you said the chaplain prayed for you everyday, i teared up a little. it’s good to know there are people looking out for us in a time of need. i’ve been having a tough weekend and it helped put things in perspective. the part about ned cracked me up ~elaine
I am only echoing everyone else here in saying we are so glad you are back and many prayers were said on your behalf. We’re so happy you are back to yourself (as much as humanly possible after all that) and can’t wait to read more!!
JJ, its great to hear again from you! I have missed your posts. Most of all; all I wanted to read was good news and that soon you would be back. I am thrilled to finally read a post from you. Your guest post have been appreciated as well.
You are right about the questions. I will wait for part 2, before I ask.
Wow, I dont know what to say.. I’m glad you’re back to normal. I think you have to take more rest and maybe leave the blogging world for a while…
We are certainly looking forward for your more posts.
Look this one is really nice and good opportunity to tell us about your experience. Many people in blogsphere care about you and now I think this is really a good opportunity.
Sorry I left soooo many comments in moderation all day! I’m getting ready for some kidney tests tomorrow and no one checked my admin. I appreciate ALL of your comments and your concern. (Nice to see new people here too! I’ll be around to visit you all soon!)
Great to see you back.
Good Luck and keep up the spirit.
Take care.
Hi, it is great to see you again! Welcome come back to real world!
Take care of yourself.
Wow JJ! I’m so happy to have you back!
This is great info to know.
This is the first time I am in your blog. Actually I just followed you from the comment you left at my blog. I was really surprised to see this post. We can only imagine what you have been going through. May all the Gods be with you and give you strength to brighten up your future.
- The Lion-
So when we can expect the second part of your “Coma to my blog”
Do you have any plan to promote this story of yours. If you are interested than we can promote it and will make it a hit.
If you want further discussion than shoot us an email at lalit.burma@yahoo.com
Great to have you back JJ! It’s always great to hear good news stories. Looking forward to hearing more good news in the next post.
Wow! What a traumatic experience! I wish you the best in your road to a full recovery. I look forward to reading more from you.
Its wonderful to be on your blog again…. and see you here….
Best of luck and get well soon.. do sthat you can write wonerful posts ….
Samantha
smartappsportal.com
First time on your blog. Pretty nice stuff you have here!
Glad you are feeling better, take care of your self!
Thanks for going to my blog and i hope you come back. Your blog is very nice i like it, please help me if you can.
Sheesh , glad to have you back moma! Sometimes we don’t always realise the beauty of life till we go to the hospital or some place threatening our security… well glad you made it and looking forward to see some more posts, cheers!
Damn JJ!
It really bums me out to hear you are in a situation like that!
I really hope you get well and make a full recovery!
Drink lots of water and eat veggies and have the mindset that this is not going to bring you down…you are stronger and you will beat it!
All the best,
my thoughts go out to you
Dirk
Good to hear all is well. “Did my blog expire?” Yes these blogs of ours are on the top of our minds.
This one is really nice to see that you are back to normal life. But however we are not able to see the more often posts from your side.
What is the matter ?
Hi guys… I’ll be putting up the next post soon. Things have been hectic for me with dr. appointments and specialists so I just had to take a little break from my blog (but I’m still visiting other blogs whenever I get online.) See you later… and thanks for the lovely comments.
Howdy! I’m just your regular visitor. It’s so nice to know you’re back and all well. I hope to see more of you in the coming days… Happy mother’s day!
I think second edition of this series is already due and you should send us such post within one or two days if you have completed editing on them.
Some of my friends are asking about you … and hows you are doing. Send us some photos of yours.
OMG what an experience! And to worry right off the bat about your blog, sorry but tooooo funny
Happy to see you back and thanks for the visit over to my blog, your commentluv certainly caught my eye, and I’m glad I’m here (and I’m glad you are, too!).
These will be useful for me
thanks for sharing!
scary all that you went through but so good to see you up about & feeling better!!
Any planning or updates when we will be able to see your next post. Please announce here so that on day we will come to read your post.
Regards.
It is very useful of your article!:)
Hi guys… I want to thank all of you who have come and left comments. Please hang in there with me and I will get the second part out when I can finish it all up. As I said before I still have several appointments and tests that are being scheduled… so right now I have to put those first on my list of things I have to medically get done before the summer months!! My goal is to get all medical issues finished and out of the way so I can have a “wonderful healthy summer”!! I really appreciate all of your kind comments and I hope those of you who have not signed up with my RSS to please sign up now, so you will know the minute I do finish up my next post. Thanks guys and talk to you all soon…
Those near death experiences are truly a wake up call for you to be a little more appreciative. I’ve come back from an incident as well and it changed the way I look at life. The good news is you’re ok and no, your blog didn’t expire lol!
JJ, hope you are doing well and looking forward to Part 2.
Wow, that is a really dramatic experience. I’m glad you’re okay and I wish you all the best in the future, especially health! As long as we have our health we can make anything work out okay. Looking forward to Part 2 as well.
The suspense is killing me! I am sitting on the edge of me seat waiting for part II of this post. I have left all my domestic duties and have taken time off of work waiting for the next installment.
Nice to hear you made it through! It’s always neat to see people overcome like that!
JJ – it’s Robert you longtime blog buddy. Use some of the guest posts everyone has submitted to keep this blog going. If you need help I will be happy to do whatever I can. I am going to send you and email
Hey JJ – worried about you again. It has been awhile since your last post…Are you okay? Missing your blog posts, hope you are feeling better ; ) You’re in my thoughts!
~Krysti~
Oh my gosh! It has been a while since I have visited your blog and to read this today was a bit of a shock! Main this you are out of hospital and on the mend. All the best.
Glad you’re doing better (im a little late i know) Thanks for stopping by my site once again. To answer your question about the roll over turning black on my site it came default with the blog theme. I’m not very good with php so i can’t tell you specifically how it works but the theme i use is called Atahualpa if you wanted to see how it works
Yeah! It’s been so long but what a treat to see your great comment over on my blog (phew you’re still doing really well!). Frankly, I’m totally nosy and yes I’m going to dig around before I leave, but what the heck happened to you to even put you in the hospital???? Maybe I will find a clue as soon as I hit submit and look around.
If you haven’t talked about it yet, and want to, a curious world is waiting to hear.
If you have, and it’s just stupid me not bright enough to know “something was coming up” then yikes sorry!
A hunting I go
I’m glad that you’re ok now. My friend has been in that situation too, and now she have been fully recovered after removing that stones away form her kidneys.
More blessings JJ!
Hi JJ,
I check back every now and again to see how you are and if the blog is still up and going; I hope you get better soon. I saw a post from Krysti and am wondering what she is doing. Have her give us an update if she can. Thanks and keep getting better.
Just a quick comment to let everyone know that I am doing okay just a few bumps in the road, nothing that I can’t handle. I do want to thank everyone for their comments and please hang in there I will be back on-line very shortly here. I could of used some of my guest post that I have, as suggested by my buddy Robert but I didn’t want to use them at this time. Thanks Rocky for the kind words and I will be over to check out your new posts. Diane thanks to you also and you will get your answer in Part 2 I didn’t want you to go hunting too much lol. Janice I do know that Krysti has a “brick ‘n’ mortar” business and if I know her she is doing fine and is probably very busy. So for now I hope you all will hang in there with me and be patient for awhile longer and I promise I’ll be back, meanwhile I’ll visit everyone at their blogs. Have a great day….JJ
It sounds like you went quite an ordeal. I am glad to see that you are now well enough to relate your story in your blog. I hope that you will continue to heal . This is my first visit to your blog and I will look forward to visiting in the future. Take care.
GREAT NEWS :0 ) We were worried about you JJ ~ Glad to hear you are well!
I wish you get well soon and keep blogging in this blog.
I am coming to your blog after one month and surprise to see that no new posts added to this blog. What is happening and where are you ?
I hope everything is fine at your end and you recovered.
I’m surprised to hear you were in a coma?
Glad your back alive and well.
Want to know about your near death experience??
Keep blogging
this place rocks! no posts since april!
Hey JJ, Dan said he saw you last month and you looked as great as ever so I’m just hoping you are feeling good as well. Don’t push yourself too much.
xoxo
Wow, your story is cool. Glad you can get well. Do you remember something when you coma?
Wow, I just got out of the hospital myself. Had to have a pacemaker. Did have some complications and had to return to the emergency room. Their compassion meter was on negative that night. They basically watched me a while and then sent me home – twice – before finally keeping me long enough to find out what was wrong. Glad you are better.
Hi Halloween Queen, I know what you mean about the compassion meter (good way to put it) being on negative at times when we are in the care of a medical facility. Although I also realize what they have to go through during their work day life and death are in their hands, that’s a lot to handle. I can’t believe what “you” went through a pacemaker wow ! I’m so glad that you are on the mend now too and wish you well too. To our success and health. lol jj
Hi jj. Glad you’re back.
This blog must have means a lots for you.
Keep on blogging and don’t stop.
good place to start is the hospitals, call up and ask to speak to someone in the human resources department and make your inquires there.
Since last one year I was also suffering from kidney stones. It was 4mm 9mm and 10mm my doctor suggest me for a operation. But I went to India during these summer holidays where a holiguru tell me that I have to use leaves of Patherchatka. I take four leaves every day that cut down my stone in just 15 days. When I goes to ultrasound center to conform this I was surprise to know that all was gone through urine.
Hi Wattjames, Thanks so much for leaving a comment on my blog. Also thanks for reading my post… kidney stones can be a real pain!! I can’t believe that yours were so big 10mm that is a big stone isn’t it? So you really think the Patherchatka worked? Do you know what is in the plant that makes it work? Someone had told me to drink lemonade once a day and it will keep kidney stones from coming back. I have been doing that and I think it really works, so one never knows. I’m glad you’re feeling better, and that the holiguru could help you. Thanks again…jj
Hey does anyone what causes kidney stones?
Delay my last – I’ve found it!
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