My Story

[littlemissmuffet]

Hello ladies!!

You may have noticed I dropped off the face of the planet...
I fell ill the first week in February with what I thought was a regular cold. On February 7th I went to the hospital because I started to cough up blood and chunks of flesh...
I was diagnosed with pneumonia - given medication and sent home.

On February 9th I started having serious trouble breathing and again found myself in the hospital where within a few hours my lungs fully seized and I died. I was revived and told I would be intubated. I refused - two reasons...one, I had a 107 degree fever that couldn't be managed and was not in my right mind and two, I knew I'd lost massive amounts of oxygen over time and was continuing to - being intubated is difficult for anyone, my throat was severely swollen and I knew by the time they got a vent in I would have brain damage.

20 days later I woke from a coma... confused and extremely disoriented. I was in the ICU, tied down, had a vent down my throat (the doctor phoned my hubs and asked for permission to override my refusal) feeding tube, several IVs and I was coming down off of some very serious drugs. For days I was bewildered as family and nurses explained why I was in the hospital... H1N1, how I had died twice, how a machine called an ECMO was placed through my jugular to my heart to help oxygenate my blood due to complete lung failure, how if I didn't start breathing on my own on that 20th day I'd have been given a tracheotomy...and finally what a miracle I am...


Initially my mother and husband were told I'd only survive 3-5 days maximum and to call the rest of the family.

What those doctors didn't know was I had a little girl to get home to. A little girl who was also given a grave diagnoses once upon a time...and is now a bright, healthy and happy 15 month old.


So after several surgeries, 6 blood transfusions, over 100 needle pokes, 16 IV drips and 30 days in the hospital I went home. I survived pneumonia, H1N1 and sepsis.

After being moved from ICU to the respiratory ward we were told I would be in the hospital about 3 months before going home while I rehabilitated. I had to relearn how to walk, go up stairs, feed myself...even go to the bathroom. I was on the ward only 5 days...and I was doing well enough to leave.

Being home was amazing though challenging...all my muscle mass was gone, I'd lost about 50lbs in the hospital and I was extremely weak and often winded. My lungs are severely scarred and my heart was damaged because the first time the ECMO was put in the doctor did it blind in the ICU because I wasn't stable enough to be moved to the ER.

But...everyday I got stronger and built more endurance.

I was doing quite well but 10 days following my release I found myself back in the hospital with chest pain. It was discovered that I have very large blood clots in one of my lungs due to 3 week of immobility while in a coma.

The doctor said if I didn't go in when I did, I'd have died...again.

3 days later I was home again - with blood thinners to prevent any further problems.

I have been back home for 2 weeks now - I am stronger - probably at 85%. I will be good as new in no time.

My sister shaved my head while I was in ICU because it was all matted and filled with blood from my neck surgery. My hair was half way down my back.

My life has dramatically changed in more ways than just physically...I am much happier now, filled wiith hope, love and positivity. I have a new outlook on life and feel infinitely blessed to have been given a second chance at life. I am reopening my dayhome in May!

I hope everyone else here is doing well... let me know what's new!

[Bookworm]

Sweet Jesus, Muffet. Thank God you're alright. I will put you in my prayers.

You and your family went through such a scary and challenging time, yet here I am smiling at the energy in your words.

You are an amazing woman. Never forget that

[BumbleBee]

Holy h*ll. Glad you're back.

[sahm1225]

Wow. Just wow. God bless you. I will pray you continue with your amazing positive outlook on life & for continued strenght

[Ups_and-downs]

That is quite a touching story. You are a strong woman. Just shows how fragile out lives really are. I'm glad you are finally getting better, and hope it stays that way. That little girl is lucky to have such a strong and positive mother. Take care and will have you in my prayers as well.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I was just wondering how you were. God is so good!

[Michelle]

So glad you are better
Do you remember anything when you died?
God bless you and your family

[SilverSabre25]

holy hell. I'm so glad you pulled through. Take it easy girl! I'm sure you don't need to be told though.

In November of 2010 my mom went into the hospital for what she thought was a mini stroke and two days later she was in a coma. She had Guillan-Barre Syndrome and was in a coma for about 2 weeks, in the hospital for about 6 months. I was pregnant at the time with my second, my sister was pregnant with her third (we were due bout a month apart). So yeah. I've been on the other side of that kind of situation. We/She were told that if she hadn't come into the hospital when she did she probably wouldn't have made it. She had pretty much the most acute and fast-acting case the docs at the university hospital had ever seen. I'm pretty sure she made it into some medical journals.

[Play Care]

Oh my goodness!!! So glad you are on the mend!

[coolconfidentme]

Big hugs to you!!!!

[snbauser]

WOW!!! I am so glad to hear you are doing so much better. How scary!

[MissAnn]

PTL! I have a sister who was in a coma for 6 weeks and finally woke up. So glad to have her around. Thanks for sharing and reminding us how precious life is.

[MamaBearCanada]

So glad you have pulled through! Wish you a lifetime of happiness. You are such a strong woman and an inspiration. Take care of yourself.

[Ms. Bubby]

Amazing grace! You're body has been through so much over the last couple of months. Glad your spirit was strong enough to fight and pull yourself back to be with your family. Glad you have a new lease on life! Just shows how precious our life is!
You're in my prayers. I hope the rest of your recovery continues to go well.

[Laurel]

Wow. I did notice you weren't here and was wondering if you stopped doing child care or something.

So glad you are finally getting back to normal.

Laurel

[originalkat]

Wow! What a nightmare! So glad you made it through such a terrible time. Glad to have you back!

[MyAngels]

My goodness you've been through so much! I'm glad to hear things are getting better and you're on the mend .

[MotherNature]

Wow! How scary! Glad you're feeling better.

[mountainside13]

Oh my! Thank goodness you are ok now! You will be in my prayers for continued healing!!!

[jenn]

Good grief! What a miracle! You are a fighter!

[Crazy8]

oh my goodness!!! what a scary experience yet like someone else said, your post is just full of energy and hope and healing. I know you will be back to 100% in no time with that attitude but please still take it slow and easy!!!!

many prayers to you and your family!

[CraftyMom]

O.M.G.!!! That is truly amazing! Glad you are on the mend!

[countrymom]

wow, that is totally crazy. Did they say how you got sick, maybe one of the kids.

[Heidi]

Wowawoweewow!

Seriously, what a story! I am glad to hear you are recovering so well.

[llpa]

I am fairly new here but still want to say... Thank God you are ok!!! My brother went thru a similar situation as yours and I am so glad to hear you are on the mend! That little one needs her mama! Will say a prayer for complete recovery
God Bless!

[mema]

Glad you are doing well. It's amazing what our kids will help get us thru. You and your dd are both fighters! Rest up and enjoy your snuggles with her!

[daycare]

wow... I was wondering where you were. Never did I think that something like this happened, I thought that maybe you just got really busy with life.

I am so sorry that you had to go through all of this, it sounds horrible. It truly is an amazing story and shows how mentally strong you are to put up the fight to get through it.

Please do all that you can to relax and recover back to 100%. Normally, we only get to live once.

Glad you are ok and happy to see you back

[KIDZRMYBIZ]

Wow! That is unbelievable, and an amazing story of strength and miracle!

So glad you were given another chance at life. I can't even imagine...

[Patches]

WOW!
I was wondering where you have been. I'm so glad you made through all that and that you are beginning to recover. You are one strong woman!

[Scout]

Wow!! So glad you are on the mend.

[butterfly]

wow!! praying for continued healing!!!!

[Luna]

Glad you're here! Stay strong and keep up the good work,and for crying out loud, take a rest when you need to!
You have such a great attitude and you are inspiring to those of us (me) who struggle with less dire situations. Thank you so much for sharing your story!

[melilley]

Oh WOW! It just goes to show how short life can be and really makes you think! Well I am glad that you are better!

[KiddieCahoots]

Wow! Thank you for sharing.
I'm new here, and haven't had the opportunity to chat with you yet, but your story brought tears.
Your an inspiration!

[My3cents]

Originally Posted by littlemissmuffet

Hello ladies!!

You may have noticed I dropped off the face of the planet...
I fell ill the first week in February with what I thought was a regular cold. On February 7th I went to the hospital because I started to cough up blood and chunks of flesh...
I was diagnosed with pneumonia - given medication and sent home.

On February 9th I started having serious trouble breathing and again found myself in the hospital where within a few hours my lungs fully seized and I died. I was revived and told I would be intubated. I refused - two reasons...one, I had a 107 degree fever that couldn't be managed and was not in my right mind and two, I knew I'd lost massive amounts of oxygen over time and was continuing to - being intubated is difficult for anyone, my throat was severely swollen and I knew by the time they got a vent in I would have brain damage.

20 days later I woke from a coma... confused and extremely disoriented. I was in the ICU, tied down, had a vent down my throat (the doctor phoned my hubs and asked for permission to override my refusal) feeding tube, several IVs and I was coming down off of some very serious drugs. For days I was bewildered as family and nurses explained why I was in the hospital... H1N1, how I had died twice, how a machine called an ECMO was placed through my jugular to my heart to help oxygenate my blood due to complete lung failure, how if I didn't start breathing on my own on that 20th day I'd have been given a tracheotomy...and finally what a miracle I am...


Initially my mother and husband were told I'd only survive 3-5 days maximum and to call the rest of the family.

What those doctors didn't know was I had a little girl to get home to. A little girl who was also given a grave diagnoses once upon a time...and is now a bright, healthy and happy 15 month old.


So after several surgeries, 6 blood transfusions, over 100 needle pokes, 16 IV drips and 30 days in the hospital I went home. I survived pneumonia, H1N1 and sepsis.

After being moved from ICU to the respiratory ward we were told I would be in the hospital about 3 months before going home while I rehabilitated. I had to relearn how to walk, go up stairs, feed myself...even go to the bathroom. I was on the ward only 5 days...and I was doing well enough to leave.

Being home was amazing though challenging...all my muscle mass was gone, I'd lost about 50lbs in the hospital and I was extremely weak and often winded. My lungs are severely scarred and my heart was damaged because the first time the ECMO was put in the doctor did it blind in the ICU because I wasn't stable enough to be moved to the ER.

But...everyday I got stronger and built more endurance.

I was doing quite well but 10 days following my release I found myself back in the hospital with chest pain. It was discovered that I have very large blood clots in one of my lungs due to 3 week of immobility while in a coma.

The doctor said if I didn't go in when I did, I'd have died...again.

3 days later I was home again - with blood thinners to prevent any further problems.

I have been back home for 2 weeks now - I am stronger - probably at 85%. I will be good as new in no time.

My sister shaved my head while I was in ICU because it was all matted and filled with blood from my neck surgery. My hair was half way down my back.

My life has dramatically changed in more ways than just physically...I am much happier now, filled wiith hope, love and positivity. I have a new outlook on life and feel infinitely blessed to have been given a second chance at life. I am reopening my dayhome in May!

I hope everyone else here is doing well... let me know what's new!

I have missed my friend! I didn't know~


you are in my thoughts and prayers and I just feel bad that I didn't know and I didn't even notice you were not active here.

[WImom]

WOW!! You are in my thoughts and prayers!! I hope you continue to recover quickly!!

[Sugar Magnolia]

[spud912]

Oh wow I am so sorry ! I'm glad you are back and seem to be doing better! I hope that was the end of it all and you are on the road to recovery! I was wondering where you were!

[Josiegirl]

What an amazing recovery story! Keep on gaining strength and showing the doctors how wrong they were! You are a woman of extreme strength and courage!
Just in awe of you......

[e.j.]

Wow! I'm so sorry you and your family went through such a traumatic time. Glad to hear you're on the mend now.

[grandmom]

Clearly God is not finished with you yet.

Glad to hear you are doing better and have such a delightful outlook on life.

OMG! Well you are one strong mama.

Welcome back BIG TIME!!!

[Meeko]

SO GOOD TO SEE YOU BACK! What a fighter you are! So glad you are on the mend.

Oh my!! Thank God you've pulled through. You are quite a determined woman! Your little girl needed you. I think that would be motivation enough. The soul and heart are capable of pretty amazing things when there is a reason for living.

All the best to you!!

[AfterSchoolMom]

Whoa! You're amazing. So glad to hear that you're recovering so well after such an experience!!

[NeedaVaca]

That's an amazing story, take care of yourself!

[MCC]

Oh my goodness. I am so glad you are okay. I'll be praying for continued healing for you and your family.

[KDC]

So glad you are okay!! How scary, thanks for sharing your story. A little reminder that life is precious and delicate. It's a gift & it goes by so very fast. Find joy where you can.

You were missed!! Glad your back=)

[Jack Sprat]

Holy Sh#*! Very happy to hear you are on the mend!!! Prayers headed your way!!!

[littlemissmuffet]

Thank you all SO MUCH!! I am infinitely blessed to have you all rooting for me!

I am looking forward to reopening my childcare in May and spending more time here again!

My family and I appreciate the prayers and well wishes!

[has_my_heart]

Whoa, what a crazy, hard, and inspiring experience you had. Thank you for sharing, life is unpredictable and your positive attitude through a hard time is inspiring. God works in mysterious ways but He does work in our lives! Prayers for you and yours!

[MsLaura529]

Wow! That's amazing! You are one strong and brave woman. So glad you are home (again) and doing so well.

Originally Posted by littlemissmuffet

Hello ladies!!

You may have noticed I dropped off the face of the planet...
I fell ill the first week in February with what I thought was a regular cold. On February 7th I went to the hospital because I started to cough up blood and chunks of flesh...
I was diagnosed with pneumonia - given medication and sent home.

On February 9th I started having serious trouble breathing and again found myself in the hospital where within a few hours my lungs fully seized and I died. I was revived and told I would be intubated. I refused - two reasons...one, I had a 107 degree fever that couldn't be managed and was not in my right mind and two, I knew I'd lost massive amounts of oxygen over time and was continuing to - being intubated is difficult for anyone, my throat was severely swollen and I knew by the time they got a vent in I would have brain damage.

20 days later I woke from a coma... confused and extremely disoriented. I was in the ICU, tied down, had a vent down my throat (the doctor phoned my hubs and asked for permission to override my refusal) feeding tube, several IVs and I was coming down off of some very serious drugs. For days I was bewildered as family and nurses explained why I was in the hospital... H1N1, how I had died twice, how a machine called an ECMO was placed through my jugular to my heart to help oxygenate my blood due to complete lung failure, how if I didn't start breathing on my own on that 20th day I'd have been given a tracheotomy...and finally what a miracle I am...


Initially my mother and husband were told I'd only survive 3-5 days maximum and to call the rest of the family.

What those doctors didn't know was I had a little girl to get home to. A little girl who was also given a grave diagnoses once upon a time...and is now a bright, healthy and happy 15 month old.


So after several surgeries, 6 blood transfusions, over 100 needle pokes, 16 IV drips and 30 days in the hospital I went home. I survived pneumonia, H1N1 and sepsis.

After being moved from ICU to the respiratory ward we were told I would be in the hospital about 3 months before going home while I rehabilitated. I had to relearn how to walk, go up stairs, feed myself...even go to the bathroom. I was on the ward only 5 days...and I was doing well enough to leave.

Being home was amazing though challenging...all my muscle mass was gone, I'd lost about 50lbs in the hospital and I was extremely weak and often winded. My lungs are severely scarred and my heart was damaged because the first time the ECMO was put in the doctor did it blind in the ICU because I wasn't stable enough to be moved to the ER.

But...everyday I got stronger and built more endurance.

I was doing quite well but 10 days following my release I found myself back in the hospital with chest pain. It was discovered that I have very large blood clots in one of my lungs due to 3 week of immobility while in a coma.

The doctor said if I didn't go in when I did, I'd have died...again.

3 days later I was home again - with blood thinners to prevent any further problems.

I have been back home for 2 weeks now - I am stronger - probably at 85%. I will be good as new in no time.

My sister shaved my head while I was in ICU because it was all matted and filled with blood from my neck surgery. My hair was half way down my back.

My life has dramatically changed in more ways than just physically...I am much happier now, filled wiith hope, love and positivity. I have a new outlook on life and feel infinitely blessed to have been given a second chance at life. I am reopening my dayhome in May!

I hope everyone else here is doing well... let me know what's new!

That's unique. I would pray for you!!

[Hunni Bee]

I wondered what happened to you!

That is.....nuts. I am so glad you pulled through.

My MIL, the one I used to talk about, we lost her at the end of February. She went very quickly and I still don't know why.

I hate that all that happened to you, but I am glad you are getting back to normal!

[TwinKristi]

What an amazing story! I'm glad you're making some advances in recovery!!

I was once given a grave diagnosis, almost died twice and was put in a coma and woke up intubated and restrained to keep from pulling it out, etc. It was a very VERY hard time in my life. I was a young healthy mom prior to that. They still aren't sure what happened or why. Could have been a flu complication, but no one knows for sure. I ended up with PTSD about 6 mos later and had a really hard time. I sought counseling to deal with my anxiety and PTSD from the ordeal. Please don't hesitate to get help down the road if you need it. I went through a phase of recovery, then euphoria from overcoming such an obstacle and then depression and anxiety hit when I started remembering things. I would have nightmares and anxiety attacks. It was difficult.

I'm so glad that you made it and are here to tell the story!!

[LeslieG]

WOW!!! What a reminder that life is SO PRECIOUS!!! I'm glad you are doing better!! You are a strong woman!!

[Lyss]

Holy cow lady!! Wow... I'm so glad that you are doing well and have such a positive outlook! Amazing woman you are! And your family too, they must have went through some terrible times fearing they may loose you!

Sending thoughts and love to you and your family!