Black Owl Posted April 8, 2015 #1 Posted April 8, 2015 (edited) For those that know me, I am a very private person. So, I was more than a bit surprised when it was brought to my attention that Don had made a posting concerning my recent medical problems. I have also received several inquiries as to what happened and how I am doing now. So, thought I would kill two birds with one stone to thank those that have taken the time and trouble to offer up prayers and well wishes for my speedy recovery, the cards, and to those that went out of their way to visit with me in the hospital. I had ben feeling out of sorts for several months last year. Not something that I felt really required me to go see my Doctor. BIG mistake on my part. On Dec 10th I got up, and was really out of it. So out of it in fact that I was not even aware that my wife called 911 and I was taken to the emergency room. The diagnosed my problem as pneumonia and began treating me for that. Apparently, and here I am only repeating what I have been told, my potassium level was through the roof and my liver was shutting down. They then began trying to bring my potassium level down and the medication caused my kidneys to cease working. This resulted in an excessive build up of fluids around my heart and I went into congestive heart failure. They started dialysis to drain the kidneys. I crashed twice and they were able to jump start me. I now have the Liver specialists, kidney specialists and the cardiac specialist all working on me trying to get everything under control. I crashed a third time and they jump started me again. The attending physician told the wife that she should consider calling in the kids before it was too late and asked her if she wanted to sign a DNR. The next thing I remember, it is 22 Dec and I wake up in the ICU wondering where the heck I am, how I got there, and why my daughter, who lives in Washington DC, is there. They move me out of the ICU and onto a medical ward. Two days on the medical ward and I come down with the flu. Wake up again in the ICU. Then they determine that I have contracted SMIRMA (I think that is what they call it), the drug resistant virus, and I am moved to an isolation ward where I spend another week. Jump ahead to 11 Feb when they decide I am well enough to be discharged. Home for a week and kidneys stop functioning again. Can't pass enough water and my weight goes up 14 pounds in 3 days. Back into the hospital again and they start working on me trying to get my kidneys functioning properly without causing my liver to shut down. They do a procedure to drain off excess fluids and the first time they drain off 5.8 liters of fluid. Two days later they drain off another 5.75 liters. the next week they do the procedure again and this time that get 9.8 liters. Anyway, I am finally back home and they (think) they have my medications finally figured out to keep everything sync'd. However, still having a problem with excessive water retention. Weight went up 9 pounds in a week and I need to go back in for another belly tap. And there you have in in a nut shell. So, thank you again so much for your prayers and kind thought. This really is a family.... Edited April 8, 2015 by Black Owl
ReinyRooster Posted April 8, 2015 #2 Posted April 8, 2015 Good to hear that you're heading in the right direction. Have them install a spigot, couple of grease nipples here and there and maybe a small viewing window and you should be as good as new! Seriously though, keep grinding my friend......we're thinking about you. I look back at our Colorado rally pics every week, and smile.
Black Owl Posted April 8, 2015 Author #3 Posted April 8, 2015 Good to hear that you're heading in the right direction. Have them install a spigot, couple of grease nipples here and there and maybe a small viewing window and you should be as good as new! Seriously though, keep grinding my friend......we're thinking about you. I look back at our Colorado rally pics every week, and smile. I made the spigot suggestion to my doctor. He said they are available but end up causing more complications than they cure. Some foolishness about them causing infections. The belly tap really isn't that bad (other than the fact that it is performed while you are wide awake). The needle looks to be about the size of a railroad spike and you can definitely feel it as they move it around inside you.
SilvrT Posted April 8, 2015 #4 Posted April 8, 2015 WOW! Scary stuff going on there! Glad to hear you're on the mend and more importantly, still with us!
Freebird Posted April 8, 2015 #5 Posted April 8, 2015 Thanks for posting Mr. Owl. I should probably apologizing for ratting you out but sorry....I just can't. You see, a lot of people here really do care about you and I just decided that those who believe in the power of prayer would want that opportunity. So.....I'm sorry that I'm not sorry and will try to be more sorry next time. Glad to hear that they are getting things figured out. You gave me quiet a scare my friend.
Chaharly Posted April 8, 2015 #6 Posted April 8, 2015 Wow sounds like you were super rough shape! That is scaaaryy! Glad to hear you're coming around though, and hopefully they get you fixed up right! You're lucky to have a good wife that called the ambulance for you right away! That is far scarier than anything I've ever gone through. Best of luck on a full recovery!
cecdoo Posted April 8, 2015 #7 Posted April 8, 2015 Thanks for the update, have been wondering how you were doing? Good to know you are getting better. Take care, Craig
eagleeye Posted April 8, 2015 #8 Posted April 8, 2015 Holy Moly Owl, That's a mouthful! I'm glad that you had all the docs on your side. I am very much looking forward to seeing you again at the Pork in the Pines 10th this year, along with your award winning CHILI! Take care of yourself and I'll see you then.
cowpuc Posted April 8, 2015 #9 Posted April 8, 2015 Prayers Up and Blessings Down Black Owl!! You have been and still are on our list!! Thank you for the update and Godspeed as you continue to gain strength, heal up and get a handle on all this stuff brother!! Puc
videoarizona Posted April 8, 2015 #10 Posted April 8, 2015 Thanks for the update! get well! Prayers Up!
Eck Posted April 8, 2015 #12 Posted April 8, 2015 Thanks for the update Owl. As with the others here, many were wondering how things were going. Good to know they have you on the upswing of a more stable life style as they figure out your meds and needs. Here's to wishing you the best......
friesman Posted April 8, 2015 #13 Posted April 8, 2015 WOW Owl! SO sorry to hear you have had such a rough run on health things lately, but happy that it looks like you've turned the corner and youre making progress. Keep us posted and let us know if you need anything. Brian
kevin-vic-b.c. Posted April 9, 2015 #14 Posted April 9, 2015 I have always said that hospitals are a great place... except all the sick people there. Will someone close by Owl please buy him a new, very good set, of jumper cables. Very happy to hear you are back on the correct road to recovery. Hope it all keeps going well. Listen to the Doctors and most importantly to the Wife.
Yammer Dan Posted April 9, 2015 #15 Posted April 9, 2015 HEY!! Watch where you are flinging them stones. Really glad you are doing better. Will continue to keep you in our prayers since I don't think you can fling them things very well from clear out there!!! I think I was just returning a few.
mrsteve Posted April 9, 2015 #16 Posted April 9, 2015 All I can think of is WOW! I thought seeing the concrete of interstate 15 up close and personal at 70 miles an hour was something but your story tops mine by a long shot. I recovered sooner than the doctors thought possible, I hope you do the same. Thank you for sharing your story.
Mikealiasmike Posted April 9, 2015 #17 Posted April 9, 2015 Alright you ol' coot. Time to knock this chit off. Get to feeling better will ya? Who else can I harass at PIP?
sarges46 Posted April 9, 2015 #18 Posted April 9, 2015 Well I guess we shouldn't have taken you to McDonald's for that burger eh! All that salt and other healthy ingredients probably didn't help any. We are thrilled you are home and sort of ok.
Carbon_One Posted April 9, 2015 #19 Posted April 9, 2015 Glad to hear you're feeling better. Enough of these ups & downs Mr. Owl. Time to stay on that upward & onward path. Prayers offered up for you to be able to stay on that path of recovery. God Bless Larry
Squidley Posted April 9, 2015 #20 Posted April 9, 2015 Russell, Very good to see you here posting, we were all very concerned with what was happening, albeit not knowing the severity. Your a tough old bird, and have danced with the devil many times. I'll send the good vibes to you and the family for having to put up with you, we love you brother, keep fighting the good fight.
Aussie Annie Posted April 10, 2015 #21 Posted April 10, 2015 Geez bloke..... been through the ringer !!!! Alan and I hope you are finally on the road to recovery and you will get some ride time in before too long. Sending our very best to you Russell.
syscrusher Posted April 10, 2015 #22 Posted April 10, 2015 I don't know you but you sent me one of those rubber straps that hold side covers on when i first came to the forums. I thought that was pretty cool so I hope you get past this wild ride you've been having and can manage to stay on firm ground. Take care, take it easy, hang around awhile.
oldgoat Posted April 10, 2015 #23 Posted April 10, 2015 dang it knock that stuff off. looks like we might have to haul you around on a trailer. instead of you hauling the bike on one LOL get better and heal up.
Snarley Bill Posted April 10, 2015 #24 Posted April 10, 2015 gee owl, you have had a rough ride. i'm hoping and praying you have a speedy recovery. bill
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