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Highly Sensitive People: My Wife Had Emergency Brain Surgery!

Since I haven’t been posting as much as I normally do, I wanted to let everyone know what has been going on. This past week has been a traumatic time for me and my family! My highly sensitive nerves have been worn to the quick. I have experienced a wide array of emotions, ranging from fear to overwhelm to anger to gratitude!

My wife hasn’t been feeling right for at least the past six months. She’s been forgetful and has had more physical challenges than usual. Two months ago, she fell in the bathroom and hit her head on the floor. I wanted to take her to the emergency room, but she said she felt fine. She had some minor bruising, but we didn’t think it was anything serious.

My wife went for a regular doctor’s visit on Tuesday, July 21st, and everything seemed fine. On Thursday, I noticed some subtle changes with her walking but didn’t think anything of it. On Sunday, things got worse, and I insisted on taking her to the hospital emergency room. My highly sensitive intuition was kicking in, and I knew something wasn’t right!

At the emergency room, they took her right away to have a cat scan. We were shocked when the results came back indicating that she had internal bleeding on both sides of her brain! My wife had emergency brain surgery on Monday, July 27th,  to drain the blood out. My daughter and I kept vigil at the hospital for 13 hours before we knew what the outcome would be. We were (and still are) mentally and physically exhausted!

As it turned out, the doctors think that the fall my wife had 2 months ago caused her brain trauma. I’m still not sure if and how this relates to her other issues. She does have arthritic problems and needs knee surgery.

Before the surgery, the doctor told me that she would be in the intensive care unit for 2 to 3 days. However, shortly after the procedure, the surgeon said that my wife’s vital signs were fine, and she was doing better than expected. My daughter and I were able to speak to my wife. It was clear that she had been through a lot, but she was able to move her arms and legs, which was definitely a good sign!

Thankfully, I was able to take my wife home on Thursday, July 30th. Our daughter has been staying with us and is a big help and comfort. She’s going to do all the grocery shopping. She said she doesn’t want us to go out because of the virus, which is spiking in our area. Also, my daughter and I both feel that my wife shouldn’t be left by herself. She has a walker from the hospital but is a bit unsteady on her feet. I will be taking my wife to the surgeon’s office on Wednesday to have her stitches and staples out. A physical therapist will be coming to our house.

It was upsetting enough to go through this experience, but I couldn’t believe the many miscommunications that went on in the hospital. It was hard to get a clear picture of what was going on. I was furious and upset! However, I’ve chosen to focus on the gratitude that I feel that my wife is doing well, and I hope she will continue to do so. The picture above that was taken a year ago is very comforting to me that things will be fine. Have you ever been torn between anger and gratitude? I’m interested in any thoughts or comments that you have.

If you’re so inclined, please keep our family in your thoughts as we continue to deal with this medical crisis. I would appreciate that very much! Feel free to add your comments to this post. I do respond to comments.

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This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. Patricia Mairet

    Oh my goodness Cliff…you sure have been through a lot. Sounds like it was a very trying situation. i hope you can rest now and can take the time you need to recover. All the best to you and your wife…

    1. Cliff Harwin

      Hi Patricia,

      It has and remains to be a trying situation! So many things to deal with!

      I appreciate your support!

  2. CNJ

    I’m so sorry you and your family been through so much this summer…what a horrifying, traumatic nightmare.

    I’m relieved that your wife is home…hospitals can be terrifying places.

    I’m glad you can have a therapist come to your house.

    I hope all of you can recover. Do you have friends and counselors you can connect with in-person that can offer ongoing social and emotional support? I hope you do.

    You and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time.

    1. Cliff Harwin

      Hi CNJ,

      This year has been a traumatic nightmare for all of us!!

      I’m thankful that my wife is making progress. It’s extremely difficult to deal with the healthcare system.

      Thank you for your suggestion about seeking other outside help, both emotional and physical.

      My family and I really appreciate your support!

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