This Chapter of my Life

This chapter of my life started on the 25th of October, 2009, just two days short of my 48th birthday - what a surprise the way it has ended up!

The morning started out normal, filled with errands as many weekends are.  One last stop at the department store, with me running in to grab one item before heading home.  I remember feeling fine going through checkout and walking out towards the door. Just as I went through the door, I knew something was not right.   I fought to keep from going down and thought it fortunate the poles were relatively close outside the door, giving me something to lean on while I regained myself.  It was surreal feeling the way I could look across the drive and see Sharon in the car waiting for me, I just couldn't force myself to make my way to the car.  Fortunately there was a break in traffic and Sharon was able to make her way across the drive to where I was.

The drive home was uneventful, with the only real event I recall was rolling up the window at some point, the wave of warmth that had followed the 'attack' leaving me.  After pulling into the driveway, I don't even recall if I helped with carrying the packages in.  The first thing I remember is falling into the recliner to rest.  My time in the recliner was short lived before being over taken by a violent vomiting spell.  (The Exorcist had nothing on me from what I hear.)  And I made my way to the bathroom to lay near the toilet and attempt to have some control.  As it was the vomiting passed and I passed out on the bathroom floor (on the cool tile).  Sometime later in the day Sharon helped me to the bed, where I lay sleeping for four days.


Our original thought was that I had the Swine Flu after being exposed the previous week.  When finally I did awake, I attempted to make a simple breakfast of cinnamon rolls (from a can).  It was obvious while observing me try to accomplish this simple task that something was wrong.  My coordination was all off and I wasn't able to focus clearly or totally.

My thoughts were that maybe I was weak after being ill and in bed for so long.  Sharon on the other hand felt I needed to go to the emergency room.  By the time she arrived home that evening, I was in total agreement as I knew that I was not getting better.