Saturday, September 20, 2008

Catamenial pneumothorax

Catamenial Pnuemothorax Images - What does it look like?
The photograph below were taken during a patient thoracic surgeries. Treatment of catamenial pneumothorax often involves diaphragm repair to close up the holes, technically known as fenestrations. Fenestrations are sometimes referred to in literature as resembling "blue berry spots". Lori's pictures demonstrate that blue berry effect. Fenestrations are generally found on the central tendon region of the diaphragm as shown in the illustration.
Futher information can be acquired at http://www.catamenial-pneumothorax.com/id15.htm
My Story goes as....
The year: 1999
Age: 24
Am I forsaken?

“Ms. Richardson?”

My name being hailed pulled me from my quiet appraisal of the handsome soap opera star I was watching on the small television in the waiting room.

Standing I approached the X-ray technician and my heart plummeted. In his eyes was that of concern. I recognized the “look” as I often time gave them, when offering comfort to someone in pain.

“Hi. Ms. Richardson?” The technician queried.

I offered a weak nod. I was tired and just wanted to sleep for years. The technician concerned eyes hastily scanning my face should have been an indicator that something was amiss.

“Have you been in a car accident recently?” he softly questioned.

I was shocked by the question. “No. I have not.” I breathlessly replied. Not impart to fear, however. It was a strange occurrence; as of late, I had been experiencing chest pains and could hardly breathe. Talking had become a chore for me and I was exhausted all the time. All these symptoms prompted my emergency room interview with the hospital technician.

“Ms. Richardson you have a collapsed lung.”

Reeling from the announcement, I slumped against the wall in disbelief. I was certain I had misheard him.

“Your right lung is down 100% and it is covering your heart. You must be admitted.”

A bevy of nurses ushered me to a bed. I was given a hospital gown. I was given an IV and was placed on oxygen. All the while, I was in a state of shock and disbelief. I had never been hospitalized in my life. I had a collapsed lung! I was overwhelmed with myriad of questions. How did this happen? Am I going to die? What was the procedure to curing a collapse lung?

I was not in an accident. I do not spoke and I was not heavy into sports. These were all the entities associated with a collapse lung. I was diagnosed with a Spontaneous Pnuemothorax. This is when the lung collapses with no apparent reason. The treatment was a chest tube insertion. My hospital stay was seven days. I would like to say this is where my story ends. However, it was only the beginning. From 1999 to 2005, I’ve had a total of ten chest tubes and a major lung surgery.

My diagnoses changed spontaneous pnuemothorax to that of catamenial pneumothorax. This condition is difficult to diagnose as it is so rare here in America. What is catamenial pneumothorax? This is when a woman has her menstrual cycle and her lung collapses with in 42-72 hours. About 2%-5% of women suffer from this health issue. Here is when I had to step out on faith. My last recourse was that of a hysterectomy. I was single and had never had children. I felt alone and forsaken. Is it true that good guys finish last? I have no choice in the matter. Should I give up in the face of this great travesty?

The Year 2008
Age: 34
The Certain Ones: You’re not forsaken. You’re Chosen for Purpose.

At an early age I had made a vow to God to refrain from premarital sex until marriage. I journaled from age 16 until present day. I wrote of how I wanted to one day get married and have kids. So this setback threw me for a loop. Yes, I wanted to have children but I also wanted to be healthy. I was tired of the pain. It seemed I slept and awoke with pain. What was I to do?

Here is my testimony. I did have the hysterectomy. I suffered a loss and dealt with it. The road was not easy for me as I dealt with the issue of infertility. I realized I had a purpose. God’s purpose for me: To encourage women who are experiencing sicknesses and/or infertility. I was tried and emerged dignified. My lesson learned: Happiness is a choice that we make. I decided that I wanted to be happy; so I pursued it. My journey has not been an easy one but I made it. I have written a non-fiction book titled The Certain Ones. The certain ones will find the hidden doors leading to happiness and success. Although I may not be able to physically conceive a child it does not mean I can never be a mother. There are other options. God plans for me were different, yet wonderfully perfect. God knows my name and He knows yours, too!
Blessings,
Vanessa

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Look Again.




Hurt and rejections can cause a person to think and see situations differently. This is certainly understandable. It becomes an issue when the rejections and hurt handicap you from believing in your goals and aspiration. It takes a certain kind of faith to rise above hurtful situations. In my book The Certain Ones I state that the certain ones will find the hidden path (when it looks like there are no answers) leading to success and happiness.
It is well know amongst my family that I absolutely love brain teasers and optical illusions images.

Take a look at the picture above. At a glance we see a couple embracing each other. The earth’s elements are at peace with each other. The couple is in a delicate situation as they have a want...or need depending on how you see it. They are longing for a child together. We do not exactly know of the couple’s situation. Maybe she has suffered several miscarriages and is afraid to try again, or maybe due to health reason she can not physically have a baby. Do they give up? No of course not. There will come a time in our lives that we will face difficult times. Do not focus on the bad yet try to see the good. Although this is difficult it is possible to do.

Let us look again at the situation. Look closer. Closer, closer....can you see the baby hidden in the background? There hidden in the branches and the tree’s is what they are longing for. A baby. Could it be that the couple is there because they've just received news that they are going to parents for the first time? Or perhaps they have just received news that the adoption process is final and they can finally take their child home tomorrow. You, see not every dark cloud means that it is going to rain…it just looks like it. You can be happy it is your choice and I do pray that you choose wisely. Life is a wonderful gift from God...enjoy it. Go ahead and look again.


Happy readings,
Vanessa