Due to so many people sharing their stories and looking for community, I have launched the LTM Network on facebook! If you would like to connect with other people looking for encouragement/support or just want to share your story: facebook.com/groups/ltmnetwork/
@@littletraumamama I am sorry but I cannot get over this overwhelming feeling that I know your husband. Idk why, it's his voice. I know it, the tone, the pitch, the accent. I know him. I'm from Kentucky and I know I don't physically know him but from somewhere I do. I have heard him before.
As a former neuro ICU nurse, the FIRST thing I thought of when you had a severe headache and vomiting is increased intracranial pressure. I’m surprised it took them so long to figure it out.
I can't imagine why they didn't check for brain swelling before you lost your ability to breathe. Thank God for your husband knowing what was going on.
It’s difficult sometimes to be that person, but your gut kicks in and you do what you know out of concern and love, damned the consequences, to protect the person you’re caring for. Hopefully you don’t have too much confrontation with the medical staff. You become a protective sheepdog.
You were so brave and determined. Can't imagine what you went through. You had an angels on you every step of the way. Your husband is a dodsend. Please take care of yourself, you look amazing
I'm glad you left in the part about the vomit, it's important everyone knows even the worst details about stuff like this so they can be prepared if they're in your situation :)
I suggest reporting the anesthesia incident to the hospital even now. They can go back and review records. No one should be given a paralytic without pain meds or sedation. Ever. Your story is amazing. Keep going.❤
I wouldn't be surprised if your husband has PTSD from this. I can't imagine how it felt to see the warning signs of a neurological issue, and then to be ignored like that. Thankyou for sharing your story.
I know 😥. It’s definitely hard for him to talk about and something I wish he’d of never had to see. I give him lots of love and affection, though to make up for it as best I can!
❤ thank you for sharing your story! I think what your husband said about lifting you up to avoid getting vomit inside the halo is very touching, it seems like he really wanted to help you stay dignified and keep your pride and cleanliness. Glad you didn’t cut out him talking about that part. He took care of you in such a compassionate and committed way. You can tell he really loves you.
I'm not entirely sure that vomiting down into the halo vest is the worst part. Sure it smells, but not the worst. With my understanding about halos- a person can't bend their head forward and typically can't move their body forward so that the upcoming vomit can clear their mouth and worse-> the airway. This essentially means that vomit would get down the airway and cause either aspiration pneumonia or the person drowns from the vomit in the lungs. So with her husband "throwing" her forward when she vomited allowed the vomit to clear her mouth and not go down the airway.
This portion of your story has so many instances of "If doctors listened to women!" From your headache being downplayed (after a serious TBI, I mean really) to the nurse in your OR acknowledging your attempt at communicating, a lot of this heartache could have been spared. Thank you for telling your story
I apologize for this video’s abrupt ending - my camera overheated and shut off, but the story had already been told so I’ve posted it as is. Thanks for watching!
@@littletraumamama just about every single video I watch does that, I don’t know if it’s even something you can control. Btw, I’ve left a couple of other comments but I just want to give a shout out to your amazing husband, he was a rockstar through this and I know you know that. I am sure he is part of the reason your story is such a success story.
As a Neuro nurse for over 20 years , many of the things you went through are common~ especially not being yourself to the staff and not saying things that made sense. We take them with a grain of salt and don’t take them personal. You have no reason to apologize, nurses understand brain trauma changes personalities while being hospitalized. So happy you pulled through this and thank you for sharing your story. 😊. PS you have such beautiful skin and a wonderful smile.
You're a walking, talking miracle. I've been an EMT for 26 years, with 22 of those years as a paramedic. When you and your husband started describing the gradual worsening of the headache, along with the nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, I immediately thought CSF. My first thought was that you had a CSF leak, which could also cause these symptoms. It is amazing that your spinal cord held on and created essentially a Chiari. I am so sorry that you have been through this. You have a very supportive group surrounding you. I'm so glad your husband was there to step in on your behalf. I wish you the best with your continued recovery.
Very glad to hear EMT's are so familiar with CM, and I hope Syringomyelia, too. We often have a range of issues that can complicate immediate treatment, and a surprising number of medical personnel are uninformed! THANK YOU for helping us all at our most vulnerable! ❤️🙏💞
While you were talking about being aware during your surgery I could hear the breathing changes in your husband and understand very clearly how much it distresses him that you had to go through this. You also have my sympathy! I have had many difficult, painful and distressing experiences in hospitals over my life time being in and out of hospitals so much! I have had many interactions with doctors and nurses that were very stressful and have stayed with me. I swear that anybody who has spent long amounts time in hospitals and clinics etc has a level of trauma. It almost feels like everybody who leaves hospital after an inpatient should be offered some level of therapy to deal with what has happened to them whether it be a short-term problem, an injury or a long term condition. It is a shame that mental healthcare is not prioritised alongside the physical I think it would help a lot of people from developing PTSD or depression etc. I think this is an issue that’s become my pet project in a way to try and raise awareness of the need for availability and affordability of mental health care alongside the medical doctors.
Sounds to me like far too many people have these stories but never any accountability or hospitals addressing the matter, naturally. Beyond frightening to think might ever happen to me or anyone ever.
It’s me. Hi! I’m the problem. It’s me, guh!🙋🏻♀️ I am literally laughing out loud and talking to y’all telling these stories like you can even hear me!🤭 I remember texting sweet Lee and Brittany that day! Gah it was all I could do to not come to work to just stand there with my arms crossed making sure everyone was running around knees-to-chest working on you! (Which would seem so out of character for me!) I love y’all so much and love being a tiny part of this amazing journey you’ve ever so violently crashed into!❤️
I would like to request a video regarding all your injuries. Also, maybe one with Stacy as to her POV. She has probably seen a lot that would shock most of us. I AM LOVING “Storytime”! ❤
TH-cam's algorithm had suggested part 1 to me. I've been patiently waiting for this part. You are so strong to have gone through all of the trauma that you have and be as positive as you are. Your husband is so amazing with his recall, love and support. I obviously don't know you, but I thank God that you're still alive!
You are one tough cookie. I can sense your husband’s anguish knowing that your vomiting probably meant increased icp & trying to get someone to call a neurosurgeon. They should’ve listened. You both are amazing, resilient people. Thank you for sharing your journey.
During my last surgery I woke up, not fully, but enough to be aware of what was happening and being in so much pain. I couldn’t talk, but I was able to cry. Instead of pushing more meds, the anesthesiologist held my hand and said they were almost done. I’m having another surgery in a couple weeks, and I am freaking out a bit.
That is honestly my worst nightmare after dying on the table. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Good luck during your next surgery. Big virtual hugs ❤️
What!? Oh my gosh I’m so sorry that happened to you. That anesthesiologist should be reprimanded somehow but it seems like hospitals are only concerned with making $.
I just wanted to hug your husband, when he was telling the story with teary eyes. Suffering emotionally from being unable to help you. What a guy! ♡ Your story and how you both told it was so fascinating. I'm glad I came across your channel by chance. Hope your life will be a smooth sailing from now on x
I had extensive open heart surgery when I was 24, and when I regained consciousness after everything was done, I was still affected by the paralytic medication for over an hour. Obviously not even close to as terrifying as it happening during surgery, but even just that experience of hearing my family around me and the nurses talk about giving me pain meds when I woke up, and being on the ventilator and poked and prodded while I was shouting in my head that I was awake and I very much wanted that medication, was so traumatic that it’s now one of my biggest fears to be stuck like that. I know it’s just a small taste of your experience, but I think I can understand your feelings in the moment, and the strength you have to get through it all is incredible.
That would have been terrifying for you. I had this happen to me,just after an operation. I still to this day wonder if I was just dreaming. Just thinking about it,gives me chills. I hope you are well now 💕
I rarely finish a whole video on TH-cam without fast-forwarding. But your story and your presence is just so real, kind, honest and inspiring. I am a Registered Nurse and worked many years in a neuro ICU. Lots of halos and EVD's in that unit. It is just such a bizarre and kind of barbaric treatment although necessary of course! I will say, providers in a neuro ICU should never dismiss complaints of headache and nausea and your story is exactly why. The love between you both is palpable. Trauma can create problems in a less than stable marriage-you 2 exemplify "in sickness and in health." I am excited to witness your physical and emotional healing journey. Subscribed!
I’ve gone through a similar experience having a tubal ligation. Though I had an out of body experience. I had died in my operation I was above my body I saw the Dr paddle me I could hear and see everything and saw they couldn’t find the needle with ephedrine near by, I literally fought myself to find it on a table on the opposite side of the theatre, it was behind a Kleenex box on a table. Surgery was stopped and they woke me up, they kept laying me down and each time my blood pressure would go to 20, I had to fight to tell them to sit me up that they were killing me. After I came to properly surgeons told me I created a lot of chaos in that surgery room, I told them everything that happened in surgery they tried to send me home and i made them keep me in. Turns out I died for 5 minutes I remember my body rising and everything felt beautiful light and very white but all I could think of was I had to stay alive for my kids. I fought for my own life. Your story makes me remember how I felt thinking I was going to die because they didn’t do their job correctly and I remember how hard it was to communicate and get them to sit me up… I screamed the words sit me up I’m gonna die with the loudest I’ve ever spoken . Every surgery I’ve had after that I tell them about this and tell them to be prepared and keep me alive. You’re so brave I understand the fear surgeries must have on you thank you so much for sharing your story
@@littletraumamama it very much was, yet dying felt magical but I knew I needed to stay here for my kids so fighting for my life was the only option. I had to have another surgery to have my tubes tied the next week cause my ex would not have a vasectomy and I had spinal issues meaning I couldn’t get pregnant again and I died for three minutes lucky I didn’t have another out of body experience and spine surgeries later on didn’t do the same thing. Doctors called this episode vaso vagal a kind of fainting episode in surgery due to an overactive uterus. Ladies be careful when opting for this type of surgery. All I can say is death seemed like a beautiful experience but at the same time I didn’t want to die. I am inspired by what happened to you, that sounds terrifying to me. My ex brother in law had a brain injury from being ejected from a height speed crash your experience sounds very similar. I’m so amazed at what the body and mind can do and I’m so glad you live to speak your experience I really hope that you have a loving caring supportive unit of people working with you and that you don’t live with pain and can enjoy and overcome whatever issues you’ve been left with. You are an inspiration to us all xxxx
Goddamn. I can semi relate. I had collapsed lungs and laying down literally suffocated me. I had to fight to be upright til they realized I only had a third of a lung left after over a mm month of sepsis eating at my hip and heart and lungs. Fucked me up trying to sleep and not being able to breathe and having to sit in a certain way just to get to 70% oxygen. It was fucking hell and a half
I'm sorry you and your family had to go through this. It just shows how resilient the body can be. I was a Paramedic for 35 years. Listening to your husband describe the events, I could feel the frustration, concern, helplessness etc. Brother, I'm glad the medic in kicked in to take charge when things went south with the O2 sats. Peace and prayers.
I was awake but paralyzed during an emergency c section....felt everything...they gave me the paralytic but not the night night drugs fast enough and it was the most terrifying thing....I've had several surgeries since and they have all gone smoothly but it's in my mind every single time so I cannot imagine what you went through....my heart goes out to you ❤️
I was just wondering if your dad could do an interview to tell us his perspective of the day of the accident? Thank you for sharing. My dad was in a very similar accident. I feel for you and your family. Your doing amazing! My dad still doesn't know who I am and it has been 10 years
I can feel the anger in his voice about thr whole situation. He handled that way better than I think I would have. Good on him for keeping his cool and staying level headed enough to take control and get you the help you needed. ❤
Oh my god, thank you and your husband for being here and talking about this. This story is just incredibly tragic, but all of you involved in this story are just a pile of gold. I'm glad you're alive, thank you so much
You’re not alone in being awake under general anesthesia. I woke up during my tonsillectomy when I was 17. Oh my word it was the most horrifying thing. I could hear everything, smelled the burning flesh, at the same time I experienced the searing pain from the tonsil being removed. It was horrific. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be awake during brain surgery. Oh my God. I’d probably will my death then and there as well. I’m so sorry. ❤ You’re not alone. Your husband is a saint. What an amazing couple!
My niece has had 2 brain surgeries to remove cancerous tumors and was awake for both of them. Due to where they were doing the surgery they had to have her awake so they could continue to communicate with her. My brother also had a growth removed from his chest while awake. You have to be brave to face that.
I can’t begin to say I can fathom what y’all have and are going through. I can say that with four different loved ones in my life I’ve experienced brain related issues. Until I did, I had zero understanding of the mysteries of the human brain. It’s just not something that you can read or see on tv. Your story is beyond miraculous and I wish continued healing and a wonderful life.
re: the surgery and waking up... I have a friend who has had 2 caesarian births, and both times she felt it all, and the surgical staff didn't believe her on either occasion. I always found that a terrifying story, and at least she was awake and lucid, and trying to make them understand. Being paralysed and semi-conscious, I cannot even imagine what you went through to wiggle that finger and then face the disappointment of them ignoring it. Much love to you, you seem like lovely people. x
I appreciate the fact that you both share such raw stories...your camera shutting off and all. I am so glad he advocated for you. Don't change, you are inspirational. Blessings.
Your story is incredible. Thank you for sharing it with all of us! Also, how amazing it is to be totally and completely loved. Your husband is awesome and you both are so strong!
I’m hoping for part 3 because I feel like there’s more to the story. When did you get out of the hospital? How about rehab? When did the halo come off? How was it determined it could come off? How long did it take for you to fully recover?
You would think the staff would have provided you with a plastic apron if you were repeatedly vomiting. Such a traumatic time for everyone, and to not even attempt to prevent the vomit from getting under the equipment is just absurd to me. The smell would make you nauseous.
Oh Sweet Babygirl! This is horrible! I too, have woke up during surgery 2 times! It was SO HORRIBLY PAINFUL! In fact.... so scary I've needed surgery for the last 8 years and still refuse to do it! One of the worst parts of it is remember people laughing in the OR after my Dr saying "SHE'S AWAKE. NO WORRIES, WE'LL JUST GIVE HER EXTRA VERSED SO SHE WON'T REMEMBER"!! As I'm laying on the table wide awake literally balling like a baby in pain so hard I literally had snot running out my nose!!! I HATED MY DR from that moment on! It wasn't because it happened. It was because the way it was handled by my surgeon. I've had SO MANY surgical screw ups done to me in my adult years. Im lucky to be alive! You're DEFINITELY A TROOPER!! You're basically my idol after hearing your story and all you've been thru!
It's part of crisis response for survivors to help them process trauma (skillfully) as soon after the event as possible for most rapid resolution and healing. Your body and mind knew what you needed, and I'm so sorry you couldn't help yourself better at the time. My recovery experience has had aspects of that and it is something I still work on today. I have enormous respect and gratitude for both your transparency and details!!! Bless you in your continued healing. ❤️🙏💞🌈
Holy shit.. After all you went through you ALSO had anesthesia awareness?? I cannot imagine. I’ve heard a few horror stories from other people & it’s one of my biggest fears. You’re so strong. ❤
I guess that’s what it was? I’m not really sure since I went into respiratory arrest and then a temporary coma. I just know I woke up in an OR with people trying to save my life. I’ll probably never really know the exact details.
@@littletraumamama I’m thinking that’s what happened. If you search “anesthesia awareness” you’ll see videos of other people talking about their experiences & it’s exactly what you described; being aware of what’s going on, feeling everything but not being able to move. It’s so scary. I think it’s caused by not having enough anesthesia, but having enough of the paralyzing medication.. I could be slightly wrong about that, but I know forrsure people call it “anesthesia awareness”. I’m so sorry you went through all of that but so glad you’re okay & that you have an amazing support system.❤️🩹
I just finished watching Part One and started Part Two when I heard you talk about your Anesthesia Awareness. It's absolutely horrific. I experienced it as a kid in the early 80s during a routine tonsillectomy. I heard the instruments and the doctors, and I could feel all the pain of the surgery itself. I always make sure I speak to the anaesthesiologist before any surgeries today to make sure they put me "way under." I'm so sorry you experienced anesthesia awareness on top of everything else. It caused me years of trauma. I'm glad you don't think about it often. ❤
I just started following your journey and getting caught up on your videos and what an journey it is! I worked as an OR nurse for the majority of my RN career. The story you share on this video is exactly why the anesthesia department is every bit as important as your surgeon! Unfortunately, your tragic intraoperative event is one I’ve heard before. 😢 Thank you for sharing your story. ❤
Once when I was put under anesthesia the paralyzing agent started working way earlier than the one that makes you lose consciousness so I was completely paralyzed, couldn’t move a finger, couldn’t talk but I was hearing everything the nurses and doctors said and they were talking about starting to give me the ECT treatment which would mean an electric shock to my brain. To this day I have no idea if I fell asleep or if I just lost consciousness due to the electric shock being given but that was the most scariest experience of my entire life and I’ve been through a lot really. It is now one of my worst fears to experience anesthesia awareness. And in addition you were in pain, that must’ve been so horrible, I can only imagine. I’m glad you survived and I’ll be following your story, just got this in my recommended.
This would’ve been an absolutely horrific experience for any loved one to witness, but I imagine even more so for someone in the medical field who knows all too well what exactly is happening.
Man I'm never the person to comment on videos. I know that y'all probably won't see this but this is incredibly hard to watch but healing at the same time. I survived a 50mph motorcycle crash in 2019. Spent 6 weeks in the hospital just 6 days in ICU and had a tube down my throat. I'll never be the same person again can't do the things I used to do. I'm financially ruined and can barely make it through the work week because I'm in constant pain I am slowly watching your videos so I guess its just a really long thank you for putting them out it makes me realize that im not the only one!
Okay, so I had to read the vlog as well. But LISTENING to you and your husband tell the story, for me, is so powerful. I think i said it last video, but thank you. Thank for you sharing your vulnerability and courage and strength with us. My husband was an EMT when he was firefighting and he was blown away by your story (he's a man of few words). I'm off to explore more of the vlog! 💕
This is one of the most heart-wrenching real life experiences that I have ever heard. A true miracle of survival. The love between you both is so beautiful. Please, give us a part 3 and more. Honestly, beyond TH-cam, your story would make a wonderful book on survival and strength of family. God bless you both and thank you for sharing your story.❤
My exhusband ran under a semi truck in 1987 and survived with major head, neck and face injuries. I went off his doctors in the hospital for prescribing more pain meds instead of finding the problem, had I not he would have died. Thank God your husband was there! Never be afraid to challenge a doctor if you feel something is not right!
My Mom had spinal surgery and was awake for part of the surgery, but also paralyzed and unable to speak or let them know she was in pain. So horrific. When I had surgery, I told my surgeon about that. He said yes, it happens, but my anesthesiologist watched to make sure it didn’t happen to me. I can’t imagine. So grateful for the way God has worked in your life. He obviously has plans for you. You’re not finished yet! ❤🙏🏻 Jane
I did not expect for part 2 but you guys are GREAT storytellers! Do you learn something new every time y’all have a conversation about it? I can’t even imagine how terrifying it would be! I am so in love with your husband but in the most innocent way! You guys are precious! ❤❤❤
I have so much respect for your husband, the calmest person in the room!! It is quite a Blessing to have someone who has great self control in the most difficult moments God Bless you both
I’m only at the part of the headache/vomiting but I already would like to say Thank you…for leaving in the “ugly” details bc they are truths. Hearing ugly truths and hard realities helps people assess things properly. You are a strong woman! You made it through something none of us can imagine. And to your husband- Thank You for being the man she needed you to be, and for being the husband who stayed. You stayed through the worst of times, you’ve loved her when she needed it most…and now you both can smile through better times. 🙏🏻💜
I can definitely understand the moment you began kicking your feet with frustration over what was happening! To hear the drill making a hole in your skull so the drain can be used would be scary! I'm glad you were able to survive all the things that happened to you! Everyone watching is learning about AOD and what you faced in your ordeal. Thank you for making these videos!
Ohmigosh hearing you talk about your experience knowing what was going on when you were supposed to be anesthetized, i immediately went back to when that happened to me when i had an ovary removed. I woke up during surgery and could see shadows of the people working on me, hearing them talking, and pulling the small incision in my abdomen right and left looking for the ovary. It was excruciating. I couldn't move or scream. Then i passed out. Scariest thing i have ever been through so i know how you felt but definitely not as severe as what you were going through. I'm so very sorry and thank God for the miraculous recovery you made. 🤗❤️🙏🏼
Omg 😮 I was so happy to see this pop up. Part 1 was something I’ve been thinking about ever since I saw it about a week ago. This is by far THE most horrible story of sudden trauma I have ever heard. And might I add… you and your husband are such a strong and loving couple! ❤️ ok.. back to the story. 😳
That's horrifying to feel them drilling into your skull and not knowing what was happening or why or if you would be okay! Trepanation like that can be done without general anaesthesia when continued consciousness/communication is important for guiding the procedure - but that's done with the patient's understanding and consent about the surgery! And even then it's terrifying. To not know... I can't even imagine. Kudos to you for getting through that, even if you tried not to in the moment!
True love is being able to know when it's time to grab the hardware and fling her up BEFORE it happens lol. Best friends is being able to look at each other and chuckle about it later. I don't know if it's your intention but you are demonstrating what a great partnership looks like. Sudden, catastrophic things can happen to anyone at any time and even if it's not as severe, it's daunting to suddenly have people asking you "should we take extraordinary measures?" It's helpful to see that you can come through it and it's going to be okay. You are really inspiring 🙏🏻♥️✌🏻
You sharing this very personal story is so brave and real in my opinion. There’s no telling how many people see these videos and it touches their hearts like it did mine! I’m wishing you all the best and thank you again for opening your heart and sharing this.❤
Unfortunately during a surgery that my mom was having, she was awake, but paralyzed, and she was blinking and a nurse noticed, but they just ignored it. She said it was the most intense pain ever. I am so sorry that happened to you too!
Flaming Nora - I’m listening to this and got to the bit where you stopped breathing. I can’t believe things like this happen in a critical care environment in the states - please tel me these medical professionals aren’t still working!
Sweetheart, I'm on part 2 and have been viewing TH-cam for many years. You will never never be able to get away from those mean trolls. Because that's what I call these people. You never need to explain your feelings..... to those kind of people because no matter how hard to try is not going to change then. Sending hugs and prayers 🤗
God bless you both! As soon as you mentioned the building headache, I as a non-medically trained person, thought swelling in the cranium, I can’t understand why they thought headache and vomiting was from the halo. Just goes to show how easy it is to rationalize or get tunnel-vision, thank God your wonderful husband was there. Every time I hear about people being awake during surgery and being unable to communicate that, I just shudder, it happens more than we think! You are a true miracle!💕🙏🏼🇨🇦
Hearing your story gives me hope. I have severe health anxiety. I won’t even go to the doctor when I know something is wrong because I’m scared to death that I’ll hear that I have cancer, or some other diagnosis and it’s terminal. I really appreciate you and your husband telling your story as it has given me a glimmer of peace. I wish I had the strength to trust the doctors that I would have to see, and maybe one day that will be possible.
I’m so glad you made it. Your story is amazing and terrifying to hear. You’re a miracle, and I hope the rest of your life is far less eventful than your trauma. You’re amazing at conveying your story and I’m glad I got to hear it 💕
As a former paramedic & a current nurse, I feel for your husband, and have been in similar situations while riding shotgun with loved ones in hospital. Respect to him, for his control and diplomacy in a traumatic and emotional situation where his training & experience with regard to deteriorating patients proved superior to that of nursing staff. I have seen it more times than I care to recall. There are good & poor clinicians in all specialties, and hospital staff should never underestimate the input & observations of experienced paramedics & EMTs. Live well both of you. ❤
Wow you have touched me in more ways than one. You see my first husband was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2006 I remarried in 2009 and in August of 2023 my husband had a horrific truck accident he broke his neck C4-C6 and he now has plates screws and can no longer work or help on the farm. The Good Lord is not done with you yet girl!!
Wow! You’re a very tough lady. And the relationship between you and your husband seems so easy and close. You’re lucky to have such a supportive family.
You are a walking miracle meant to tell others your experience and you and your husband are helping more people than you both will ever know. My heart breaks that you suffered like that and I'm so thankful you decided to tell your stories so others can see they are not alone. The love between the two of you is amazing. Thank you for sharing this and the others as well. Gives me hope that my husband and I will get through our car crash injuries as well and maybe someday we can tell our story as well. God bless you.
I have SOOO much respect for the two of you. You for having the courage to relive this ordeal in order to share/help others. Often it is the little details that make you stop and need to recompose yourself that are hard to relate to others. And your husband, God knew what you were going to endure so he put that wonderful person there for you. I truly believe that the love ones have it harder because they want to take it all away and make things right but have to just watch helplessly their loved one suffer. Thank God he has the medical knowledge he has. When I was put in my halo I also had the feeding tube like you. The night before the the main surgery a nurse was “feeding” me but was not doing it the way all the others had. I tried to explain but was dismissed. The next morning my neurosurgeon was livid because the wool lining of my halo now was saturated with the contents of my stomach. The surgery was delayed over an hour in order for the company that supplied the halo to come to the hospital and redo the whole lining. I am grateful to hear your story having lived in a halo myself.
I completely understand! I woke up in the middle of a surgery too. Completely awake but paralyzed and in terrible pain! I was able to cry and one of the nurses noticed I was crying and told a doctor, and fortunately put me out again. It was horrible! I’m so sorry you experienced that ! 😢
Thank you for sharing your story with the world. I read your blog and am amazed and in awe of your journey. I work in a veterinary ICU and although animals are not people, I hope I can provide my patients better care with the information and experiences you have shared. Please know you are making a difference in the world by sharing your story
I love in Saks and I never heard about your accident. I just want to say you are a beast!!!!! Your story is an inspiration!!! And your husband is so loving and loyal just by how he looks at you! I know you know how lucky you are!!! God bless you and continued prayers for you!!!!
My wife has instructions from me (respiratory therapist) that if I end up in the trauma unit the trauma docs are to stabilize me and then get the hell away and let each specialist manage my care. I’ve watched them screw so much up because they won’t give up control. The only physicians that won’t stay in their lane. I’m glad you’re able to share your story with us.
Thank you for so candidly sharing your story in detail! I almost died last summer. I lost most of 2 months of my memory and my life. I contracted both viral and bacterial pneumonia (not Covid) twice, in a 6 week period. I don't even remember being rushed to the ER by ambulance. I was put in a regular room, then had to be rushed to the ICU, in a TV type fashion. I spent a month in ICU, intubated. The day I was to have a trach, I woke up. Unfortunately, my kidneys failed, and I have been on dialysis ever since. I spent 3 months in the hospital and a month in physical rehab. May God bless you both! 💜
So happy you had your husband with you he was your spokesman when you really needed a person who has medical experience, your a beautiful couple, thank you for sharing your personal journey. ❤
Unfortunately, I 've read people talking about experiences like that in the O .R. I can't imagine. I pray there will be advances, and no one will ever have to experience that sort of thing again! So sorry you went through all that ❤️
Hi Christy, I had read your blog after watching some of your videos. This event really hurts my heart for you. I hope each day you find something wonderful in it 💮
I really like you and your husbands communication 🙂 letting each other speak and not interrupting or talking over each other, just really listening to one another, it's very respectful. Just a observation/ side note you seem like you have a great relationship!
You are not alone when it comes to being awake while they all think you are not, it’s terrifying. I couldn’t even move a finger. Had to endure a C section until I had enough ability to SCREAM!
You are both so strong and obviously have a lot of love for each other. Thank God for your husband being there and knowing what was going on ❤ bless you both
Hearing this raw story alongside seeing the messages you wrote while having difficulty communicating makes me so emotional. I appreciate you sharing so much about what you went through. Your husband reminds me of my dad because my sister and mom have been through similar (to some degree) health emergencies. Thankfully everyone has pulled through this far. The strength it must take to recover from medical trauma like you've been through is unimaginable. I'm so glad you and your husband are here to share your story. Every day is such a gift from God; listening to both of you talk puts things into perspective for not only me but I'm sure so many other people watching your videos.
Thank you so much for posting your story. I have a friend that woke up during surgery. That had to be so horrible. I am so thankful that you are here and able to tell your story. Thank you Lord for blessing this family so much.
My God! So sorry for that horrible experience. Makes me so mad. As if things weren't bad enough. I can't imagine. I admire your strength, truly. Remarkable story. Glad you're here with us..... seeing the crazy world go out of control 😜
I am so so sorry what your & your husband have gone through.. This saddens me what happened in the hospital for you both..I get you i work with severely disabled children that can not say how they are feeling or in pain.. ❤ Take care
Hello from Australia. Thank you for sharing your (harrowing) story and I'm SO glad you're recovering well. I suppose you often wonder how on earth you survived such an almost unsurvivable accident with all its complications. Obviously I don't have the answer but clearly you are the type of personality to be able to handle it relatively well considering, and your paramedic husband as well, and perhaps the surgeons and all medical staff involved have learnt a great deal from all of this which will someday help others that have similar things happen to them. God bless you.
Nothing worse than having your loved one in the hospital when your in the field. Trying to make sure they are well taken care of without angering the nursing staff. Great job, sounds like you bit your tongue until you had no choice. I don't know if I would have been able to control myself that well. God Bless you both, you are a true miracle.
Holy moly I paused the video and read all of your injuries. You definitely had a guardian angel watching over you that day and the days after during your healing process.
Due to so many people sharing their stories and looking for community, I have launched the LTM Network on facebook! If you would like to connect with other people looking for encouragement/support or just want to share your story: facebook.com/groups/ltmnetwork/
@@littletraumamama I am sorry but I cannot get over this overwhelming feeling that I know your husband. Idk why, it's his voice. I know it, the tone, the pitch, the accent. I know him.
I'm from Kentucky and I know I don't physically know him but from somewhere I do. I have heard him before.
@@littletraumamama confused what u mean by internal decapitation? How could you live if everything was cut apart
As a former neuro ICU nurse, the FIRST thing I thought of when you had a severe headache and vomiting is increased intracranial pressure. I’m surprised it took them so long to figure it out.
I can't imagine why they didn't check for brain swelling before you lost your ability to breathe. Thank God for your husband knowing what was going on.
I came here expecting a survival story and found a love story too. Both of you are amazing! Thank you for sharing.
That's so sweet! Thank you!
I am so happy that your husband is in the medical field because he knew to take charge in that moment.
It’s difficult sometimes to be that person, but your gut kicks in and you do what you know out of concern and love, damned the consequences, to protect the person you’re caring for. Hopefully you don’t have too much confrontation with the medical staff. You become a protective sheepdog.
You were so brave and determined. Can't imagine what you went through. You had an angels on you every step of the way. Your husband is a dodsend. Please take care of yourself, you look amazing
You can see the love this man had for you!
simple kind correction, not being mean in any sense but correction to has from had. past tense to present tense ♥
has
Both ways, it's lovely!
I'm glad you left in the part about the vomit, it's important everyone knows even the worst details about stuff like this so they can be prepared if they're in your situation :)
Plus, it was part of what y'all went through. I'm glad you're telling us the whole story, not excerpts.
Agreed, the families get baptized into the worst of it, too!
I agree! Glad you left that part in! It makes total sense why your husband grabbed the halo!
I suggest reporting the anesthesia incident to the hospital even now. They can go back and review records. No one should be given a paralytic without pain meds or sedation. Ever. Your story is amazing. Keep going.❤
I wouldn't be surprised if your husband has PTSD from this. I can't imagine how it felt to see the warning signs of a neurological issue, and then to be ignored like that. Thankyou for sharing your story.
I know 😥. It’s definitely hard for him to talk about and something I wish he’d of never had to see. I give him lots of love and affection, though to make up for it as best I can!
❤ thank you for sharing your story! I think what your husband said about lifting you up to avoid getting vomit inside the halo is very touching, it seems like he really wanted to help you stay dignified and keep your pride and cleanliness. Glad you didn’t cut out him talking about that part. He took care of you in such a compassionate and committed way. You can tell he really loves you.
He was very diligent about that!
Icu RN here... puke- everyone's worst enemy..🤭
I'm not entirely sure that vomiting down into the halo vest is the worst part. Sure it smells, but not the worst. With my understanding about halos- a person can't bend their head forward and typically can't move their body forward so that the upcoming vomit can clear their mouth and worse-> the airway. This essentially means that vomit would get down the airway and cause either aspiration pneumonia or the person drowns from the vomit in the lungs.
So with her husband "throwing" her forward when she vomited allowed the vomit to clear her mouth and not go down the airway.
Being awake during surgery can destroy a life. It is amazing you are here in spite of all the physical and emotional trauma you endured.
You're so lucky you had your husband there to advocate for you.
I got chills when he talked about telling those doctors and nurses what was what.
This portion of your story has so many instances of "If doctors listened to women!" From your headache being downplayed (after a serious TBI, I mean really) to the nurse in your OR acknowledging your attempt at communicating, a lot of this heartache could have been spared. Thank you for telling your story
I apologize for this video’s abrupt ending - my camera overheated and shut off, but the story had already been told so I’ve posted it as is. Thanks for watching!
Too bad your other links appeared at the top of the screen as you were pointing out your shunt and they covered up your face. 😟
@@jw6504 I’m sorry! I’m still learning how to edit videos, but hopefully with each video I will improve 🥹
It just left us with even more anticipation of watching part 3.
@@littletraumamama just about every single video I watch does that, I don’t know if it’s even something you can control. Btw, I’ve left a couple of other comments but I just want to give a shout out to your amazing husband, he was a rockstar through this and I know you know that. I am sure he is part of the reason your story is such a success story.
As a Neuro nurse for over 20 years , many of the things you went through are common~ especially not being yourself to the staff and not saying things that made sense. We take them with a grain of salt and don’t take them personal. You have no reason to apologize, nurses understand brain trauma changes personalities while being hospitalized. So happy you pulled through this and thank you for sharing your story. 😊. PS you have such beautiful skin and a wonderful smile.
You're a walking, talking miracle. I've been an EMT for 26 years, with 22 of those years as a paramedic. When you and your husband started describing the gradual worsening of the headache, along with the nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, I immediately thought CSF. My first thought was that you had a CSF leak, which could also cause these symptoms. It is amazing that your spinal cord held on and created essentially a Chiari. I am so sorry that you have been through this. You have a very supportive group surrounding you. I'm so glad your husband was there to step in on your behalf. I wish you the best with your continued recovery.
Very glad to hear EMT's are so familiar with CM, and I hope Syringomyelia, too. We often have a range of issues that can complicate immediate treatment, and a surprising number of medical personnel are uninformed! THANK YOU for helping us all at our most vulnerable! ❤️🙏💞
While you were talking about being aware during your surgery I could hear the breathing changes in your husband and understand very clearly how much it distresses him that you had to go through this. You also have my sympathy!
I have had many difficult, painful and distressing experiences in hospitals over my life time being in and out of hospitals so much! I have had many interactions with doctors and nurses that were very stressful and have stayed with me. I swear that anybody who has spent long amounts time in hospitals and clinics etc has a level of trauma.
It almost feels like everybody who leaves hospital after an inpatient should be offered some level of therapy to deal with what has happened to them whether it be a short-term problem, an injury or a long term condition.
It is a shame that mental healthcare is not prioritised alongside the physical I think it would help a lot of people from developing PTSD or depression etc. I think this is an issue that’s become my pet project in a way to try and raise awareness of the need for availability and affordability of mental health care alongside the medical doctors.
Sounds to me like far too many people have these stories but never any accountability or hospitals addressing the matter, naturally. Beyond frightening to think might ever happen to me or anyone ever.
@@tiasara5967 You're absolutely right. Doctors have become "untouchable".
It’s me. Hi! I’m the problem. It’s me, guh!🙋🏻♀️
I am literally laughing out loud and talking to y’all telling these stories like you can even hear me!🤭
I remember texting sweet Lee and Brittany that day! Gah it was all I could do to not come to work to just stand there with my arms crossed making sure everyone was running around knees-to-chest working on you! (Which would seem so out of character for me!)
I love y’all so much and love being a tiny part of this amazing journey you’ve ever so violently crashed into!❤️
We love you! I can't wait to get you involved!
I would like to request a video regarding all your injuries. Also, maybe one with Stacy as to her POV. She has probably seen a lot that would shock most of us. I AM LOVING “Storytime”! ❤
@@crissycattuzzo1460 I can't wait to properly show everyone what Stacey and some other amazing nurses/respiratory therapists did for me!
@@littletraumamama I'd enjoy that as well Again, thank you for sharing your story 🥲
🥹😂such a sweet bit with the legs wiggling omg
You two are such a loving, sincere, whole, treasuring couple.
TH-cam's algorithm had suggested part 1 to me. I've been patiently waiting for this part. You are so strong to have gone through all of the trauma that you have and be as positive as you are. Your husband is so amazing with his recall, love and support. I obviously don't know you, but I thank God that you're still alive!
You are one tough cookie. I can sense your husband’s anguish knowing that your vomiting probably meant increased icp & trying to get someone to call a neurosurgeon. They should’ve listened. You both are amazing, resilient people. Thank you for sharing your journey.
During my last surgery I woke up, not fully, but enough to be aware of what was happening and being in so much pain. I couldn’t talk, but I was able to cry. Instead of pushing more meds, the anesthesiologist held my hand and said they were almost done. I’m having another surgery in a couple weeks, and I am freaking out a bit.
That is honestly my worst nightmare after dying on the table.
I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Good luck during your next surgery. Big virtual hugs ❤️
What!? Oh my gosh I’m so sorry that happened to you. That anesthesiologist should be reprimanded somehow but it seems like hospitals are only concerned with making $.
My worst nightmare too I’m so sorry that happened and wishing you the best on your next one
I just wanted to hug your husband, when he was telling the story with teary eyes. Suffering emotionally from being unable to help you. What a guy! ♡ Your story and how you both told it was so fascinating. I'm glad I came across your channel by chance. Hope your life will be a smooth sailing from now on x
I had extensive open heart surgery when I was 24, and when I regained consciousness after everything was done, I was still affected by the paralytic medication for over an hour. Obviously not even close to as terrifying as it happening during surgery, but even just that experience of hearing my family around me and the nurses talk about giving me pain meds when I woke up, and being on the ventilator and poked and prodded while I was shouting in my head that I was awake and I very much wanted that medication, was so traumatic that it’s now one of my biggest fears to be stuck like that. I know it’s just a small taste of your experience, but I think I can understand your feelings in the moment, and the strength you have to get through it all is incredible.
That would have been terrifying for you. I had this happen to me,just after an operation. I still to this day wonder if I was just dreaming. Just thinking about it,gives me chills. I hope you are well now 💕
What nightmares for you both how awful. I hope you never suffer anything like it again.
Oh man I’m so sorry. I happy for you it is over and just a memory. May you always have health and happiness forward.
I rarely finish a whole video on TH-cam without fast-forwarding. But your story and your presence is just so real, kind, honest and inspiring. I am a Registered Nurse and worked many years in a neuro ICU. Lots of halos and EVD's in that unit. It is just such a bizarre and kind of barbaric treatment although necessary of course! I will say, providers in a neuro ICU should never dismiss complaints of headache and nausea and your story is exactly why. The love between you both is palpable. Trauma can create problems in a less than stable marriage-you 2 exemplify "in sickness and in health." I am excited to witness your physical and emotional healing journey. Subscribed!
Remember each day that you have an amazingly important job :) (Im not a nurse, but you guys are amazing)
I’ve gone through a similar experience having a tubal ligation. Though I had an out of body experience. I had died in my operation I was above my body I saw the Dr paddle me I could hear and see everything and saw they couldn’t find the needle with ephedrine near by, I literally fought myself to find it on a table on the opposite side of the theatre, it was behind a Kleenex box on a table. Surgery was stopped and they woke me up, they kept laying me down and each time my blood pressure would go to 20, I had to fight to tell them to sit me up that they were killing me. After I came to properly surgeons told me I created a lot of chaos in that surgery room, I told them everything that happened in surgery they tried to send me home and i made them keep me in. Turns out I died for 5 minutes I remember my body rising and everything felt beautiful light and very white but all I could think of was I had to stay alive for my kids. I fought for my own life. Your story makes me remember how I felt thinking I was going to die because they didn’t do their job correctly and I remember how hard it was to communicate and get them to sit me up… I screamed the words sit me up I’m gonna die with the loudest I’ve ever spoken . Every surgery I’ve had after that I tell them about this and tell them to be prepared and keep me alive. You’re so brave I understand the fear surgeries must have on you thank you so much for sharing your story
That sounds terrifying!
@@littletraumamama it very much was, yet dying felt magical but I knew I needed to stay here for my kids so fighting for my life was the only option. I had to have another surgery to have my tubes tied the next week cause my ex would not have a vasectomy and I had spinal issues meaning I couldn’t get pregnant again and I died for three minutes lucky I didn’t have another out of body experience and spine surgeries later on didn’t do the same thing. Doctors called this episode vaso vagal a kind of fainting episode in surgery due to an overactive uterus. Ladies be careful when opting for this type of surgery. All I can say is death seemed like a beautiful experience but at the same time I didn’t want to die. I am inspired by what happened to you, that sounds terrifying to me. My ex brother in law had a brain injury from being ejected from a height speed crash your experience sounds very similar. I’m so amazed at what the body and mind can do and I’m so glad you live to speak your experience I really hope that you have a loving caring supportive unit of people working with you and that you don’t live with pain and can enjoy and overcome whatever issues you’ve been left with. You are an inspiration to us all xxxx
Yeah probs not true
@@mustlovedogs5569 no u
Goddamn. I can semi relate. I had collapsed lungs and laying down literally suffocated me. I had to fight to be upright til they realized I only had a third of a lung left after over a mm month of sepsis eating at my hip and heart and lungs. Fucked me up trying to sleep and not being able to breathe and having to sit in a certain way just to get to 70% oxygen. It was fucking hell and a half
You're lucky to not only have survived but to have such a great hubby who advocated for you and a great family
Thank you guys for being so open 💜
I'm sorry you and your family had to go through this. It just shows how resilient the body can be. I was a Paramedic for 35 years. Listening to your husband describe the events, I could feel the frustration, concern, helplessness etc. Brother, I'm glad the medic in kicked in to take charge when things went south with the O2 sats. Peace and prayers.
I was awake but paralyzed during an emergency c section....felt everything...they gave me the paralytic but not the night night drugs fast enough and it was the most terrifying thing....I've had several surgeries since and they have all gone smoothly but it's in my mind every single time so I cannot imagine what you went through....my heart goes out to you ❤️
I was just wondering if your dad could do an interview to tell us his perspective of the day of the accident? Thank you for sharing. My dad was in a very similar accident. I feel for you and your family. Your doing amazing! My dad still doesn't know who I am and it has been 10 years
I'm so sorry for ur dad, you, and ur whole family. 💔🙏
Man alive, the love your husband has for you is so so beautiful. You are such a lovely couple ❤
I can feel the anger in his voice about thr whole situation. He handled that way better than I think I would have. Good on him for keeping his cool and staying level headed enough to take control and get you the help you needed. ❤
Oh my god, thank you and your husband for being here and talking about this. This story is just incredibly tragic, but all of you involved in this story are just a pile of gold. I'm glad you're alive, thank you so much
You’re not alone in being awake under general anesthesia. I woke up during my tonsillectomy when I was 17. Oh my word it was the most horrifying thing. I could hear everything, smelled the burning flesh, at the same time I experienced the searing pain from the tonsil being removed. It was horrific. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be awake during brain surgery. Oh my God. I’d probably will my death then and there as well.
I’m so sorry. ❤ You’re not alone. Your husband is a saint. What an amazing couple!
My niece has had 2 brain surgeries to remove cancerous tumors and was awake for both of them. Due to where they were doing the surgery they had to have her awake so they could continue to communicate with her. My brother also had a growth removed from his chest while awake. You have to be brave to face that.
I can’t begin to say I can fathom what y’all have and are going through. I can say that with four different loved ones in my life I’ve experienced brain related issues. Until I did, I had zero understanding of the mysteries of the human brain. It’s just not something that you can read or see on tv. Your story is beyond miraculous and I wish continued healing and a wonderful life.
re: the surgery and waking up... I have a friend who has had 2 caesarian births, and both times she felt it all, and the surgical staff didn't believe her on either occasion. I always found that a terrifying story, and at least she was awake and lucid, and trying to make them understand. Being paralysed and semi-conscious, I cannot even imagine what you went through to wiggle that finger and then face the disappointment of them ignoring it. Much love to you, you seem like lovely people. x
I appreciate the fact that you both share such raw stories...your camera shutting off and all. I am so glad he advocated for you. Don't change, you are inspirational. Blessings.
Such a hard, awful journey to recovery but so glad you made it and that have a great husband who has your back and is there for you!
Your story is incredible. Thank you for sharing it with all of us! Also, how amazing it is to be totally and completely loved. Your husband is awesome and you both are so strong!
Thank you so much!
You and your husband are awe inspiring. I’m sitting here crying, amazed at your strength, the things you went through and your will to live.
I’m hoping for part 3 because I feel like there’s more to the story. When did you get out of the hospital? How about rehab? When did the halo come off? How was it determined it could come off? How long did it take for you to fully recover?
Same
You would think the staff would have provided you with a plastic apron if you were repeatedly vomiting.
Such a traumatic time for everyone, and to not even attempt to prevent the vomit from getting under the equipment is just absurd to me. The smell would make you nauseous.
Oh Sweet Babygirl! This is horrible! I too, have woke up during surgery 2 times! It was SO HORRIBLY PAINFUL! In fact.... so scary I've needed surgery for the last 8 years and still refuse to do it! One of the worst parts of it is remember people laughing in the OR after my Dr saying "SHE'S AWAKE. NO WORRIES, WE'LL JUST GIVE HER EXTRA VERSED SO SHE WON'T REMEMBER"!! As I'm laying on the table wide awake literally balling like a baby in pain so hard I literally had snot running out my nose!!! I HATED MY DR from that moment on! It wasn't because it happened. It was because the way it was handled by my surgeon. I've had SO MANY surgical screw ups done to me in my adult years. Im lucky to be alive!
You're DEFINITELY A TROOPER!! You're basically my idol after hearing your story and all you've been thru!
It's part of crisis response for survivors to help them process trauma (skillfully) as soon after the event as possible for most rapid resolution and healing. Your body and mind knew what you needed, and I'm so sorry you couldn't help yourself better at the time. My recovery experience has had aspects of that and it is something I still work on today. I have enormous respect and gratitude for both your transparency and details!!! Bless you in your continued healing. ❤️🙏💞🌈
Holy shit.. After all you went through you ALSO had anesthesia awareness?? I cannot imagine. I’ve heard a few horror stories from other people & it’s one of my biggest fears.
You’re so strong. ❤
I guess that’s what it was? I’m not really sure since I went into respiratory arrest and then a temporary coma. I just know I woke up in an OR with people trying to save my life. I’ll probably never really know the exact details.
@@littletraumamama I’m thinking that’s what happened. If you search “anesthesia awareness” you’ll see videos of other people talking about their experiences & it’s exactly what you described; being aware of what’s going on, feeling everything but not being able to move. It’s so scary. I think it’s caused by not having enough anesthesia, but having enough of the paralyzing medication.. I could be slightly wrong about that, but I know forrsure people call it “anesthesia awareness”. I’m so sorry you went through all of that but so glad you’re okay & that you have an amazing support system.❤️🩹
So glad you came out of this terrible situation. The Lord just wasn't ready for his Angel to come home yet, u still have a purpose here.
I just finished watching Part One and started Part Two when I heard you talk about your Anesthesia Awareness. It's absolutely horrific. I experienced it as a kid in the early 80s during a routine tonsillectomy. I heard the instruments and the doctors, and I could feel all the pain of the surgery itself.
I always make sure I speak to the anaesthesiologist before any surgeries today to make sure they put me "way under."
I'm so sorry you experienced anesthesia awareness on top of everything else. It caused me years of trauma. I'm glad you don't think about it often. ❤
I just started following your journey and getting caught up on your videos and what an journey it is!
I worked as an OR nurse for the majority of my RN career. The story you share on this video is exactly why the anesthesia department is every bit as important as your surgeon! Unfortunately, your tragic intraoperative event is one I’ve heard before. 😢 Thank you for sharing your story. ❤
Once when I was put under anesthesia the paralyzing agent started working way earlier than the one that makes you lose consciousness so I was completely paralyzed, couldn’t move a finger, couldn’t talk but I was hearing everything the nurses and doctors said and they were talking about starting to give me the ECT treatment which would mean an electric shock to my brain. To this day I have no idea if I fell asleep or if I just lost consciousness due to the electric shock being given but that was the most scariest experience of my entire life and I’ve been through a lot really. It is now one of my worst fears to experience anesthesia awareness. And in addition you were in pain, that must’ve been so horrible, I can only imagine. I’m glad you survived and I’ll be following your story, just got this in my recommended.
This would’ve been an absolutely horrific experience for any loved one to witness, but I imagine even more so for someone in the medical field who knows all too well what exactly is happening.
Man I'm never the person to comment on videos. I know that y'all probably won't see this but this is incredibly hard to watch but healing at the same time. I survived a 50mph motorcycle crash in 2019. Spent 6 weeks in the hospital just 6 days in ICU and had a tube down my throat. I'll never be the same person again can't do the things I used to do. I'm financially ruined and can barely make it through the work week because I'm in constant pain I am slowly watching your videos so I guess its just a really long thank you for putting them out it makes me realize that im not the only one!
Hang in there, friend! I’m so sorry you’re struggling- I definitely get it. Sometimes we have to take it one hour at a time.
What you went through is stuff that many of us have nightmares about. You have to have experienced PTSD. What an amazing husband and family ❤
Your husband is amazing, and thank God you have him with his medical expertise!
Okay, so I had to read the vlog as well. But LISTENING to you and your husband tell the story, for me, is so powerful. I think i said it last video, but thank you. Thank for you sharing your vulnerability and courage and strength with us. My husband was an EMT when he was firefighting and he was blown away by your story (he's a man of few words). I'm off to explore more of the vlog! 💕
This is one of the most heart-wrenching real life experiences that I have ever heard. A true miracle of survival. The love between you both is so beautiful. Please, give us a part 3 and more. Honestly, beyond TH-cam, your story would make a wonderful book on survival and strength of family. God bless you both and thank you for sharing your story.❤
My exhusband ran under a semi truck in 1987 and survived with major head, neck and face injuries. I went off his doctors in the hospital for prescribing more pain meds instead of finding the problem, had I not he would have died. Thank God your husband was there! Never be afraid to challenge a doctor if you feel something is not right!
My Mom had spinal surgery and was awake for part of the surgery, but also paralyzed and unable to speak or let them know she was in pain. So horrific. When I had surgery, I told my surgeon about that. He said yes, it happens, but my anesthesiologist watched to make sure it didn’t happen to me. I can’t imagine. So grateful for the way God has worked in your life. He obviously has plans for you. You’re not finished yet! ❤🙏🏻 Jane
I did not expect for part 2 but you guys are GREAT storytellers! Do you learn something new every time y’all have a conversation about it? I can’t even imagine how terrifying it would be! I am so in love with your husband but in the most innocent way! You guys are precious! ❤❤❤
Just to say that the way you two look at each other is the sweetest thing! Sending loads of love x
I have so much respect for your husband, the calmest person in the room!! It is quite a Blessing to have someone who has great self control in the most difficult moments God Bless you both
O have no words, it's terrible what you have been true.😳 Your husband is amazing and so are you, you are a strong and loving couple. 💜
I’m only at the part of the headache/vomiting but I already would like to say Thank you…for leaving in the “ugly” details bc they are truths. Hearing ugly truths and hard realities helps people assess things properly. You are a strong woman! You made it through something none of us can imagine. And to your husband- Thank You for being the man she needed you to be, and for being the husband who stayed. You stayed through the worst of times, you’ve loved her when she needed it most…and now you both can smile through better times. 🙏🏻💜
I can definitely understand the moment you began kicking your feet with frustration over what was happening! To hear the drill making a hole in your skull so the drain can be used would be scary! I'm glad you were able to survive all the things that happened to you!
Everyone watching is learning about AOD and what you faced in your ordeal. Thank you for making these videos!
Ohmigosh hearing you talk about your experience knowing what was going on when you were supposed to be anesthetized, i immediately went back to when that happened to me when i had an ovary removed. I woke up during surgery and could see shadows of the people working on me, hearing them talking, and pulling the small incision in my abdomen right and left looking for the ovary. It was excruciating. I couldn't move or scream. Then i passed out. Scariest thing i have ever been through so i know how you felt but definitely not as severe as what you were going through. I'm so very sorry and thank God for the miraculous recovery you made. 🤗❤️🙏🏼
Omg 😮 I was so happy to see this pop up. Part 1 was something I’ve been thinking about ever since I saw it about a week ago. This is by far THE most horrible story of sudden trauma I have ever heard. And might I add… you and your husband are such a strong and loving couple! ❤️ ok.. back to the story. 😳
That's horrifying to feel them drilling into your skull and not knowing what was happening or why or if you would be okay! Trepanation like that can be done without general anaesthesia when continued consciousness/communication is important for guiding the procedure - but that's done with the patient's understanding and consent about the surgery! And even then it's terrifying. To not know... I can't even imagine. Kudos to you for getting through that, even if you tried not to in the moment!
True love is being able to know when it's time to grab the hardware and fling her up BEFORE it happens lol. Best friends is being able to look at each other and chuckle about it later. I don't know if it's your intention but you are demonstrating what a great partnership looks like. Sudden, catastrophic things can happen to anyone at any time and even if it's not as severe, it's daunting to suddenly have people asking you "should we take extraordinary measures?" It's helpful to see that you can come through it and it's going to be okay. You are really inspiring 🙏🏻♥️✌🏻
You sharing this very personal story is so brave and real in my opinion. There’s no telling how many people see these videos and it touches their hearts like it did mine! I’m wishing you all the best and thank you again for opening your heart and sharing this.❤
Unfortunately during a surgery that my mom was having, she was awake, but paralyzed, and she was blinking and a nurse noticed, but they just ignored it. She said it was the most intense pain ever. I am so sorry that happened to you too!
Flaming Nora - I’m listening to this and got to the bit where you stopped breathing. I can’t believe things like this happen in a critical care environment in the states - please tel me these medical professionals aren’t still working!
Sweetheart, I'm on part 2 and have been viewing TH-cam for many years. You will never never be able to get away from those mean trolls. Because that's what I call these people. You never need to explain your feelings..... to those kind of people because no matter how hard to try is not going to change then. Sending hugs and prayers 🤗
God bless you both! As soon as you mentioned the building headache, I as a non-medically trained person, thought swelling in the cranium, I can’t understand why they thought headache and vomiting was from the halo. Just goes to show how easy it is to rationalize or get tunnel-vision, thank God your wonderful husband was there. Every time I hear about people being awake during surgery and being unable to communicate that, I just shudder, it happens more than we think! You are a true miracle!💕🙏🏼🇨🇦
Hearing your story gives me hope. I have severe health anxiety. I won’t even go to the doctor when I know something is wrong because I’m scared to death that I’ll hear that I have cancer, or some other diagnosis and it’s terminal. I really appreciate you and your husband telling your story as it has given me a glimmer of peace. I wish I had the strength to trust the doctors that I would have to see, and maybe one day that will be possible.
I’m so glad you made it. Your story is amazing and terrifying to hear. You’re a miracle, and I hope the rest of your life is far less eventful than your trauma. You’re amazing at conveying your story and I’m glad I got to hear it 💕
As a former paramedic & a current nurse, I feel for your husband, and have been in similar situations while riding shotgun with loved ones in hospital. Respect to him, for his control and diplomacy in a traumatic and emotional situation where his training & experience with regard to deteriorating patients proved superior to that of nursing staff. I have seen it more times than I care to recall. There are good & poor clinicians in all specialties, and hospital staff should never underestimate the input & observations of experienced paramedics & EMTs. Live well both of you. ❤
Bless you both. So glad you are still here.
goodness, you poor Lady, to be so scared and aware but not be able to communicate fully. You are courageous and remarkable. God Bless.
Wow you have touched me in more ways than one. You see my first husband was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2006 I remarried in 2009 and in August of 2023 my husband had a horrific truck accident he broke his neck C4-C6 and he now has plates screws and can no longer work or help on the farm. The Good Lord is not done with you yet girl!!
Wow! You’re a very tough lady. And the relationship between you and your husband seems so easy and close. You’re lucky to have such a supportive family.
You are so brave and a survivor I really hope you’re able to get through the trauma and heal well
You are a walking miracle meant to tell others your experience and you and your husband are helping more people than you both will ever know.
My heart breaks that you suffered like that and I'm so thankful you decided to tell your stories so others can see they are not alone.
The love between the two of you is amazing. Thank you for sharing this and the others as well.
Gives me hope that my husband and I will get through our car crash injuries as well and maybe someday we can tell our story as well.
God bless you.
I have SOOO much respect for the two of you. You for having the courage to relive this ordeal in order to share/help others. Often it is the little details that make you stop and need to recompose yourself that are hard to relate to others. And your husband, God knew what you were going to endure so he put that wonderful person there for you. I truly believe that the love ones have it harder because they want to take it all away and make things right but have to just watch helplessly their loved one suffer. Thank God he has the medical knowledge he has. When I was put in my halo I also had the feeding tube like you. The night before the the main surgery a nurse was “feeding” me but was not doing it the way all the others had. I tried to explain but was dismissed. The next morning my neurosurgeon was livid because the wool lining of my halo now was saturated with the contents of my stomach. The surgery was delayed over an hour in order for the company that supplied the halo to come to the hospital and redo the whole lining. I am grateful to hear your story having lived in a halo myself.
I completely understand! I woke up in the middle of a surgery too. Completely awake but paralyzed and in terrible pain! I was able to cry and one of the nurses noticed I was crying and told a doctor, and fortunately put me out again. It was horrible! I’m so sorry you experienced that ! 😢
Thank you for sharing your story with the world. I read your blog and am amazed and in awe of your journey. I work in a veterinary ICU and although animals are not people, I hope I can provide my patients better care with the information and experiences you have shared. Please know you are making a difference in the world by sharing your story
I love in Saks and I never heard about your accident. I just want to say you are a beast!!!!! Your story is an inspiration!!! And your husband is so loving and loyal just by how he looks at you! I know you know how lucky you are!!! God bless you and continued prayers for you!!!!
My wife has instructions from me (respiratory therapist) that if I end up in the trauma unit the trauma docs are to stabilize me and then get the hell away and let each specialist manage my care. I’ve watched them screw so much up because they won’t give up control. The only physicians that won’t stay in their lane. I’m glad you’re able to share your story with us.
Is this something you ask for in the DNR/advance directive?
Brave lady and her wonderful husband. God bless them both.
Thank you for so candidly sharing your story in detail! I almost died last summer. I lost most of 2 months of my memory and my life. I contracted both viral and bacterial pneumonia (not Covid) twice, in a 6 week period. I don't even remember being rushed to the ER by ambulance. I was put in a regular room, then had to be rushed to the ICU, in a TV type fashion. I spent a month in ICU, intubated. The day I was to have a trach, I woke up. Unfortunately, my kidneys failed, and I have been on dialysis ever since. I spent 3 months in the hospital and a month in physical rehab. May God bless you both! 💜
So happy you had your husband with you he was your spokesman when you really needed a person who has medical experience, your a beautiful couple, thank you for sharing your personal journey. ❤
Unfortunately, I 've read people talking about experiences like that in the O .R. I can't imagine. I pray there will be advances, and no one will ever have to experience that sort of thing again! So sorry you went through all that ❤️
Hi Christy, I had read your blog after watching some of your videos. This event really hurts my heart for you. I hope each day you find something wonderful in it 💮
I am so glad you have someone in your life that cares about you and loves you with all of his heart.
I really like you and your husbands communication 🙂 letting each other speak and not interrupting or talking over each other, just really listening to one another, it's very respectful. Just a observation/ side note you seem like you have a great relationship!
You are not alone when it comes to being awake while they all think you are not, it’s terrifying. I couldn’t even move a finger. Had to endure a C section until I had enough ability to SCREAM!
You are both so strong and obviously have a lot of love for each other. Thank God for your husband being there and knowing what was going on ❤ bless you both
Hearing this raw story alongside seeing the messages you wrote while having difficulty communicating makes me so emotional. I appreciate you sharing so much about what you went through. Your husband reminds me of my dad because my sister and mom have been through similar (to some degree) health emergencies. Thankfully everyone has pulled through this far. The strength it must take to recover from medical trauma like you've been through is unimaginable. I'm so glad you and your husband are here to share your story. Every day is such a gift from God; listening to both of you talk puts things into perspective for not only me but I'm sure so many other people watching your videos.
Thank you so much for posting your story.
I have a friend that woke up during surgery. That had to be so horrible.
I am so thankful that you are here and able to tell your story.
Thank you Lord for blessing this family so much.
My God! So sorry for that horrible experience. Makes me so mad. As if things weren't bad enough. I can't imagine. I admire your strength, truly. Remarkable story. Glad you're here with us..... seeing the crazy world go out of control 😜
I am so so sorry what your & your husband have gone through.. This saddens me what happened in the hospital for you both..I get you i work with severely disabled children that can not say how they are feeling or in pain.. ❤ Take care
Hello from Australia. Thank you for sharing your (harrowing) story and I'm SO glad you're recovering well. I suppose you often wonder how on earth you survived such an almost unsurvivable accident with all its complications. Obviously I don't have the answer but clearly you are the type of personality to be able to handle it relatively well considering, and your paramedic husband as well, and perhaps the surgeons and all medical staff involved have learnt a great deal from all of this which will someday help others that have similar things happen to them. God bless you.
Nothing worse than having your loved one in the hospital when your in the field. Trying to make sure they are well taken care of without angering the nursing staff. Great job, sounds like you bit your tongue until you had no choice. I don't know if I would have been able to control myself that well.
God Bless you both, you are a true miracle.
Holy moly I paused the video and read all of your injuries. You definitely had a guardian angel watching over you that day and the days after during your healing process.