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Today my heart hurts....

I got some news last night that has really weighed heavily on my heart.

You see, there's this boy I've known since I was little. We'll call him "K". He was in my ward most of my life growing up, and was really good friends with my brother. He was my friend as well. Well I still consider him a friend. Our families were close. His parents and my parents were friends, we (the kids) were all friends, and although we've all gone different directions over the years since graduation, we're still in touch through FB, or my brother, who is still close with K.

K married a girl who also grew up with us. We'll call her "S". I didn't know her really, but I knew who she was because my brother had the biggest crush on her in elementary school! I have gotten to know her more since she married K and think she is one of the sweetest people I've ever met.

Last night I learned that S is in the ICU. The doctors believe she has Guillian Barres Syndrome caused by the H1N1 vaccine. I found this out through a post on her FB status made by her sister. I immediately called my brother. He informed me that he had been on the phone with K, and that S had her legs go numb and now she's got pain throughout her entire body. K and S just had a little baby not too long ago. K also just barely had hip surgery himself.
After I hung up the phone, I googled Guillian Barres Syndrome. I was horrified by what I read. You can look it up yourself if you want all the details. But basically the numbness that starts in the legs progresses through the body. In the most severe cases complete paralysis can occur. This leads to other complications such as lack of lung function and other vital operations. These complications are treated as they occur.

The relief is that almost everyone recovers from this condition, even in the most severe cases. But the recovery is long and hard. The symptoms progress until about 2 or 3 weeks in, when the person will be at their weakest. Then they remain in the condition of weakness from weeks, to months, to years (in the worst cases) before their body begins to recover. This is very emotionally and psychologically painful for the person. Thinking of this dear, sweet wife and mother in this condition just truly makes me ill.

I have seen people deal with hardships. I have watched people I love suffer and pass away from illness. I know Heavenly Father's great plan of happiness and it has always brought me comfort in times of sadness. But for some reason this situation has really hit me hard. Harder than anything has in a long time. Last night as I processed this information, and thought about my friend K and his beautiful wife, I just cried. Everyone else was asleep, and I just sat in front of my computer and cried. I am still sad today.

I checked in with S on her FB status today, and learned that she is not doing too well. She had a bronchoscopy today because the doctor was worried about how the CT scan looked on her lung. They suspect pneumonia, but believe there might be something more. S posted this information herself, and added that she was scared. And that she missed her babies. And that she's afraid her new baby will forget her. Again came my tears. I hurt for her, I hurt for her husband, and I hurt for his family whom I love so much. Also for her family whom I don't know at all. My heart just hurts for them all.

Today I am thankful for the health of my husband and children. But it is with a heavy heart, as I know this is not a blessing that everyone shares at this time.


Comments

Desert Rose said…
Oh Xazmin, this is absolutely terrible. I am so so sorry. I will keep this family in my thoughts along with you. Guess this makes me know I made the right decision to not give my kids this vaccine. I wasn't so sure at first, worried about how I would feel if they got that flu and I didn't vaccinate them...but I was fearful of any side affects of this new vaccine. And there you have it..a tragic incident.
Emmy said…
I am so so sorry. I will keep S in my prayers tonight. I cannot even imagine. Wow. *Hug*
Macey said…
I have been thinking about this all day! I have said some prayers...hoping and praying for the best. :(
Prayers have started and will continue for S and for all of the family. God Bless. Hugs, Marty
So sad. :( I heard about that syndrome and that's why we didn't get the H1N1 shot...we did the regular flu one though. I can't imagine having a newborn and going through that. :(
shortmama said…
GB syndrom is exactly why I did not get the h1n1 vaccine nor allow my children to. When h1n1 broke out bad in the 70s, gb syndrome broke out along with it from the vaccine. The media kept saying that the new vaccine was safe, but considering we havent had an outbreak of h1n1 like this since the 70s, I did not trust their word and still dont. I am so sorry to hear about your friend. She will be in my prayers
Jenny said…
This is so upsetting. I am so sorry for your friend, his wife and his family. I hope she is one of the ones that recovers very quickly!

I will keep all of them in my thoughts and prayers.
Katie Lane said…
That is very sad. My husband lost his job last week so I've been dealing with that but this would be worse, at least we are both healthy. Thanks for the perspective. My prayers go out to her and her family.
Liz Mays said…
I am so sorry. I'll keep them in my prayers!
That makes me so sad. Reading your post tonight has tugged on my heart and brought tears to my eyes. It is amazing how one can feel so much hurt for someone they have never even met before and only read about. I can't imagine what your friends are going through but I do know that things happen for a reason and that God is aware of each of us. I will keep them in my prayers too.
I was saddened to hear this about your friend and his wife. My brother got GB syndrome when he was about 12 years old. It can be very scary. I was only young at the time but I remember spending lots of time at the hospital and afterwards at physio. But now you would never even know what he went through. Each case is different and I hope that your friend will recover quickly. I will be praying for them.
Oh my goodness, I have never heard of that before! I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I will be praying for her.

XOOX
Jen
Sheila said…
This just breaks my heart!
Unknown said…
Oh that is just alful!!! I am so sorry to hear this!!!
Praying that the recovery is quick and she can get back to her baby!!

~Becca
Heather said…
Oh my goodness, I have never heard of the syndrome before. I'm praying for the family.
Small House said…
OH DEAR! That is just sad, and sounds like a painful illness. It's a blessing to know that there is hope...but a long road I guess. I to am thankful for my families health.
jennykate77 said…
That makes my heart hurt too. I'll be praying for her and her family. Keep us posted on how she's doing. I've heard of that syndrome, but don't know anyone who has ever had it.
Such terrible news! My heart breaks just reading how she misses her babies. Such a great reminder not to take our health for granted. It is such a blessing.

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