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Thankful! Thankful! Thankful!

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart Real Estate AZ Broker BR030809000

This Guy is my Hero!  Thankful for Gary!

 

On November 1st I had a very simple eye surgery for cataracts. All went perfectly  and my eye site is incredible. I can see perfectly and I can't believe the colors are so bright again!  My site is 20/20 in my left eye.  2 days after the surgery I had a very serious reaction to a medication that had been subscribed to me by my primary several years ago (unbeknownst to us at the time.) I could not get up. Gary came immediately, got me up, but I wasn't making any sense. He called 911 and they whisked me off to the hospital. I was in ICU for 2 days and transferred to the another wing for 3 days. Thankfully one of my other doctors was on staff at that time and figured out what happened. My sodium had dropped seriously low from that drug, do not ever take it again says my doc. Then he said -Thank God Gary got me to hospital right away.

While in the hospital it was a crazy nightmare for me. I know, it's what happens in those places! The doctors were nice as were the nurses (most of them). But being woke up all night long to take blood or to give me yet more drugs was crazy One night some nurse gave me a very strong drug and OMG that set me off, as in seeing things. Scared the h** out of me.  I don't do drugs, period. Add to that the hospital wing was under construction and  the banging went on at early hours as well as alarms were going off left and right etc. etc. The longer I was there the worse I was getting.  I had to get out.  I prayed to God every night and every day to keep me calm and to please get me home where I could recover.

Gary was my hero! He came as soon as he got the dogs walked in the morning and stayed until he had to go back home to take care of the dogs again during the day. Then he'd come back and stay with me as late as possible. He managed all the doctors and by the 4th day he told them - she needs to go home! She can't get any rest here and I will take care of her at home. The doctors spent the next morning making sure my 'numbers' were ok and finally released me by noon. Thank God! Gary later told me he came that day knowing he was getting me out of there one way of the other.  He did. He's my hero!

I was ever so glad to get home. My hero watched over me 24/7 for the next week. I slept a lot (very peacefully I must add).  I still have some issues going on, due to all the drugs, but hopefully in the next week all will be back to normal. All the while Gary kept taking care of everything, including the happy puppies wanting to love all over their Mama!

I was so happy to get back on ActiveRain today - 17 days after this all started!  I am blessed beyond words! And here to say, I have the most wonderful husband! He is my hero!  We both feel so blessed and grateful.   Of course we feel that way all the time, but now more than ever. We are both so Thankful and Grateful!

 

Thank you Debe Maxwell, CRS for creating the Grateful Opportunity Challenge!

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Comments(39)

Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Oh my, Anna Banana! I'm so thankful you had Gary to take care of you and be your advocate. It's true with all the banging and clanging in the hospital that it is difficult for patients to get their much needed rest. I'm happy you went home where Gary could take care of you and you could catch up on your much needed rest!

Nov 19, 2023 09:14 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty thank you!  I am so blessed to have Gary by my side the entire time. The noise and disruption was beyond tolerable and I'm still surprised they allowed that to continue for 5 days.

But most of all I"m grateful for Gary getting me back home where everything is peaceful, calm and quite!  Except for the dogs wanting constant lovies from Mama!

Nov 19, 2023 12:10 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Anna:

What a dreadful experience that was, and a bit scary to start with. Gary is a gem and you are so very fortunate he has been there 24/7 to help and advocate for you...something we all need in today's medical world it seems. So very glad to hear you are recovering well!

Jeff 

Nov 19, 2023 12:15 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

HI Jeff Dowler, CRS well it came out of the blue as who would have known that med could create such havoc. And yes I am forever grateful Gary stepped it up and handled the whole situation so well. I am doing better, day by day.  And can't wait to be back in full swing - which is totally my style!

Nov 19, 2023 02:43 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I cringe every time I hear the side effects on the pharmaceutical commercials. They seem to be much worse than just living with a problem Anna 🙂

Nov 19, 2023 01:25 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

I pass by those creepy commercials Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS . I rarely take anything and for good reason!  And I so agree.....what went on created a much bigger issue then it started with.  Seems insane to me.  Crazy system.

Nov 19, 2023 02:44 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Anna "Banana" Kruchten ,

Wow!!! I'm so glad Kathy Streib featured your post as I was on vacation and missed it. Thank goodness for Gary!! I'm really glad to hear you are on the road to recovery....take care of yourself....prayers still going to come your way♥

Nov 19, 2023 05:00 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Dorie Dillard Austin TX hope you enjoyed your vacation!  Yes for sure Gary is my hero.....I am lucky to have him in my life all the time!

Dec 04, 2023 02:41 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Wow! Thanks for sharing this story. Dolores had successful eye surgery and I am thankful that she did not have any adverse reactions to medications. Take good care of yourself.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Nov 22, 2023 09:24 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Roy Kelley I'm glad all went well for Delores eye surgery.   My eye surgery went well as well.  It was a few days afterwards that that new drug that had been prescribed kicked in and created all the havoc.  Thank God it's over now.

Dec 04, 2023 02:43 PM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

So glad you are better Anna. The surprises of CLEAR VISION and RANGE OF COLORS are two amazing results from cataract surgery! Take care

Nov 27, 2023 06:47 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-939-2727 it is pretty amazing to once again have clear vision and see the colors POP!

Dec 04, 2023 02:44 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

OH MY GOSH! I knew part of this story but, didn't know they were trying to keep you HOSTAGE for even longer than I thought!! We used to call it ICU-psychosis - the medical professionals INDUCE this and they have NO idea how scary it is. The constant blood draws and vital sign checks, lights-on-lights-off...it's MADDENING! I've been there, done that and know it's A THING! I'm so sorry you had to experience that. 

PLEASE thank Gary for us, for making sure you got out of there. He's our hero TOO! THANK YOU, GARY! And most importantly, I'm so glad to hear you're doing better, Anna. Holy moly - cataract surgery resulted in this - SO scary! Thank GOD you're okay. 

Thank you for sharing your hero with us here, Anna. What an amazing hero you have in your corner!

Nov 30, 2023 08:49 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Debe Maxwell, CRS your thoughts are my thoughts indeed about what 'they' create from all the craziness.  I don't think they actually care either. I went in with a serious  but simple drug reaction prescribed by my primary and then he doubled it which caused my sodium levels to drop very low. As the days went by they gave me more and more drugs and insisted I had this and that etc.  Total BS.  I was able to get off all that stuff - finally.  Add to all that the heating system wasn't working and it was HOT.  They turned on the AC and it was COLD.  Plus they were doing a total deconstruction of the rooms directly across from me.  Construction noise constantly, alarms going one and off.  As I sit here today it sounds like I'm making this crazy story up.  But sadly no, it happened. 

I am beyond thankful for Gary getting me out of there and on my way to getting back to normal.  It's been a month and I'm about 85 to 90% there.  Yes!  I am determined!  You can't keep a Banana Down - not possible!!

 

Everyone needs a hero (advocate) and it's so important we show up and help out our family and friends in these type of situations.  They need us.

Dec 01, 2023 09:10 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

You may have already said this, but they say the only prayer we. need in life is thank you.

Nov 30, 2023 09:31 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Can I just add that it’s good to have you around? well it is good to have you around, Ms. Banana :).. 

Nov 30, 2023 09:34 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Thanks Laura Cerrano it is indeed good to be around!!!

Dec 04, 2023 02:45 PM
faye schubert
Retired - Branson, MO
Living the Branson Lake Life

Wow, what a tough situation! Glad you have an advocate as that is so important to have someone battling for you. Get well soon!

Dec 01, 2023 05:50 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Doing much much better faye schubert - thank you so much!

Dec 04, 2023 02:45 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

You are so lucky to have such a wonderful hero right inside your own 4 walls. Thank you for sharing him with us Anna 🙂

Dec 01, 2023 10:27 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Indeed I am lucky to have Gary as my soul mate Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS !  Plus he's a lot of fun and smart too!

Dec 04, 2023 02:46 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Oh Boy, Anna "Banana" Kruchten, what an ace Gary is. You are so lucky to have him by your side. 

Dec 01, 2023 11:50 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

He is an ACE Hannah Williams !  A winner all the way around!

Dec 04, 2023 02:47 PM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

My wife recently had cataract surgery and it went well for her. I started reading your post with a smile thinking how relatable your story would be. 

Then...WOW...your story took a nasty turn!

I am pleased to read that you are now at home and in the good care of Gary the Wonder Husband. Best wishes for your recovery to continue without any more drama.

Dec 01, 2023 04:52 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi John Juarez I"m glad your wife had successful surgery as well.  It is pretty amazing!

I'm doing so much better now - thanks to Gary!

Dec 04, 2023 02:48 PM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

I am so glad you are okay and will be completely healed if you stay away from that hospital.  You are so right about people needing an advocate in the hospital. It is imperative to have someone to watch over you and protect you in the hospital. I know my husband would not be alive if I had not stayed with him every minute when he was in cardiac intensive care. 

Take good care of yourself and get strong enough to return the favor to Gary if need be!!

Dec 01, 2023 11:45 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

It's so important for folks to have an advocate when stuck in a hospital.  So much goes on that people have no idea about.  Thank God you were able to be there for your husband.  That must have been scary! I went though a similar story with my aunt many years ago.  We would have lost her way too early had I not been there and figured out what had happened.

Dec 04, 2023 02:50 PM
Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Anna "Banana" Kruchten - Well that was quite a scary experience! My mother always said, no surgery is easy. Perhaps that's why I get bothered when people talk about how excited they are to get cataract, knee, or hip surgery. 

I hope you are doing well by now and clearly you see things clearer and different before surgery without any further complications. Take care and know I always want what is best for you and Gary.

Dec 06, 2023 06:09 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Hi Anna-Glad to know that Gary took such good care of you.  I am not a fan of doctors. Hopefully by now you are fully recovered.  Wishing you and Gary a blessed and healthy 2024.

Dec 25, 2023 04:48 PM
Ricky Khamis
EPiQ Lending - Gilbert, AZ
NMLS 173141 | CADOC 173141 - 602-758-7425

Wow, what an ordeal you've been through! It's incredible to hear about your successful eye surgery, but the complications that followed sound truly challenging. It's a testament to Gary's dedication and quick thinking that he was there for you in such a critical moment. Calling 911 and getting you the urgent care you needed undoubtedly made a huge difference.

 

Your experience in the hospital, with the constant disturbances and the alarming reaction to medication, sounds really tough. It's understandable how eager you were to get back home to recover in peace. Gary stepping up to advocate for your discharge and taking care of you at home just shows the depth of his commitment and love.

 

It's heartwarming to hear how he juggled everything, from caring for the dogs to being by your side, ensuring you were comfortable and recovering well. His actions truly embody what it means to be a hero and a devoted partner.

 

I'm glad to hear you're on the mend now, and it's great to have you back on ActiveRain! Your story is a powerful reminder of the importance of having supportive loved ones during tough times. Here's to your continued recovery and the amazing support system you have in Gary. You're both an inspiration!

Dec 31, 2023 09:35 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Can't believe I did not see your post!  I knew you had issues, but good grief!  We'll have to chat about that drug and your interaction in person.   So very grateful you have each other and that you each fully support each other!  

Jan 03, 2024 10:11 AM
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Good Morning Anna "Banana" Kruchten 

Wow, that's quite a story! Glad you are home and mending well. So glad you had Gary there you. That had to be comforting

Feb 05, 2024 06:32 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hey Doug thanks for stopping by. I had forgotten I wrote that post and here it is months later.  The saga continued on for months AND.....thankfully and gratefully all is figured out now and good!  Crazy story that I just have to shake my head about and thank my lucky stars!

Feb 05, 2024 10:56 AM
Joyce M. Marsh
Luxury Home Couture - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes & Design

You definitely have an angel for a husband. Sounds like you both have been through quite an ordeal. Happy to hear that you’re on the mend.

Feb 10, 2024 11:04 AM