Crashed in the ICU

My “But God” moment began on a Sunday morning in 2009. I woke up to get ready for church and the left side of my face was paralyzed!  While my family and I were on our way to church,  the pain had become so intense that we ended up going to ER instead.  The result was a diagnosis of Bels Palsy.   A routine MRI  was folllowed by a nearly immediate call from my Neurologist.  I was home alone when I took his urgent call. He told me I had something called Arnold Chiari Malformation and that he wanted to see me right away.  We learned that Chiari was causing the falls, unbearable headaches and passing out that I was experiencing.   I was referred to specialists at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center .  There, Doctors confirmed the diagnosis and scheduled a very serious procedure: decompression surgery.  Normally, I am very independent person. My discomfort was suddently compounded by the fact that I was dependent upon the help of others.  It was a terrifying time for me!  There were many questions coming to mind: “Would I live?,  Would I die?, Will I be here for my son’s graduation?,  What would my husband do if I didn’t make it?,  Or Was I going to be a vegetable?”  My reality was filled with uncertainties and many tears!  BUT GOD was with me and gave me peace on the day of the surgery.  I am thankful for all of the prayers –  it was as if I was in a protective bubble.  In a halo to stabilize my neck and laying face down the entire time, I was in surgery for a full seven hours. Upon transferring me to the Intensive Care Unit, the medical staff warned my family of my appearance.  It was shocking to see!  At this point, the pain level was unbearable and the doctors were having difficulty getting it under control.  At a certain point later in the day, I could sense my body shutting down. It felt quiet and peaceful – I thought that I was dying. My family told me later that alarms went off and nurses came running trying to stabilize me.  BUT GOD stepped in and brought me back!  It has been quite a journey, but God has been with me.  I am so thankful that He stepped in…right on time! 

Melissa Coffin