• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

August 2, 2018

My First Ride in an Ambulance!

There is a day, a moment, when summer really feels like ‘summer’. You’ve experienced that too, right? It’s the perfect temperature and you’re in the perfect place and all seems right with the world.

Well, this was that day. We were at the pool with friends, the kids were happily playing in the water and we moms were happily chatting and soaking up the sun. I was religiously applying sunscreen, staying hydrated, wearing my sun hat and going for the occasional dip in the water to cool off. But, it was hot. And getting hotter by the minute.

After a couple of hours, it was time for us to leave so that we could get ready for my son’s basketball game that evening. I loaded up all of our gear into my giant TJ Maxx reusable shopping bag (those are the BEST for the pool/beach/lake!) and we went into the lobby and up to the front desk so that I could pay to renew our membership. I bent all the way down to get my wallet out of my purse and stood straight back up and instantly knew something was wrong.

I managed to get my debit card out of my wallet and as I tried to hand it to the sweet gal behind the counter the room began to spin, the noises around me became dim and I had the thought that I probably needed to sit down.

That’s the last thing I remember.

The next thing I knew, I was waking up. I was pretty sure I was in my own bed and it was morning but I couldn’t understand why there were all of these people standing over me. As the voices became clearer and the fog surrounding my brain began to lift a bit, I realized that I was on the hard, slate tile floor of the lobby and, unfortunately, not at home in my nice soft bed. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see my daughter nervously standing a little bit away, clutching her towel and fighting back tears.

I don’t really remember much about those first few minutes but apparently this is how it all went and if anyone would every like to experience a re-enactment, my daughter will happily oblige as she has relished being the only one who can give people a blow-by-blow of the entire event.

  1. After falling straight back from a standing position, I landed on the floor and my head promptly smacked the tile. Supposedly I screamed/shouted as it happened but I have no memory of that.
  2. A whole bunch of really nice people ran over to help.
  3. An ambulance was called.
  4. My daughter ran out to tell our friends what had happened and, thankfully, one of them is a nurse.
  5. I opened my eyes, took a look at everyone around me and said in a very cheerful voice, “Hi!”
  6. After they explained what had happened, they asked me if they could call my husband and I was able to rattle off his phone number which was a good sign that my brain was functioning.
  7. I looked up again and said, “Oh I’m so embarrassed.”
  8. I put my hand on the back of my head and when I pulled it away it was covered in blood.
  9. I told everyone I couldn’t go in an ambulance to the hospital because I was supposed to work the concession stand at my son’s basketball game.
  10. I repeatedly asked my terrified daughter if she was ok and tried to reassure her that everything was going to be fine.
  11. I tried to sit up to prove to everyone that I was just fine and when the room began spinning again I realized I was not going to be walking out of there on my own.
  12. My friend (who is a nurse) came rushing in and began checking me over and I turned to her and said, “I can’t believe this happened while I’m wearing a bathing suit and coverup. Well, at least I shaved!”
  13. The paramedics arrived with my husband right behind and after they asked me a bunch of questions, I was loaded onto the stretcher and wheeled out of the facility and into the ambulance.
  14. I told the paramedics, “This is my first ride in one of these!”

After arriving at the emergency room, I was wheeled in and parked in a hallway where I remained for the entire 3 hours that we were at the hospital. The only time I was moved into a ‘room’ (it was more like a glorified storage closet) was when they had to do an EEG and I flat out refused to have them stick the things on my chest out in the open because it would have involved pulling down my bathing suit right there in front of everyone. I was determined to hold onto any last shred of dignity I could muster up in that moment.

I was moved back into the hallway for all of the remaining tests which eventually revealed that my blood pressure, sugar levels and hydration levels were all normal. Apparently the combination of overheating and then bending down to get my wallet and standing straight up again is what caused me to pass out.

While my levels might have all been normal, what wasn’t normal was the almost 1 inch gash in the back of my head which required six (SIX) staples. Yep.

I felt a little bit like a DIY project as I heard the staples going in and was very grateful that they had numbed the area, even though it hurt like the dickens when they used the numbing needle.

After what seemed like forever, I was put through a battery of ‘tests’ prior to being released to make sure I wasn’t going to pass out again and gratefully leaned on my husband as he led us out of the hospital. They warned me about the side effects I might experience and I asked them if I had a concussion to which they replied, “No.”

In the days that followed, I experienced severe dizziness. There were times at night when it felt like our bedroom had been picked up by a tornado and I was so sure that I was falling out of our bed that I would be grasping for my husband. I had to have help getting up and down our stairs and just the slightest turn of my head would result in the room beginning to spin. When I would wake up in the morning, I would have to sit very still on the edge of the bed before I could attempt to stand up. It was all very scary and frustrating.

After a week had passed, I went to see my personal physician to have the staples removed and she was none too happy to hear that they ER staff had informed me that I didn’t have a concussion because I, in fact, had a level 2 concussion with whiplash thrown in for good measure. This explained SO much and even though I was fairly angry with the hospital for not properly diagnosing me, I was relieved to have some answers and help. It was about as fun having the staples removed as it was having them put in but I was just grateful to get those stupid things out of my head.

Weeks later, I still experience a little bit of dizziness here and there but every day is better. The injured area on the back of my head has been slower to fully heal and is still pretty tender but it too is getting better each day and I can finally run a brush through my hair without having to be super careful.

Throughout all of this ordeal, I’ve had many reminders of an overarching theme in my life. Namely, my desire to control all the things, all the time.

For example, as my husband was carefully escorting me into the house after arriving home from the hospital I pointed at the trash cans in the garage and said, “Don’t forget to put those out on the curb tonight.” Completely dizzy, barely can walk, blood caked on the back of head and I’m making sure we don’t miss trash day. Good grief. Controlling much?

It was very, very hard for me to be still. To not answer emails. To not write blog posts. Granted, it hurt my head to even look at a screen but my nature is to just push through the pain so that I can keep all of those balls in the air.

Taking the time to allow my body to properly heal has not been easy and yet it’s allowed me the opportunity to have reminders of just how loved and cared for I really am. To have my children express their worry and concern for me and rise to the occasion by being extra helpful. To hear my sweet husband a couple of weeks after the ‘incident’ finally, as he choked back tears, be able to tell me how scared he really was and how helpless he felt when he was following the ambulance knowing I was inside. To have parents and in-laws and friends offering to help and showing such care.

And I’ve just been so overwhelmed with gratefulness.

Gratefulness that it wasn’t any worse than it was.

Gratefulness that I fell backward instead of forward potentially avoiding damage to my face and knocked out teeth.

Gratefulness that at the exact moment I hit the floor my precious daughter was actually facing the other direction and didn’t have the added trauma of actually seeing me fall.

Gratefulness that if I was going to go to the emergency room in my bathing suit at least I had a coverup on and had shaved my legs.

I know I’ve been more quiet here this summer. I’ve been able to get a few things written here and there but mostly I’ve been just relishing time with family and friends and getting back to normal (whatever that is!). But you guys are my community and I felt like it was important to keep you in the loop and let you know what’s been going on behind the scenes here.

Thank you for being people with whom I can share my crazy life. My home, my kids, my faith and yes, even my first ride in an ambulance! 😉

Love to you all,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28 Comments Filed Under: Community, Good Thoughts

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « I Am Made Like Martha
Next Post: French Country Home Tour »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marilyn says

    August 2, 2018 at 3:24 PM

    Sorry about your fall. I know what it is to faint. I have done it numerous times,especially in church. Once when I fainted I wound up in the pew in front of me. I have never figured how that happened. Happy that you are on the mend. Take it easy. God Bless.
    Marilyn

    Reply
  2. Peggy says

    August 2, 2018 at 3:30 PM

    So very sorry to hear about your injury and so happy to read that you are recovering. That had to be so scary for you and your family. Take care !

    Reply
  3. Shannon says

    August 2, 2018 at 3:33 PM

    Oh Vanessa that does not sound like any fun at all! I’m so sorry to hear about your fall and injury. And I know it’s such a little thing but it really is a blessing when you can brush your hair again after something like that! I’m not at all surprised that your family and friends rallied around you. I hope you continue to feel better, and I’m glad you weren’t hurt worse than you were!!

    Reply
  4. Christine says

    August 2, 2018 at 4:03 PM

    I am so glad to hear that you are ok, and speaking from experience share that you really need to be gentle with yourself and slow down! It is hard to do, but a must. Enjoy knowing the love and care you are receiving is the abundance you have shared, so it now comes back to you! Rest easy, friend. We are happy to see your posts again when you are ready!

    Reply
  5. Kim says

    August 2, 2018 at 4:17 PM

    Oh, Vanessa, that is so scary. Shame on them not diagnosing the concussion. I had one many years ago and I too was so dizzy with any little movement. So glad you are on the mend!

    Reply
  6. Julia says

    August 2, 2018 at 4:19 PM

    So thankful you are on the mend! Having family to take care of you is such a blessing! Continue healing and letting others take care of you.

    Reply
  7. valarie sanford says

    August 2, 2018 at 4:32 PM

    oh my goodness Vanessa, praise the Lord you are alright…what a harrowing time, welcome back!

    Reply
  8. Jane says

    August 2, 2018 at 5:11 PM

    Oh, how terrible! But I’m glad that you are better. Please continue to take it easy.

    Reply
  9. Teresa Hargis says

    August 2, 2018 at 5:45 PM

    Praise Our Good Lord & Savior that you are improving daily…Continue to take it as easy as possible and let your body heal..Head injuries can be very serious..Sending all my love & prayers.

    Reply
  10. Cindy says

    August 2, 2018 at 5:46 PM

    So glad your ok ! Prayers !

    Reply
  11. Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says

    August 2, 2018 at 5:51 PM

    Wow – what a story – so scary! I am glad you are healing and that it wasn’t too serious. I have passed out a few times in my life so I feel for you. I have low blood pressure and I think that has something to do with my issue. The comments you said during the ordeal were very cute. I am sure everyone was happy that you still seemed like yourself. I hope you are feeling better and better each day!
    Shelley

    Reply
  12. Marie says

    August 2, 2018 at 7:01 PM

    What a scary experience. So happy to hear that you are on the mend. Take it easy, let your family wait on you and thank you for sharing your experience.

    Reply
  13. Patty says

    August 2, 2018 at 7:10 PM

    Dear Vanessa,
    Thanks so much for sharing such a scary experience with us. I’m so sorry that it happened to you, but so thankful that you are getting better. It should make us all realize how truly fragile life is – how quickly our lives can change. Do continue to take care of yourself!

    Reply
  14. Esther says

    August 2, 2018 at 7:29 PM

    Welcome back Vanessa. Take care you of you. Hugs.

    Reply
  15. Esther says

    August 2, 2018 at 7:30 PM

    Welcome back Vanessa. Take care of you. Hugs.

    Reply
  16. Sharon says

    August 2, 2018 at 8:33 PM

    Vanessa, I am so happy that you are okay after your scary ordeal. Continue taking it easy and enjoy all the spoiling you’re getting. 💕

    Reply
  17. Jamie Davis says

    August 2, 2018 at 10:08 PM

    Oh my Vanessa! What an ordeal! So glad you are okay and on the road to recovery!!😘

    Reply
  18. Anja says

    August 3, 2018 at 5:37 AM

    Dear Vanessa, Glad you’re feeling better .
    It must be scary to everyone involved. Hopefully you will be able to be a bit less controlling . Carpe Diem.

    Reply
  19. Rhonda says

    August 3, 2018 at 7:23 AM

    Sorry to hear about your fall but thankfully you had friends that were there to be of medical assistance. It’s so alarming to know of how many miss diagnosis that happen in ER it could have been far more serious after your fall if you would have been driving with your children in the car and had a dizzy spell do to the concussion. So glad to hear your on the up side. God is with you.
    Rhonda

    Reply
  20. margaret says

    August 3, 2018 at 7:35 AM

    I’m sorry about injury but glad that you are going to be ok.
    Take it easy until you are fully recovered.

    Reply
  21. Pamela Fishel says

    August 3, 2018 at 8:16 AM

    Take your time. We aren’t going anywhere.

    Reply
  22. Mary says

    August 3, 2018 at 9:22 AM

    How scary! I’m so glad you are getting better!

    Reply
  23. LindaSonia says

    August 3, 2018 at 1:03 PM

    and love to you as well….. we don’t know one another in person only through this blog, but I am so relieved to read you are going to be okay and it wasn’t any worse. Worse enough yes, but …..
    Take good care – a concerned cyber friend… 🙂

    Reply
  24. Vanessa Prohaska says

    August 3, 2018 at 11:55 PM

    Oh my! I’m so glad you’re back and feel better. Take one day at a time. God bless.

    Reply
  25. Sandy says

    August 4, 2018 at 4:15 PM

    Prayers for you as you continue your full recovery. Thank you for sharing. We have to remember every day is a gift.

    Reply
  26. Michele M says

    August 6, 2018 at 1:26 AM

    Oh, my goodness, Vanessa! How truly frightening!!

    Well, praise be to God for you being ok – wow – what an ordeal.

    Whew.

    Well I am super glad you are taking it slow blogging and enjoying the summer – you need it and deserve it big time.

    Take care, will be sending up some prayers for you and your family.

    Reply
  27. Laura at Duke manor farm says

    August 6, 2018 at 12:23 PM

    Oh Vanessa, what a scary situation for you and your daughter to witness. Although not funny at all ….the shaving comment made me chuckle. Take care sweet friend.

    Reply
  28. Diane Lawrence says

    August 8, 2018 at 8:51 AM

    WOW, Vanessa! I am so grateful that you had immediate help when you fell! There is NO WAY that you can fall over backwards, hit your head on the tile and NOT have a concussion!! Having been in the medical field for years, I have seen very little education on head injuries. Thankful your doctor knew what to look for. And so thankful that you are on the mend! Speaking from experience, take your time to heal, my friend!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

Grandma’s Banana Bread

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023
  • Nostalgic Christmas Home Tour December 10, 2022
  • Vintage Inspired Hot Cocoa Bar November 21, 2022
  • Autumn Home Decor Tour October 7, 2022
  • Built In Shelving Makeover in Family Room August 31, 2022

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake a I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake and grabbed a banana out of the freezer and was about to put it into my shake before I realized it was a frozen egg roll. Sooooo that's how my day is going so far! 🤪How about you?

It's honestly fairly representative of my state of mind these days as I can't seem to make the date on the calendar match the date in my spirit because it feels like it should be January 45th. Every year this month drags on and every year it seems to surprise me for some reason. In addition, my heart just feels heavy as I witness a lot of darkness and sadness around me. So, I'm choosing to control what I can control by making my house feel as cozy as possible, relishing the sunshine whenever it dares to peek through the clouds, gathering inspiration for warmer weather projects and, most importantly, resting in the comfort of the sovereignty of my Father.

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work..." Job 37:5-7
What if you could do something at the beginning of What if you could do something at the beginning of your day that would be a gift to yourself later on? That’s what we’re talking about on this week’s Tip Tuesday! #tiptuesday
The sun decided to make another appearance today! The sun decided to make another appearance today! It’s been such a lovely Sunday. Chocolate croissants for breakfast followed by church then naps/football/reading/etc and soon we’ll be heading out to dinner with friends. These are my favorite kind of weekends. Hope yours has been lovely too! 🌿
Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshi Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshine is breaking through the fog and my house just seems happier. We definitely needed to see that light streaming in through the windows and it’s a gift I don’t take for granted.

And yes, there are still twinkle lights on my mantle because those help when the sunshine goes away again. ✨
Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here i Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here in the Willamette Valley has me feeling less frustrated about my migraine forcing me to just snuggle up indoors and these flowers in my kitchen are lifting my spirits. What are you up to on this holiday weekend?
It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offe It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offering a gentle reminder from my own parenting experience after feeling my heart pricked with conviction about what was waiting for my daughter every day after school. I hope it will encourage you! 🌿#tiptuesday
The day after Christmas I found myself laundering The day after Christmas I found myself laundering and folding all of the linens we used the previous night as we hosted my husband's side of the family for dinner and other festivities. As I laid out each cloth napkin and folded them one by one, I couldn't help but be struck by what a simple, yet meaningful, task it was. It's such an honor and privilege to be the hostess and, at this stage of my life, I realize that this has almost one hundred percent become my role now. Our parents are in their 70's and have either downsized significantly or simply don't have the energy to take on hosting duties for a large group. I could resent this. I could feel overwhelmed by it. But, instead, I'm choosing to embrace it knowing that, someday, I too will pass the hosting torch and I hope that I will be welcomed with love and attentiveness. So, I fold the linen napkins, taking pleasure in the way all of the creases line up and how neat and tidy they look in the drawer of my dining room buffet. These seemingly simple chores are part of the lifeblood of homemaking and my attitude towards them can either be one of gratefulness or grumbly-ness (yes, I'm making up words now). 

And I’m choosing gratefulness. 

“This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.” (Elisabeth Elliot⁣)
Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kic Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kicking off the year with a brand new series! Each weekly installment will feature a tip for everything from your home to faith to parenting to family life and so much more. My goal for 2023 is to have far more personal interaction with this community while continuing on with the mission of weaving together all things heart and home. I hope you enjoy this first tip and I’d love to hear from you about whether or not you decorate for winter! 
#tiptuesday #organizing #winterdecorating
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. H “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” 

Here’s to beginnings. Happy new year friends! May you experience the majesty and sovereignty of the Lord in 2023 like never before! ✨
Oh how I love this week each year! It’s my favor Oh how I love this week each year! It’s my favorite for sure. Everything is still festive and decorated but there’s none of the stress of the cooking and wrapping and making preparations. It’s the week where we get to take everything slowly and simply enjoy being together while the house still has twinkling lights and we can just be cozy.

What about you? How will you be spending this week? ✨
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence