Friday, July 11, 2008

Friday, July 11 - MRI

Ok, so today was the day that Matt had his MRI done - you'd think that would be uneventul, but ofcourse there's a story to go along with that...so the MRI machine is not in the hospital, we had to rent an ambulance to drive him there and drop him off again at the hospital as he wouldn't be able to get into a car, or even sit in it. This time, the ampulance was up todate with the times, trouble is, Matt's a big dude...it took 8 people to move him from the stretcher into the ambulance stretcher. Sad part is, they had couple older nurses helping, as well as patients and he almost slipped in between the two beds in the process as his foot got caught in the middle...but, he got into it ok...so, we arrive at the MRI building, and the facility is very new and they can't take the stretcher in there, not to mention to the actual MRI machine...what to do...they ambulance guy looked fit and tall, but only about 150 lb (compared to Matt's about 250 lb)...so, he decided that the only way to get Matt from the ambulance to the MRI was to carry him - yup - Matt sat up and this slim guy pulled him out by arms and carried him on his back! I didn't know if I should take a picture or try to hold Matt up - turned out to be quite the strong dude...so, once we got him in the building, we sat him down, but by then Matt's in so much pain he can't sit, so now we've got him spread out on 3 chairs laying. There was more man working in the MRI so that managed to get him set up there. Matt said he felt extremely clostorphobic in there and almost freaked. And then guess what, the slim but strong ambulance guy carried Matt back to the ambulance on his back again, but walked in another door, so now Matt was in the ambulance, head at the back, where the big door opens. The MRI results were available with in 15 minutes, and considering, they were reasonably priced. So, we get to the hospital after what felt to Matt as a very bumpy ride...and once again, he had to be moved. By this time, his buddy was waiting and eager to help out. So, they are pulling Matt out of the ambulance (head first remember) and the first set of weels comes out, but the second one doesn't and they drop the stretcher feet down!!! Matt seems to be ok, but it looked really really bad. This time, it only took 4 stronger individuals to move him over.
So, the MRI showed what was suspected, he has a herniated disk, which means we're coming home, but when is unsure at this time. Doctor just said today that he wants Matt in the hospital for another week (July 18th). We have been in contact with the insurance company, so they have our case started. Since medical evacuations are based on live and death situations, we'll hav to stay here until Matt is able to sit the two shorter flights (over sees he'll be able to lie down in 1st class). So, that's where we're at. He is feeling a bit better, but the news of him staying in the hospital another week got him down a bit. His buddy is this weekend, but already promissed to visit him and play more bridge with their ukrainian playboy cards! (T is ace, B is jack, Ukrainian D is Queen - takes a bit of practice to keep things straight especially when you're learning a new game!)

So, now that we have a plan set out, we both feel a bit better. Situation sucks, but we at least know what we're doing. I can't emphasize how much help our adoption agency has been through this unfortunate situation. They drove me around to pay all the bills, everytime they stop by they bring a goodie bag for Matt - they really seem like our parents of Kiev - and also great thanks to Daria in Toronto who has done a TON of work for us not related to the adoption. They really do work from the Heart - very appropriate for their company name! Thanks Daria!!!

Bit of info on Kiev...although I haven't seen much so far, and propably won't under the circumstances, I keep taking a detour here and there, and it is such a pretty city. Their parks here are so well manicured and kept up, with the odd cafe in the middle. The people are always very well put together, and ladies -you'd be amazed at all the shoes that the women here wear - all high heels - I have to get a pair before we leave - they are works of art!

Well, again thanks for all the comments and e-mails, I read them all and tell Matt all about them. One of you was asking about the e-mail address again, so here' it is: mattsylvia2008@live.ca

4 comments:

Kevin and Tammy said...

If they could do an epidural pain injection on him before you leave he might be able to get home with the pain. My husband has had many of these and it seems to help. They would need to give it to him a couple of days before you would leave. It takes that long for the medication to start working. I am not sure if this is available there, but maybe it would help with his pain threshold until you can get him home. Please e-mail us at dianehuck@aol.com if you would like to talk more. We have been living this scenario for about five years now.
Tammy

ArtworkByRuth said...

Sylvia and Matt,
I really fell off reading your blog, so sorry to hear of the turn of events, it sounds like you have what you need at this point? We have several friends living in Ukraine if you still need something! God Bless!

Littleone said...

Wishing you both all the best. This sure has been a rough road for you both. Any idea what will happen with the adoption process?

Murray and Donna said...

Dear Matt & Syliva - Our hearts go out to you. And we pray Matt will travel home well and recovery soon. Maybe this is all happening for a reason, and we hope he has a speedy recovery.