My 3 girls and I were set to sail on the Magic 3-16 to 3-23. This was to be our "girls only" trip. We had been planning this trip for months. I cannot tell you how excited we were. We had planned to spend a couple of days at the parks and then off to the Magic.
The Monday before we were to leave, I took myself to a walk-in medical clinic with stomach trouble. The doctor diagnosed me with an intestinal infection. I was given antibiotics by injection and by mouth. I was also given a prescription to help with the cramping. I was told to come back if I was not feeling better. Wednesday we were to fly out in the evening, I was still having stomach trouble so I called the clinic and was told to come in for another injection of antibiotics before we left. Mid morning I arrived at the clinic for the shot. I was escorted to the exam room where I prepared myself for the shot. I layed over the table with my face in my arms. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the nurse come in the room. She gave me the injection. I prepared to leave when she said there was one more injection. I asked her of what. She told me the first injection was Phenergen and the second was the antibiotic. I told her that I was unaware that I was going to be given more than one and I was concerned about the Phenergen. I explained to her that I was very sensitive to medication and was worried about the side affects. She said the only ones I had to worry about was being drowsy or sleepy. I trusted her and left. Within 30 minutes I started feeling very drowsy. I could hardly drive myself home. I managed to get in bed where I was completely out. It was now after 3:00 p.m. and time to pick up my children from school and head to the airport. I knew there was no way I was going anywhere. I'm not sure how I did it, but I managed to pick my girls up and come home. I fell back in bed. The next thing I remember it was 4:00 a.m. and I woke up having difficulty breathing. I sat up in bed feeling very groggy, it was then my arms, legs and jaw started twitching. The twitching became uncontrollable jerking movements, I could not even stand. I also had a dry mouth and dialated pupils. I wound up in the emergency room. The diagnosis was an overdose of Phenergen. I learned that I am allergic to Codeine. I was treated and released. It has been a week today and I am barely starting to get back to normal. The doctors are not sure of the long term neurological effects. I do know that I am not the same person I was. I still have muscle control problems and weakness. I am unable to drive and have problems focusing. Tomorrow is a follow-up with the neurologist and I hope and pray for good news.
The funny thing is, here I was in the ER and all I could think of was getting better so we could sail. When I came home from the hospital the first thing that I saw when I walked in the door were our suitcases. Very sad. My girls were very disappointed and I hated letting everyone down. I came to the realization that I really needed to focus on getting better. As silly as it sounds, all I could think about was missing the boat. I promised my girls that we would reschedule for this summer. I am determined to beat this thing and sail, but after checking the DCL site this morning it doesn't look like we will be able to. The prices are quite a bit higher than what we had.
My apologies for the long and rambling post. It feels so much better to share my experience. If I learned anything its to appreciate what you have and take life a little easier. In the long run your health is more important.
To those who are debating buying the insurance, buy it! Take it from me, you never know what can happen.
Thanks for listening,
Vonda
P.S. To my fellow 3-16 cruisers- have a great time - I still have the extra bottle of Safe Sea I picked up. LOLUpdate at bottom
The Monday before we were to leave, I took myself to a walk-in medical clinic with stomach trouble. The doctor diagnosed me with an intestinal infection. I was given antibiotics by injection and by mouth. I was also given a prescription to help with the cramping. I was told to come back if I was not feeling better. Wednesday we were to fly out in the evening, I was still having stomach trouble so I called the clinic and was told to come in for another injection of antibiotics before we left. Mid morning I arrived at the clinic for the shot. I was escorted to the exam room where I prepared myself for the shot. I layed over the table with my face in my arms. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the nurse come in the room. She gave me the injection. I prepared to leave when she said there was one more injection. I asked her of what. She told me the first injection was Phenergen and the second was the antibiotic. I told her that I was unaware that I was going to be given more than one and I was concerned about the Phenergen. I explained to her that I was very sensitive to medication and was worried about the side affects. She said the only ones I had to worry about was being drowsy or sleepy. I trusted her and left. Within 30 minutes I started feeling very drowsy. I could hardly drive myself home. I managed to get in bed where I was completely out. It was now after 3:00 p.m. and time to pick up my children from school and head to the airport. I knew there was no way I was going anywhere. I'm not sure how I did it, but I managed to pick my girls up and come home. I fell back in bed. The next thing I remember it was 4:00 a.m. and I woke up having difficulty breathing. I sat up in bed feeling very groggy, it was then my arms, legs and jaw started twitching. The twitching became uncontrollable jerking movements, I could not even stand. I also had a dry mouth and dialated pupils. I wound up in the emergency room. The diagnosis was an overdose of Phenergen. I learned that I am allergic to Codeine. I was treated and released. It has been a week today and I am barely starting to get back to normal. The doctors are not sure of the long term neurological effects. I do know that I am not the same person I was. I still have muscle control problems and weakness. I am unable to drive and have problems focusing. Tomorrow is a follow-up with the neurologist and I hope and pray for good news.
The funny thing is, here I was in the ER and all I could think of was getting better so we could sail. When I came home from the hospital the first thing that I saw when I walked in the door were our suitcases. Very sad. My girls were very disappointed and I hated letting everyone down. I came to the realization that I really needed to focus on getting better. As silly as it sounds, all I could think about was missing the boat. I promised my girls that we would reschedule for this summer. I am determined to beat this thing and sail, but after checking the DCL site this morning it doesn't look like we will be able to. The prices are quite a bit higher than what we had.
My apologies for the long and rambling post. It feels so much better to share my experience. If I learned anything its to appreciate what you have and take life a little easier. In the long run your health is more important.
To those who are debating buying the insurance, buy it! Take it from me, you never know what can happen.
Thanks for listening,
Vonda
P.S. To my fellow 3-16 cruisers- have a great time - I still have the extra bottle of Safe Sea I picked up. LOLUpdate at bottom
I do hope you recover fully and you can re-schedule that trip for when you feel better. Take care!
