Hi everyone, I'm Liz O'Brien's husband, and she wanted me to inform everyone that she has not been ignoring the list lately. She's been in the hospital with a rare auto-immune encephalitis called ADEM. It was very serious and very scary, and, for a while there, we thought we might be losing her. She has made a great comeback with steroids and plasma pheresis, which is a blood washing, more or less. She'll have four more of these treatments and then will move on to a rehab hospital for some therapy for a month or two. She's still pretty weak, having some trouble focusing, and her speech is a little slow, but the doctor's are hopeful for a full recovery. Anyone who knows her and wishes to send a card or a note or a magazine or something (she's not too into flower arrangements...thinks they're too morbid) can send it to: Liz O'Brien 180 Metacomet St. Belchertown, MA 01007 I bring stuff to her on a daily basis, and it makes her feel good. But, what's really important right now are the positive healing thoughts that have been coming her way, so, if nothing else, please send some of these if you have a spare moment. She an unbelievable person, who considers you all her friends. We're all hoping she'll be back participating in your discussions soon. Peace, Steve O'Brien
[ December 06, 2004, 09:57 AM: Message edited by: Elizabeth ]
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
My Gosh Steve, that's unbelievable! Thank you so much for letting us know. *bewildered*
Posted by solo (Member # 3148) on :
Good thoughts are heading your way!
Thanks for letting us know.
Posted by Speed (Member # 5162) on :
Holy cow, I'd noticed that she hadn't been around, but I didn't think it would be something like this. I'm so glad she's okay. There's something I've been meaning to send her, and I guess this would be a really good time to do it. I'm sending it direct from the seller, so if you get a package from Colorado that you don't remember sending for, that's from me.
Hope she feels better. Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
thanks steve. I wish her well.
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Thanks for letting us know. It's good to hear that she is expected to recover, though I'm sorry she had to go through this experience at all. Best wishes to her for a speedy recovery!
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Wow! Thanks for telling us! <sends prayers and wellwishes to Elizabeth>
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Oh my goodness gracious! I hope she gets better superfast!! Posted by Stan the man (Member # 6249) on :
(((Elizabeth & Family)))
Glad she's getting better.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Thank you for telling us!!! Our thoughts and prayers are definitely with her.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Steve, Thanks for letting us know. I am glad that she seems to be doing better, and she is in our prayers. I too had noticed that she wasn't around as much, but I figured taht she had just taken a quick break....with all the school stuff and your own kids it can get to be a bit much.
I will be sending a card this weekend, and JenniK and I don't live very far away; we live in Chicopee, so I imagine it won't take long for it to get there.
God Bless!
Kwea
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
*just mailed a card*
I'm in Israel, so mine might take a little longer...
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Steve,
Thanks so much for letting us know! We started a thread just last week asking about her because no one had heard from her in a few days and we were very worried -- mainly because in her last post, she complained that her eyesight was getting very fuzzy and wouldn't clear up! So we knew she was thinking of going to the doctor.
It was so good of you to give us the update. I will definately send her a card, but in the meantime, she has my whole family praying for her.
Farmgirl
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
I think Elizabeth might be able to wallpaper a room with the get well cards incoming - mine will be in the mail soonish.
I'm glad she's doing better Steve, for your family and ours.
-Trevor
Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
I'd been wondering where our wonderful lady punster was. I'm glad to hear that she is improving and I'm sending positive thoughts your way as I type. I'll be sending a card today. Thank you, Steve, for letting us know.
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Steve, thank you for the update. {{{{{Healing hugs}}}} for both of you.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
I'm glad to hear she will be okay Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Thanks for keeping us posted. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Dagonee
[ November 27, 2004, 10:20 AM: Message edited by: Dagonee ]
Posted by aspectre (Member # 2222) on :
Thanks for telling us that she is making good progress in treatment.
Posted by jexx (Member # 3450) on :
Steve, thank you so much for letting us know what happened. We were all concerned, I know, because Your Liz is special to us. She is lucky to have you (and you know you are lucky to have her! *smile*). I'm so glad she is diagnosed and recieving treatment. Please let her know that I am thinking of her and praying for her and your family.
(((Elizabeth, Steve and family)))
Posted by DocCoyote (Member # 5612) on :
Our family's best thoughts go to you and yours.
Lisa
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
((((Liz & Steve)))) That's scary, but I'm glad to see it's turning out ok.
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
*Thinking good thoughts*
No, wait, not just good thoughts. I mean, REALLY good thoughts. Heck, just really, amazingly super FANTASTIC thoughts Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
I had read that thread with fascination and kept waiting to hear back from Liz about what the doctor said. I figured she was just too busy, what with the holiday and all.
Is that your address? (I'm just making sure that's not where she is right now. When she's transferred to rehab, we can still send stuff to that addy, right?) It might make some sense for some of us to hold off for a week or two, or three, so that there isn't a huge rush of mail and then nothing.
So, Liz, glad you're doing better and I hope you get to feeling better soon. I'll wait to send you a card, though. Now, all I have to do is remember. . . Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Liz, Steve, and the whole O'Brien clan -- We're praying for a quick and complete recovery. Please tell Liz that we miss her puns and her musical promotions. This must've been so frightening. Very glad to hear the good news that she's going to recover and that it seems the most threatening part is over. We're sending a package to liven up her convalescence, but for now please just tell her that we're thinking of her and miss her terribly!
Dana_&_Bob
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Sara's physician vibe of "something not right" was correct on this one. Best wishes Elisabeth and family.
AJ
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Thanks for letting us know, Steve. Tell Liz that we're all thinking of her.
space opera
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Thanks for letting us know, Steve! We were worried.
So glad the prognosis is good. Tell her to hurry up and get better -- we miss her!
Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :
Oh, poor Liz. Poor Steve.
*good thoughts and healing vibes
I'll send something tomorrow.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Jenni and I made her a card today, and i will send it out tomorow.
I hope she continues to do well, ans is home as soon as possible, for her sake as well as her families sake as well....
Kwea
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
I'll be a-cardsendin' as soon as I'm back at school tomorrow. Thank you for sharing news with us, we'll be thinking of liz. Hugs and good thoughts for the family!
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
I'm really glad to hear you're on the mend, Liz.
Thanks for thinking of us all and letting us know. (I consider you my friend too. And you liked my angry signature so I consider you a good friend.)
Best wishes to you and your family.
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
God, I was worried. I'm so glad she's going to be OK. I promise I'll mail something. I read the thread but didn't post.
I'm so glad she's going to be OK. Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
I've been worried too. Thanks Steve, for letting us know what was going on. I'm glad that Elizabeth decided to go to a doctor! I'll be thinking of her, and look forward to when she is feeling well enough to post here again. I hope that you and the rest of your family are holding up okay--having a partner or family member go thought something like that would be hell, no doubt about it.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I am alive and well and in rehab with a seldom used computer!
Thank you all sooo much for the good thoughts and wishes. You cannot know how much it meant. I knew I had posted here last about my eye issue and I wanted to make sure Steve somehow let people know what was going on.
It is a weird thing. ADEM or something, but they also call it Guiallaume Baree. I remember hearing about a couple people who had it once. I was very very lucky to get through it and feel a bit strange about life right now.
Rehab is SOOOO much better than the hospital, which was an excellent place (Kwea make sure you and Jenni go to Baystate if you ever have to-what a great hospital!)to keep alive, but I was so tired and down. Now I have wheel chair mobility and I feel a thousand times better than I even did this afternoon. I am not an in-room type. I am a talker and I like to have people around.
I am so touched by the gifts and cards. It is such a wonderful outpouring of love and support. Thank you all so much. I truly believe your thoughts added to the mix to bring me back from the brink.
Truly, deeply, and sincerely grateful for my Hatrack friends,
Liz
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Liz!!!!
I'm so glad to hear that you're up and about. If the computer is not often used, it's probably degenerating. You'll need to use it frequently so it can build up its muscles.
::Good wishes and prayers for your continued recovery::
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
<dogpile Liz!> <gently>
Yippee!!! So great to hear from you!
So, are you feeling up to punning yet?
autoimmune? Is that where you aren't allowed to ride in cars?
I've just been dying to use that one.
I hope you feel 100% really really soon!
my only e-mail is now: bscopatz at data-nexus.com
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Yay! Yay! Yay!
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
Ahem.
I'm glad you're back and I suppose I should apologize now for the puns.
-Trevor
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
quote:autoimmune? Is that where you aren't allowed to ride in cars?
Dammit, I was planning on using that. But I was going to give her a chance to get her Bareengs first.
Dagonee
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
You just have to be ADEM sight faster to beat me to the pun, Dag.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Liz!!!!! *very careful tackle hug*
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Liz beat the Guiallaumonster.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Pfft. Everybody knows that autoimmune means that she can't be hurt by cars. It's like a superpower. Now she can freak people out by running out into traffic and stuff.
Elizabeth, that's so great that you're feeling better, and improving so rapidly! This just makes my day!
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Too bad Shan wasn't autoimmune when her grandma decided to back over her.
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Ya-ay! Welcome back! You're alive! How wonderful!!! Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
Ya know Raia, I really think "You're alive!" is covered in the whole "welcome back" idea.
-Trevor
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Hooray! Elizabeth is back! Keep on getting better!
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
You assume too much, my friend.
[Edit--Trevor, I mean]
[ December 02, 2004, 07:28 PM: Message edited by: Noemon ]
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Now Liz can get back up and ADEM.
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
Until you added the edit Noemon, I was really beginning to wonder.
-Trevor
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Yay! I'm so glad you're feeling better Liz and out of hospital.
*gentle hug*
Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
Liz,
I'm so glad that you are improving. I'm still sending my most positive vibes your way.
BTW, I suggest that autoimmune is the rallying cry of those that walk where they need to go. These folks can always snicker when they walk past a broken down vehicle and say "Ahh tow immune am I"
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
LIZ!
Yay for being out of the hospital! Yay for having computer access! Yay for being up and about!
(the only problem is that you got back here so quick I haven't had a chance to send you a card yet! )
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Welocome back Liz! Nice to hear you are doing much netter, jenni and I were worried about you.
Where should we send the cards we bought for you? They have been sitting on the counter for 4 days now...
Kwea
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Nor have I rivka.
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
Yay!!!!
Posted by sarahdipity (Member # 3254) on :
Oh wow, I missed this. Liz I'm so glad to hear you're all right. What is ADEM and how does one get it?
So where are you staying? And are you allowed to have visitors?
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
YEAY! *runs in circles*
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
Well, I hope the old address is still right because I mailed something today before she posted. Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
You know what, this news is so good that I'm going to do the wave again.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Thank you all! Unfrtunately, my aversion to smilies just sent me back into a terrible tailspin. I will have to remain in my rom with the Oops-I Crapped-My Pants woman for the rest of the day now. Ha ha.
I can't believe how callous a group can be to actually start making PUNS the first moment I am back. I thought I was pretty ADEMent about how seriously I would be taking life now. Really, pun team, couldn't you have a little patients?
Dag, I LOVE my book, and it is giving me some great down time. I can read again which is HUGE, and my dad got me "Angels and Demons" which I enjoy greatly. I will be needing a series suggestion in a day or two. Someone suggested Rhapsody??
Thank you again for the warm welcome. As far as what ADEM is, they are also calling it Guiallaume Barre or something. Maybe Sara knows more about t. It is something which attacked my nervous system like encephalitis and menengitis.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Kwea' I am at:
Spaulding Rehabilitation Program at Park View Specialty Hospital 1400 State St Springfield, MA 01109
Posted by Theca (Member # 1629) on :
I have a medical program with some good information. I can email it liz if you were interested. Here's the general scoop:
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis — Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is classically described as a uniphasic syndrome occurring in association with an immunization or vaccination (postvaccination encephalomyelitis) or systemic viral infection (parainfectious encephalomyelitis). Pathologically, there is perivascular inflammation, edema, and demyelination within the CNS. Clinically patients present with the rapid development of focal or multifocal neurologic dysfunction.
Posted by ginette (Member # 852) on :
Wow Elizabeth, I am so happy you got through this all!!! Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Yeah - like we understood all that Theca?
Actually, I had a good friend that had this type of enchephalitis (?) a few years back.
Liz -- I am very very happy to see you here again. How long will you be at the rehab place, or do you not know yet?
Farmgirl
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
quote:I thought I was pretty ADEMent about how seriously I would be taking life now. Really, pun team, couldn't you have a little patients?
This makes me so happy. Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
quote:Clinically patients present with the rapid development of focal or multifocal neurologic dysfunction.
That's what was wrong with her eyes?
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Yes.
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
erm, did you get what I sent you?
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
see, I was going to listen to Kayla's advice and not send something right away. But I can still send you a card, even though you're posting, right?
at Liz for getting better so soon
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
This might help on what ADEM is in more layman's terms.
[ December 05, 2004, 12:12 PM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Well, Liz, think of it this way: you never have to get a flu shot again!
((((hugs)))) Seriously, though, I'm glad you're feeling better. Prayers and wishes that you will continue to mend.
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Liz, I don't have a single pun to offer you, just a sincere welcome back.
space opera
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Thank you Banna.
I've got that sinking, creepy feeling that accompanies the relief that someone is okay, but that was really close.
*sends a ton of hugs Liz's way*
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Liz are you still going to be at the rehab place for a month? (I'm contemplating sending you something that according to the internet will take 7-10 days to arrive and I need to know when the window will close.)
AJ
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Ok Elizabeth, Farmgirl and I just went in together to send you something. However since I ordered it through Sams's Club, it didn't allow me to send a message along with it which is why I'm notifying you here. I sent it to you at the hospital address. So you should get it in 7-10 days.
Keep in mind that we took your "not into morbid flower arrangments" request quite seriously.
AJ
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Yeah, we're gonna need pictures of that one. Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
[ December 03, 2004, 06:05 PM: Message edited by: TMedina ]
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
no daisies. Considered bonsai briefly though.
AJ
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
If I wasn't so completely broke, a local florist does a wonderfully tacky flower arrangement with mylar balloons and a large yellow smilie face vase.
Bright like "see this from two miles out" kinda bright.
-Trevor
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
So will cards sent to the original address still get to you eventually?
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
YAY FOR NOT BEING DEAD! YAY FOR NOT BEING A ZOMBIE!!!
But seriously, I'm glad you feel better. I'd make puns, but mine are so terrible that I've been Barre'd from making them anymore. Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Icarus, Yes and THANK YOU! That was so sweet. I have him sitting on top of my chair and he makes everyone laugh.
The doctor came in yesterday and said, oh by the way, you don't have Guillaume Barre. I was like, well, I did not THINK I did. There have been so many doctors dealing with me that I just sort of blink and say yeah, whatever. My husband and dad have been fielding reality for me for the most par. For example, I just realized I was in the hospital for two weeks when I have been telling everyone one week. I am just getting to the idea that I was maybe seeing certain people for the last time and that that was why they were there. That part is still at arms length, but getting closer. It is a hard one. But as mentioned, I did survive, and I am lucky to be here.
I did recieve a few anonymous, unsigned items that I would like someone to fess up to. Some music from Fort Collins. Speed?
As for mail, please keep sending it! It is so wonderful to receive. The best is just to send it home, I think. I am not sure how long I will be ere,
Liz O'Brien 180 Metacomet St. Belchertown, MA 01007
Even just a note is great. I am actually going to start writng becsue it is one of the things that is hard. I write like a first grader. I have a whole ne, deeper than ever empathy for my students with writng disabilities, let me tell you. Liz
Posted by Speed (Member # 5162) on :
Hey, I'm really happy that you got my CD. I didn't know how long it would take. Yeah, I wanted to save some time, so I just had it shipped directly from the seller, since that's the only way to get that CD. That's why there's no note. It's a live album by the best local band I've ever seen in person, and every time I listen to it now I think of you. Hope it makes the boring recovery days more exciting. Tell me what you think of it.
I'm so glad they've let you back on line. Nice to see you again.
[ December 04, 2004, 10:30 AM: Message edited by: Speed ]
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Elizabeth, your post makes me want to cling to the hem of your skirt. This is really scary. I'm so, so incredibly glad you're getting better.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Thank you so much, Speed! I am going to lidten to it tonight. I have had some bettery issues with my walkman.
Kat, thank you. It is really just strting to sink in and I think I am going to need more support tha I tjought. The physical therapy is hard. I used the walker today and a cane, and it felt good to walk bu tso attrange. It was like I was learnig a wole new body. I look around the rehab and realize how far ahead i am, yet I am atill relearning some very basic things. For instance, peeing will never again be taken for granted.
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
I'm glad you're feeling better Liz - remember, one step at a time.
-Trevor
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
quote:I write like a first grader.
I'm really glad I sent what I did, and for the reason I did. It will make me look like a genius!
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Kayla, you always look like a genius.
I just sent you something Liz, you should get it next week some time. Feel better dear, I echo Katie's last post. We are relieved. (((Liz)))
[edit for spelling. Don't feel bad Liz, I'm writing like a first grader and I don't have the hope of improvement like you do. ]
[ December 04, 2004, 06:15 PM: Message edited by: Narnia ]
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Thanks, guys.
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
Besides, if you think your handwriting is bad, obviously you haven't gotten my card yet.
-Trevor
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
Oh, I totally blocked that. My God, my handwriting was so bad I actually apologized for it in the note! Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
I hope she can decipher the chicken scratches on the card I sent. I included a pun and I'm sure it's even tougher to translate with poor penmanship.
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
Get well soon!!!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Wow! I am so glad to see you posting, Liz. What a scare!
I'm also glad you don't have Guillian-Barre (sp?), though I don't know much about ADEM. My stepdad has G-B, and even though he had a remarkable recovery after plasmopheresis, he has never really regained total feeling in his hands or feet, and has trouble sometimes picking up things.
I would not have wanted you to have a similar affliction. Here's praying you beat that ADEM into submission and are right as rain quickly!
(((Elizabeth)))
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
O h my goodness! I just got a pile of Hatrack cards yesterday. Thank you so much! And thank you, Bob and Dana for another muscal mystery cleared u-p! Steve is bringing the battery recharger today. I was not even getting through one cd without the batteries running out. I can't wait to listen to both cds.
I am practi=ceing writing, and will try to write back. I saved the addresses.
Again, thank you all. I feel better and better each day. My kids came last night and we had dinner and watched a movie. It was the first timwe they saw me looking normal, and in clothes rather than the gd johnnie. I even got to be the bad parent by giving my daughter crap for not clipping her nails when I asked her LAST Sunday. I assured i I could still be bossy from here. and she laughed. I think she is going to giver Steve a bit of a run for his money. Before I got sick Steve was working almots every night, and I know how they can work the nerve of one parent. My respect for the single parent is way, way up there. Having another person on your team is so helpful.
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((Elizabeth))) I'm glad you're feeling better. Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Well I got a thing today saying that the package has been shipped UPS ground. I'm sorry I sent it to the hospital and I hope it gets there before you leave. Knowing UPS, it will probably get there by Friday. However, if it does end up somewhere odd I hope they open it cause it would probably brighten up the place.
I had to abbreviate the address a bit and couldn't add c/o So this is how the label came out <grin> Elizabeth O'Brien SpauldingRehab at ParkView Hospital 1400 State St SPRINGFIELD, MA 01109
AJ
Posted by Ralphie (Member # 1565) on :
Wow - just saw this. Sheesh.
Elizabeth - Get better, babycakes! Even though clearly you are since I've come to the party so late, but still. Get more betterer.
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Hope you like it!
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Hey Elizabeth! I was thinking of you, and realized this was four years ago now. I'm so glad you are ok now!
AJ
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Scared me for a minute there!
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Group Hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
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Best wishes Elisabeth and family.![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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![[The Wave]](graemlins/thewave.gif)
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at Liz for getting better so soon
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