Thank you for your prayer and support in my journey, lately, with my experience at Mayo. As I spoke last weekend after Mass, I shared some new tidbits for my health. I told you about my discernment and actions if anything occurs with my brain during Mass. Just know that I will continue to keep a bottle of water by my chair, as well as medicine in my pocket. Here are some more details if I have a migraine (as I had a few migraines in my life before my stroke, but more after it), seizures (which I never had one before the stroke) or a stroke itself:
Migraine:
· The most challenging experience is not about a headache, but if I have an aura, which would cause difficulties with my vision, thus:
o 1) If I cannot read the Gospel, I would ask the lector to stay by the ambo as I would still lift the Gospel during the Alleluia and bring it to the ambo. I would continue with “The Lord be with you…” and “A reading from the Gospel according to N.” I would then go back to my chair as the lector would read the Gospel. When they conclude the Gospel, I will go back to the Gospel to kiss it and then:
§ A) I knew that I could give the sermon or:
§ B) We would offer silent prayer until my aura is finished and Mass would proceed.
o 2) I believe that I could continue the Mass if the aura takes place between the homily and the Eucharistic Liturgy (and yes, this had happened during one or two Masses!).
o 3) Whenever an aura occurs, I would drink water and take medicine.
Seizure:
· As I am already on seizure medicine, my seizure would probably be a “simple seizure.” I would probably still be conscious, able to read and speak, though I could be warm, “spaced out,” odd hearing, taste or emotions which you may not notice. I would drink water and use my medicine, and this, too, has occurred once or twice during Mass and was A-Okay to offer this sacrament.
Stroke:
· I have never had a stroke during Mass. Let’s pray that this never happens! I will remind the following information and symptoms from Stroke Association if anyone else experiences:
o 1. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body;
o 2. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding;
o 3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes;
o 4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination;
o 5. Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
· Now, I would probably notice the above before anyone else. At the same time, if you see me with #1 or #4, immediately call 911 as, “Time lost is brain lost!”. #2, #3 and #5 are fascinating, as they could be a migraine or seizure (and yes, our brains can be nuts!). Praise God; I knew when I needed to go to the ER during my massive stroke and a mini-stroke. At the same time, if you notice these symptoms, act quickly, calmly and prayerfully call 911 if it occurs to me, or anyone else.
From the above, if I must leave Mass, please complete what an EM is allowed for a Communion Service.
Thank you again from my parishioners and my family.
God Bless!
No comments:
Post a Comment