Flaming Meninges: A Memoir

I'm currently battling with the insurance company over various charges associated with the inflamation of my meninges back in May. Not to bore you, but I thought it might be entertaining to tell my story (I've had requests, believe it or not!):

Saturday, May 20th: Leslie wakes up with the headache of the millenium. Grumpy Leslie annoys everyone at the Thornhill house with extreme complaining until Rick (dad) agrees to drive her to an Urgent Care Clinic.

At the Urgent Clinic: Leslie writhes in pain as small adorable children wait for their brother (fresh from tee-ball head injury) and squeel and laugh joyfully. Leslie plots freak accidental death of mother, who takes delight in squeeling and laughing. Leslie sees Doctor, who gives massive shot of migraine medication.

Later that day: Leslie's massive headache gets worse. Leslie and Jane (mom) go to surprisingly quiet and peaceful ER at Baton Rouge General (not to be rude, but Katrina victims have taken over all other hospitals). ER Doctor gives Leslie a bigger dose of migraine medication and sends home.

Sunday, May 21st, 4am: Massive headache and crazy fever. Jane runs Crazy Leslie to hospital, where ER doctor says, "I'm so glad that you're back...I had a funny feeling about you." Leslie responds, "Thanks - I'm glad that you feel that way, and that I'm not dead yet." :P ER doc sends surgery consult to make sure that Leslie does not have massive tumor growing on head, and ER doc performs Spinal Tap which, surprisingly, Leslie does not feel. Leslie is admitted to hospital intensive care - no one knows what kind of meningitis she has, so better safe than sorry. Intense pain killer is administered, and all is suddenly right with the world.

Monday - Wednesday: Leslie spends three days in a pain-killer induced mental fog. She is seen by several doctors, all of whom have their own opinion about what Leslie actually has. Also, neurologist comes to ask Leslie about symptoms, receives 20 minutes of advice on college admission processes for his son, and subsequently charges Leslie $185. Feeling "totally at peace" and "perfectly confident that God's will will be done no matter what", Leslie has minimal human contact, reads no books, and watches no tv for almost three days, but is somehow never bored. Highlights include visits from mom, Aunt Lynn, Aunt Ann, Keith, Terri, and the Ghost of Christmas Past. Other wonderful notables include flowers, junk food, McD's french fries, and unlimited coke icees. Also, mom has to help me bathe (not a highlight, but interesting), which was a very humbling experience - it made me very thankful that I have a family that loves me so much that they would stand in a shower with me, soaking wet, so that I don't have to sit in my own stink in a hospital. It really made me appreciate my mom and my future responsibilities - seriously!

Also on Monday - Insurance co. sends pre-authorization notice and instructions on obtaining referrals and in-network coverage to my home address in Houston, for me to receive one week later. Thanks :P

Wednesday - Return home to flowers from friends and phone calls to return. Again, very very humbling.

Leslie :)