I write this post from the fifth floor of the Regina General Hospital on the Neurology ward. How quickly life can change. When February began I was a healthy person, enjoying life, and very happy as a wife, mother, teacher and grad student. Then, Sunday, February 8th struck with a vengeance. On that day, I began to have the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced. I confidently make that statement as someone who went through a very difficult childbirth my with my now 3 year-old daughter. I was promptly admitted to the hospital and am currently under the care of a great neurologist, Dr. Rehman. I have received the diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia, which is known to be one of the most excruciating pains known to humanity. For a professional explanation you can watch the video below: While my future is a big question mark at this point in time, as doctors continue to develop a plan for pain management (and possible pain elimination through surgery), presently I am taking anti-convulsive (anti-seizure) medication and heavy narcotics to manage the pain. As a high achiever, I have been very worried about my two graduate-level courses I am taking this semester, but I feel fortunate to have such kind and understanding professors like Alec Couros, Katia Hildebrandt, and Fr. John Meehan, who are willing to work with me and my condition to see me succeed. Thank you... my gratitude is beyond what I can adequately express. While the pain has no words, the most difficult part of this whole ordeal has been being away from my daughter. Going days on end without hugging her is the greatest pain of all. That being said, I am eternally grateful that my parents in Moose Jaw have been able to take her and care for her while my husband, Luis, balances his busy job and spending time with me in the hospital. Although I continue to be very weak, to demonstrate progress on my learning project this week, I decided to make it both practical and personal. As you have read in my previous posts, I am extremely self-conscious about speaking in Spanish. This week (maybe it's the drugs that the nurses are putting in my IV that gave me a confidence boost), I decided to read some picture books to my little girl. While I read to my daughter every night, I have never read to her in Spanish... ever. This is a big step for me. Coincidentally, the literature on language-learning also promotes reading children's books as a way to increase fluency. What you see below is a video of me reading bedtime stories to my little girl, as I am unable to be there in person to read them to her. Please forgive my delayed/slurred speech... some of it is the Spanish and some of it is the pain medication. My parents tell me that my daughter continues to watch the video on repeat, which melts my heart. I continue to be amazed by the way technology can bring people together and enhance relationships. Sorry for the short post this week, as I regain my strength, my posts will improve. Thank you for your understanding. I hope to get released from the hospital this week as well!
12 Comments
Andrea Chalifour
2/17/2016 09:38:09 pm
Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to hear about this and most of all feel for you being away from your daughter. Thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery.
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Nathan Bromm
2/17/2016 10:17:03 pm
So wonderful you could use your project to keep yourself busy while stuck in the hospital and connect with your daughter. Very meaningful.
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Gerry Yacishyn
2/17/2016 11:10:02 pm
You have always been such a strong young lady. Hoping and praying for a speedy recovery. Glad to hear you are in the care of a wonderful doctor and your parents are able to look after Mayte.
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2/17/2016 11:51:58 pm
I am so sorry to hear about your experience and thank you for sharing. Your determination to still put together something in your learning project is remarkable. I believe when Dave Cormier talked about rhizomatic learning, he mentioned something about resiliency in our learning as it's never linear...to figure out what you need and what you want to do with it when it's not happening. That, to me, is the essence of this learning project to demonstrate growth. Life threw me a curve ball the past 10 days with my 2 yo son having to go to emergency for an inguinal hernia and we are now awaiting surgery as he is classified as "very urgent" (that is a very bare summary). I am just on pins and needles. So I feel like I have fallen behind too because of all of the interruptions. Can we commiserate together? I genuinely wish you well on your journey back to recovery.
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Scott Kuntz
2/17/2016 11:52:24 pm
Genna, you are an amazing woman. I can only imagine the physical pain you endure from TN. As a parent of 2 young daughters myself, it must be just as difficult to not be with your little daughter at this time and during this ordeal (I couldn't imagine it). I hope and pray that you have a speedy and complete recovery. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Take care.......Scott
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Nicole Reeve
2/18/2016 09:07:33 am
Your strength and determination is something to be admired! Great job reading the book! Sending you all the positive vibes I can and wishing th event for you!
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Sarah Wandy
2/18/2016 09:14:20 am
Hi Genna, Your resilience and optimism are beautiful. I wish you ALL the best with your recovery.
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Maureen Hapke
2/18/2016 01:17:55 pm
We feel sooo sad for you Genna! It is horrific when life throws you a serious medical condition! I have viewed your video of your condition and can't even imagine the pain you are experiencing!!! Yes, I am so glad that you have such wonderful parents that can so capably take care of Mayte! I know they adore her and will do everything to ease the pain for her as well! We are praying for you to have a speedy recover with as few re-occurrences as possible! Take care Genna! Stay strong like you've always been!!!!
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Ashley Murray
2/18/2016 09:49:37 pm
Wow Genna! I am sorry to hear about all that you are going through. It must be extremely stressful and difficult to be thrown such a curveball. You are doing a fantastic job of handling the situation with such optimism as well. I can't imagine being away from my kids for more than a day or two, especially if it were to be spent in the hospital. Glad you are able to use your project to spend some time with your daughter as well. Wishing you a speedy recovery as well as more answers!
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Carla Cooper
2/20/2016 05:39:43 pm
Genna! I am so sorry that you are going through this! You are an amazingly strong woman in more ways than one! To keep up with your studies at this time is a feat in itself, but please take care of you first! I agree with Ashley, I am glad that you are able to use your major project to spend time with your daughter, even if she is not physically with you at that moment. I wish you well, and a speedy recovery.
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Erin Benjamin
2/21/2016 06:34:45 pm
So sorry to hear this Genna. I admire your resilience and drive, but take care of yourself first! Sending good vibes your way!
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Genna Rodriguez
2/28/2016 03:33:54 pm
From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank each of you for taking the time to comment and share your well-wishes. This has been a tremendously difficult time and has caused me to fall very behind on my two grad courses as well. With each day, I feel a bit stronger, I am learning how t manage this condition, and I feel ready to get back to normal. Thank you, again, for your kind words. I deeply appreciate it.
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Genna RodriguezTeacher & Tech Coach with Regina Catholic Schools. Passion for EdTech, 21st century student-centered pedagogy, connected learning & differentiated instruction. Grad student. Categories
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