by rchakaki | Aug 12, 1996 | Sarcoidosis
Interrogated the pacemaker at Dr. Del Negro’s office, he said all is going well. It felt horrible when he switched it off and I went on my 37 bpm heart rate. In the evening, after dinner in Georgetown with Emad, the AbuHamdeh’s and Mardam-Bey’s I...
by rchakaki | Jul 31, 1996 | Sarcoidosis
I woke up back in the Cardiac Care Unit. The only familiar faces are mom and Dr. Mary Sidawy. Mom, in black since my dad had passed away, eyes swollen and red. Dr. Sidawy showing her usual caring, sweet smile this time coupled with a look of concern. Mom by now...
by rchakaki | Jul 30, 1996 | Sarcoidosis
I was under close observation for what seemed like eternity; in reality, it was fading in and out of consciousness and the doctors had to make quick decision. I could hear half sentences from nurses and doctors around me. I open my eyes and saw the ceiling lights move...
by rchakaki | Jul 29, 1996 | Sarcoidosis
I went to Alia’s house to get help with the kids. Seems the family was busy.. so I took the kids and went to a friend’s house. I felt bad about keeping both kids with her, so Tala stayed and I took Aboudi and headed back home. All this movement is...
by rchakaki | Jul 28, 1996 | Sarcoidosis
At a picnic with family and friends. I am physically exhausted! Watching others play ball, I feel shortness of breath, as if I were doing all the running. I struggle to walk to the rest room some 50 feet away from where I sat. In the evening, I had to take a...
by rchakaki | Jul 10, 1996 | Sarcoidosis
Walking up the stairs feels exhausting. Any movement, be it carrying the children, standing in the kitchen too long or any degree of exercise feels strenuous. The physical stress is coupled with a bleak outlook. Although I’ve always been optimistic, I cannot see...
