BajaNomad - Baja Nomad prayer power needed

Baja Nomad prayer power needed

fdt - 8-29-2008 at 02:34 PM

Our good friend Ken Cooke was hospitalized yesterday due to 'chest pain of unknown origin'. The Good News is that preliminary tests showed by his CAT scan and Chest X Ray that his heart and lungs are functioning normally.
Ken is in our prayers and I'm sure he will be in yours.
Fernando

Bajagypsy - 8-29-2008 at 02:36 PM

oh my goodness, lots of healing thoughts to him and his family.

Sharksbaja - 8-29-2008 at 02:40 PM

Oh man, what a bummer. Godspeed Ken!

rts551 - 8-29-2008 at 02:48 PM

Hope he gets well soon. He has been through a lot

shari - 8-29-2008 at 02:53 PM

thanks Ferna for this post
Ken..we are gonna send all our healing energy your way..4X4 it right to your body and soul amigo...get well and stay well!

woody with a view - 8-29-2008 at 03:03 PM

good luck, buddy! :saint:

DianaT - 8-29-2008 at 03:26 PM

Get Well Soon! Positive thoughts and energy sent your way.

Diane

Cypress - 8-29-2008 at 03:29 PM

Good luck and get a second opinion.

toneart - 8-29-2008 at 03:36 PM

Wow! Sure puts things in perspective; floods, etc. That is scary, Ken. I am hoping it is just gas.

Come on, man.....let one rip....billow the top sheet and get out of that hospital.

There are a lot of well wishers sending prayers and positive thoughts. Me too! Feel better soon. Keep us posted when you can.

Fdt Thanks for letting us know

Keri - 8-29-2008 at 03:44 PM

Ken all my prayers and positive thoughts to you ,get well quick,k

bajadock - 8-29-2008 at 03:49 PM

Irish luck and SALUD to Ken.

cabobaja - 8-29-2008 at 03:53 PM

Take care Ken. Wishing you a quick recovery!!

bajaboolie - 8-29-2008 at 04:23 PM

Wishing you well, and get better soon!!

bajaboolie - 8-29-2008 at 04:27 PM

Hey, I just noticed that fdt posted this about one hour after you posted something in the "how you found out about baja nomad" thread.

Were you reading bad threads??? Some of those threads can be bad for your health!

BajaGeoff - 8-29-2008 at 04:29 PM

Our positive thoughts are with you Ken!

fdt - 8-29-2008 at 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaboolie
Hey, I just noticed that fdt posted this about one hour after you posted something in the "how you found out about baja nomad" thread.

Were you reading bad threads??? Some of those threads can be bad for your health!

He probably picked a WiFi hospital.

bajamigo - 8-29-2008 at 04:33 PM

Bona fortuna, Ken

Neal Johns - 8-29-2008 at 04:36 PM

Hang in there, Ken. You are a good dog and I have some great secret places for your Jeep to go in Baja when you get well.

Oso - 8-29-2008 at 04:53 PM

Roger that. Una vela a la virgincita.

Paulina - 8-29-2008 at 04:54 PM

Ditto what everyone else said, hurry up and get the heck back to your jeep!

Our thoughts are with you,

Paulina y Dern y Cody

May you get better !

tortuga - 8-29-2008 at 04:58 PM

We will say a prayer for your restored health Amigo Ken.
Saludos, Tortuga :bounce:

Ken Cooke - 8-29-2008 at 06:15 PM

Thank you, everyone. I've been too afraid to take the Jeep out of its' garage. So, there it sits..awaiting another Baja adventure.

I am staying at my parents house across town. They're driving me to my house for the day and bringing me back to their house to sleep at night.

On Wednesday, I will be going in for an Echocardiogram to determine exactly what is not functioning properly. I have 23 sick days accumulated, so expect to see lots more posting from me - your new "Armchair Baja Traveler."

I was hospitalized yesterday - just spending 30 min. at work, and I got the rest of the day off, with a private coach to ER where I spent the day with my parents.

As far as Baja goes, my mother actually pushed me across the San Ysidro border in a stroller back in the late 60s. We all spent 21+ days lounging on the beach in Rosarito WITHOUT TOURIST VISAS, because back in the 70s, nobody cared. hahaha

Thanks again for everyones kind wishes. :bounce:

[Edited on 8-30-2008 by Ken Cooke]

David K - 8-29-2008 at 06:36 PM

Boy Ken, if isn't one thing... it's another!!

Seriously, have a speedy recovery from whatever it is!!! :yes:

Then let's party like there's no tomorrow!!! :bounce:

Okay, well maybe we will just do some calm four wheeling!? :rolleyes:

Here's a photo of what should cause some stress, for most... But not you Mr. Rock Solid Baja!

elgatoloco - 8-29-2008 at 06:38 PM

Get well soon!!

Bob H - 8-29-2008 at 07:01 PM

Ken, I never met you, but from all your posts and photos, etc. I feel like I already have. All the best to you from Audrey and I for a complete and speedy recovery from whatever it is.
Bob H

Diver - 8-29-2008 at 09:34 PM

Hoping it's just something you ate !!
Best wishes Ken !

BAJACAT - 8-29-2008 at 10:29 PM

Ken, I know you will be just fine the RUIZ, family prayers are with you.see you in the trail soon....

BajaGringo - 8-29-2008 at 10:41 PM

Wishing you all the best Ken. Hope this is nothing more serious than just needing to pay a little bit more attention to yourself and your health.

Hope to see you posting more photos soon - really enjoy your stories...

dtbushpilot - 8-29-2008 at 10:49 PM

Hope you get better soon Ken, you are in our prayers....dt....jt...

Eugenio - 8-30-2008 at 09:04 AM

Best of luck - and take care of yourself Ken - I really enjoy your posts (not that that has anything to do with me wanting you to recover).

Ken Cooke - 8-30-2008 at 12:27 PM

I'm back home, relaxing, and I just bought the only Baja-specific movie featuring Tom Cruise on DVD - "LOSIN' IT" 1983.

Summary: Teen sex comedy set in 1965 which follows four Los Angeles school friends, Woody, Dave, Spider, Wendell and the series of misadventures they get into when they travel south of the border to Tijuana, Mexico for a night of cruisin', causing trouble, and to settle a pact to lose their virginity before the night is over, while a young woman, named Kathy, accompanies them for different reasons: to arrange a quick divorce from her husband.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks again from the bottom of my corazon. I hope to beat whatever this cardio ailment happens to be so that I can get back down to Baja and South America again.

BajaNomad - 8-30-2008 at 02:39 PM

Ken,

Well wishes from Michelle, the boys and myself.

Hope to see you again sometime soon.

--
Doug Means

MexicoTed - 8-30-2008 at 10:35 PM

Get healthy Ken

Bajafun777 - 8-30-2008 at 11:53 PM

Ken, hope you get well soon and sometimes we just get too stressed out and do not know it until our body demands we slow it down. I just had my knee operated on a week ago and I had to go through a number of tests you did as a similar thing happened to me about a year ago. Due to that the doctor insisted all of the tests your getting I had to do over again due to him saying he was taking no chances with me on the operating table for my knee with this floating out there. Well, everything checked out excellent and operation went well and recoperating now. So, slow down no red meat eat the chicken, fish, pastas, leave the beer alone for awhile and soon my friend everything ticking well for you. Easy on the Easy and remember we still need to link up at some nomad gathering in the near future. I have already sent a prayer for you and we all know through Jesus all prayers are answer. Take care amigo-----------Later----bajafun777

Ken Cooke - 8-31-2008 at 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajafun777
So, slow down no red meat eat the chicken, fish, pastas, leave the beer alone for awhile and soon my friend everything ticking well for you. Easy on the Easy and remember we still need to link up at some nomad gathering in the near future. I have already sent a prayer for you and we all know through Jesus all prayers are answer. Take care amigo-----------Later----bajafun777

Muchisimas Gracias BajaFun777,

What I initially were heart attacks were most likely SEIZURES brought on by what tests might reveal as CEREBRIAL MALARIA. I'll know more later when I speak to my doctor. I'll let everyone here know as well, since this more severe form of Malaria is nothing to play around with. Otherwise, I feel great - except for continually feeling dizzy, tired, and weak.

Diver - 8-31-2008 at 11:52 AM

So Ken,

You never finished the thread about your last Columbia trip.
Which woman won the prize ?? :biggrin:

Or have you moved on to another country already ?? :lol:

You have too much fun to stay down long !!
Best wishes.

Ken Cooke - 8-31-2008 at 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver
So Ken,

You never finished the thread about your last Columbia trip.
Which woman won the prize ?? :biggrin:

Or have you moved on to another country already ?? :lol:

You have too much fun to stay down long !!
Best wishes.

Her name is Leidys, and she's from Barranquilla. I would like to return in December, but not sure with this new tropical affliction hitting me hard. This is tough, because I had such a great time there...

Ken and Leidys

Ken Cooke - 8-31-2008 at 01:28 PM

Funny. I'm taking medication to lower my cholesterol, so all of the rum I brought back from Colombia, and all of the Coffee Liquor from Peru is on standby until things improve...

fishbuck - 9-1-2008 at 09:42 AM

Wow, Ken! I don't know much about maleria but hope it is treatable.
Get well soon so you can show me how to 4x4.

CaboRon - 9-1-2008 at 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
Wow, Ken! I don't know much about maleria but hope it is treatable.
Get well soon so you can show me how to 4x4.

Try Google for your answers ....

CEREBRAL MALARIA

Section of brain showing blood vessels blocked with developing P. falciparum parasites (see arrows) (RPH).

What is cerebral malaria?

Cerebral malaria (CM) collectively involves the clinical manifestations of Plasmodium falciparum malaria that induce changes in mental status and coma. It is an acute, widespread disease of the brain which is accompanied by fever. The mortality ratio is between 25-50%. If a person is not treated, CM is fatal in 24-72 hours. The histopathological hallmark of this encephalopathy is the sequestration of cerebral capillaries and venules with parasitized red blood cells (PRBCs) and non-PRBCs (NPRBCs). Ring-like lesions in the brain are major characteristics. Disease risk factors include being a child under 10 years of age and living in malaria-endemic area.

There is a clear need for a strict definition of cerebral malaria in order to properly diagnose and assess the condition. A pragmatic definition based on the Glasgow Coma Score exists. Its key elements are: (1) unrousable coma--no localizing response to pain persisting for more than six hours if the patient has experienced a generalized convulsion; (2) asexual forms of P. falciparum found in blood; and (3) exclusion of other causes of encephalopathy, i.e. viral or bacterial. (Newton and Warrell)

The Blantyre Coma Scale, a related diagnostic tool, has been devised for young children.

What are the symptoms?

Clinical manifestations of cerebral malaria are numerous, but there are three primary symptoms generally common to both adults and children: (1) impaired consciousness with non-specific fever; (2) generalized convulsions and neurological sequelae; and (3) coma that persists for 24-72 hours, initially rousable and then unrousable.

What is the cause?

Sequestration of parasites and obstruction of brain vessels (RPH)

The cause of cerebral malaria is not well understood. Currently, there are two major hypotheses explaining its etiology. They are the mechanical and the humoral hypotheses.

The mechanical hypothesis asserts that a specific interaction between a P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein (PfEMP-1) and ligands on endothelial cells, such as ICAM-1 or E-selectin, reduces microvascular blood flow and induces hypoxia. This selective cytoadherence of PRBCs and non-PRBCs, also known as rosetting, can apparently better account for CM’s histopathological hallmark and its characteristic coma condition. However, this hypothesis is inadequate in explaining the relative absence of neurological deficit even after days of unconsciousness.

The humoral hypothesis suggests that a malarial toxin may be released that stimulates macrophages to release TNF-a and other cytokines such as IL-1. The cytokines themselves are not harmful, but they may induce additional and uncontrolled production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide would diffuse through the blood-brain barrier and impose similar changes on synaptic function as do general anesthetics and high concentrations of ethanol, leading to a state of reduced consciousness. The biochemical nature of this interaction would explain the reversibility of coma.

What are possible treatment options?

As cerebral malaria is the fatal within days of malaria infection if left untreated, immediate treatment is crucial. Because natural immunity to malaria is not fully understood (Immunity) and thus cannot yet be artificially imitated by drugs, control and prevention strategies are significant. Two of these are antimalarial chemotherapy and adjunctive measures. Public health interventions are also critical (Public Health).

P. falciparum parasites in brain capillary (J.S. Tatz)

Chemotherapy for cerebral malaria now primarily involves the use of quinine, for a patient with severe CM must be assumed to have chloroquine resistance. It is one of the four main alkaloids found in the bark of the Cinchona tree and is the only drug which over a long period of time has remained largely effective for treating the disease. Quinine has similar activity to chloroquine in that it is likely to interfere with the parasite’s enzymatic digestion.
Artemisinins have been shown in some clinical trials to clear parasitemia and fever faster than quinine or chloroquine, but they had no effect on mortality rates. Artemisinin has been used by the Chinese as a traditional treatment for fever and malaria. It is a sesquiterpene lactone derived from Artemisia annua. The two most widely used are artesunate and artemether. Because it is both cheap and effective, it is beginning to be included in treatment schedules. However, it is not yet licensed for use in Australia, North America or Europe. Its main value is in the treatment of multi-drug resistant falciparum malaria. As the possibility of quinine resistance looms, artemisinin and its derivatives may soon become the drugs of choice for CM treatment (Newton and Warrell).
Adjunctive measures for CM treatment exist, but they are debatable in both use and efficacy:
Anti-pyretics
Such as paracetamol to reduce fever. However, it is not clear if a reduction in core temperature benefits cerebral consequences.
Anti-convulsants
Such as phenobarbital sodium for seizures. It is crucial to control or prevent seizures, as they can cause neuronal damage and are associated with a fatal outcome.
Reduce intracranial pressure
Using agents such as osmotic diuretics.
Hypoglycemia correction
Using hypertonic glucose. However, theoretically, correcting hypoclycemia in the presence of tissue hypoxia can worsen tissue acidosis.

Exchange transfusion
Generally only been justified when peripheral parasitemia exceeds 10% of circulating erythrocytes. The role of these blood transfusions remains highly controversial, as they are both expensive and potentially dangerous in many malaria-endemic areas.
Anti-Inflammatories
Such as corticosteroids. However, there have been few controlled studies demonstrating benefit.
Desferrioxamine
An iron-chelating adjuvant agent with antimalarial properties. Reduces formation of reactive oxygen species by reducing amount of free iron.
Microcirculatory Flow
Such as pentoxifylline. Reduces red cell deformability and blood viscosity, decreases systemic vascular resistance, and impairs platelet aggregation, thus improving microcirculatory flow.

In short, experimental data exists that demonstrates the efficacy of some ancillary therapies, but their roles are still controversial (Newton and Krishna).

Pretty serious stuff.

CaboRon

Ken Cooke - 9-1-2008 at 11:04 AM

I haven't lost consciousness, I went into 2 convulsions so far, no fever - 99.1deg.F. was my temperatures at the hospital, liver functions were fine. My Doctor is now at work today, his office is closed. I will speak with him tomorrow morning, and we'll get this figured out so I can get my medication A.S.A.P.

Diver - 9-1-2008 at 01:40 PM

Dude,

If you were my kid, we would be at the emergency room until someone figured it out and started treatement.
Convulsions are not something to take lightly !!
Please take aggressive care of yourself.

BajaKeela - 9-1-2008 at 02:06 PM

I AGREE WITH DIVER..

I just had surgery myself and if I had not been aggressive in requesting treatment..I would be waiting another 3 mths..and I had cancer..
Take care of yourself my friend ..I enjoy your posts and I too will ask the guy upstairs for your safety.

Mexitron - 9-1-2008 at 05:16 PM

Hoping all goes well Ken!!! Gotta get back to Baja ASAP.

Ken Cooke - 9-1-2008 at 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver
Dude,

If you were my kid, we would be at the emergency room until someone figured it out and started treatement.
Convulsions are not something to take lightly !!
Please take aggressive care of yourself.

I was feeling them coming on this afternoon, so I stayed real still, and 15 min. later I felt fine. Tomorrow morning, I will be visiting with my Primary Care Physician and we'll get this sorted out. I need my bloodwork reviewed - AGAIN, and antibiotics RIGHT AWAY. Hopefully in 3-4 days, I will recover to the point that I can return to work.

BAJA ALSO AWAITS. My buddy Mike is getting his Passport this week, and I want to return to Baja once the weather cools down. I just need to get my health back in order, and I'll make sure this week will count for something.

Skipjack Joe - 9-1-2008 at 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Otherwise, I feel great - except for continually feeling dizzy, tired, and weak.

Sounds like love to me, not malaria. :lol:

You've been smitten. :lol:

wilderone - 9-2-2008 at 08:18 AM

Sending the archangels your way. Think Baja thoughts

Natalie Ann - 9-2-2008 at 09:56 AM

Prayers for your complete recovery, Ken... and soon!

Nena

Ken Cooke - 9-2-2008 at 10:27 AM

Thank you everyone for your prayers and thoughts. Whatever those mosquitos bit me with while I was down in Colombia, I'm feeling the effects much less now. The doctor is supposed to call me back soon so that I can get back to work soon. IM BORED HERE AT HOME!! :bounce:

lizard lips - 9-2-2008 at 02:41 PM

All the best Ken. I hope your up and back to normal as soon as possible.

Even though we have not met I enjoy your posts.

I go to Colombia all the time and it would be nice to tell stories about that great place.

We are having a golf tournament next year at the Baja Country Club and I hope you can make it. If you don't play golf your welcome to join everyone for the after party!

Ken Cooke - 9-2-2008 at 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lizard lips
All the best Ken. I hope your up and back to normal as soon as possible.

Even though we have not met I enjoy your posts.

I go to Colombia all the time and it would be nice to tell stories about that great place.

We are having a golf tournament next year at the Baja Country Club and I hope you can make it. If you don't play golf your welcome to join everyone for the after party!

Thanks. If I am able to make it I will. The Doctors seem to think I need that Echocardiogram pretty badly. So, if it's my heart, at least I'm not at fault for not getting my vaccines...

CaboRon - 9-2-2008 at 02:54 PM

Ken,

Be very carefull .... and you should probably have a full cardio workup.

The risk of stroke in Black men under 45 is three to five times that of others.

Here is an informative article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1998/02/980211071938.ht...

Don't kick back and rely on your doctors ....

Be proactive with your health ....

Get well soon,

CaboRon

tripledigitken - 9-2-2008 at 03:02 PM

Ken,

All the advice to be proactive is right on. Sometimes it takes a couple/three different doctors to figure out some obscure problem.

Give us some good news!..............and then get back down to Columbia to that new hot chica!!!!!!!!!!

Ken

Ken Cooke - 9-2-2008 at 04:36 PM

I am going to do as much research as possible. I also have a great friend named Gretchen. Her husband Andrew passed away in June '07 and he was the reason I led the trip down to Copper Canyon 1 1/2 yrs ago. Gretchen is a retired RN, and I have been running info past her, although I don't have any additional M.D. resources to help me out.

Gretchen and Andrew - Sierra San Pedro Martir 2000 - Rancho Viejo

I hope to return to Colombia - if I need open heart surgery, I'll forgo a trip there until March '09. But, here's one particular Barranquillera who I talk to on the phone every night who is also praying for a fast recovery...

CaboRon - 9-2-2008 at 04:48 PM

Ken,

there are all kinds of information available ....

Just Google it...

And there are several MD sites that can help with questions..

Just do a little research and you will have more information than you can read in a month.

CaboRon

Ken Cooke - 9-2-2008 at 04:53 PM

CaboRon, thankfully my career in Education affords me with plenty of sick-leave if I need it. So, I plan to compile my information, produce portfolios of research, and present everything to my Doctor's to talk about what the possibilities are when the time comes. Thanks for the advice.

Diver - 9-2-2008 at 04:57 PM

Ron is right.
I do the research and then go to the doc with a list of questions or potential diagnosis to ask about.
Many times I have had more knowledge about a certain subject from the net than the doc.

Leidys is not only HOT but she has a very "nice" smile that says a lot.
She seems like great motivation to get better or maybe you'll need an in-house nurse ?? :biggrin:

More best wishes Ken.

oladulce - 9-2-2008 at 06:37 PM

Ken-

Based on the info you've provided and the diagnosis of Cerebral malaria, here's what I'd do:

#1- If I had a PPO insurance and could choose my own specialists, I'd get in to see an Infectious disease doctor (Epidemiologist) tomorrow! Get copies of your test results and lab work and take them with you or have your primary doctor fax them.

#2. If I had an HMO which requires a PMD to ok a referral to a specialist, I'd insist that he expediated an appointment with one for me.

If I had an HMO and I was not receiving imediate treatment for this condition from my "gate-keeper" primary MD, I'd gather all my test results and pay out-of-pocket for a consult appointment with an Infectious disease doctor to learn what course of treatment he would suggest and how rapidly the treatment should begin.

At least you'd have a specialist's opinion of how your treatment should be handled. The waiting around because "the doctor's ofice is closed" or "waiting for the doctor to call you back" can drag on for days and is unacceptable when your symptomatic and not exactly sure what you're dealing with yet.

Based on the date of fdt's first post, this has been going on for 6 days already! As others have mentioned, you have to look out for yourself which often means being more assertive about your medical care than you normally would be if they seem to be dragging their feet.

Ask you doctor to order future diagnostic studies "STAT"- you shouldn't have to wait "until next thursday for the next opening" , for example. Insist that stuff is done "NOW" and don't let them push you around. Unfortunately, in the medical world the squeaky wheel gets the treatment .

Ken Cooke - 9-2-2008 at 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oladulce
Ken-

Based on the info you've provided and the diagnosis of Cerebral malaria, here's what I'd do:

#1- If I had a PPO insurance and could choose my own specialists, I'd get in to see an Infectious disease doctor (Epidemiologist) tomorrow! Get copies of your test results and lab work and take them with you or have your primary doctor fax them.

My Primary Care Physician believes that my problem relates to heart disease and not Malaria. He is most likely correct. In the morning after a long sleep, I feel clear-headed and comfortable. By noon, my chest feels heavy, my head is cloudy, and my entire body feels weak. My consultation with the specialists regarding my Echocardiograph is tomorrow at 3 p.m.

oladulce - 9-2-2008 at 08:07 PM

It sounds like you have confidence in the care you're receiving. Wishing you a very speedy recovery.

Ken Cooke - 9-2-2008 at 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oladulce
It sounds like you have confidence in the care you're receiving. Wishing you a very speedy recovery.

My ex-wife was treated by this same Primary Care Physician when she first learned of having Systemic Lupus. But, I will reiterate my concerns for having been in the tropics in July. This shouldn't be ruled out.

Ken Cooke - 9-3-2008 at 11:16 PM

Preliminary findings by the heart specialist that I visited today were that my chest pains and palpitations were caused by HIGH AMOUNTS OF CAFFEINE IN MY SYSTEM!! I go in for a formal stress test on Monday.
:bounce:

Boy, and I feeling relieved!!! :bounce:

fishbuck - 9-3-2008 at 11:19 PM

Nice!!!

Damn--Ken

Baja Bernie - 9-4-2008 at 07:35 AM

Just got back from a vacation in Baja and decided to read this from the front instead of my usual way of checking posts from the back end.......................Wish I had done it right after Fishbuck cause then I would not have been so stressed out at the inital information.

You are quite a guy and my prayers will follow you around for a while.

Man do we have some very smart guys and gals posting here.