Hello,
My name is Ann and I am an adrenaline junkie. I was born to go fast.
I've known it as far back as I can remember.
Age 4- I jumped out of my backyard swing going as high as I could, because I wanted to fly fast across the backyard--which I did, of course, just before I busted my chin on the ground when I came in for my landing!
Age 5- While riding my little sister's tricycle, I positioned myself at the top of a hill, took my feet off the pedals and launched myself over the edge! That stunt was a real thriller, except I smashed my face into the asphalt when I went over the handlebars! (I said I was a thrill-seeker, not the sharpest tool in the shed!)
Starting to get the picture?
I got a little smarter about my passion after that...Yaaaaa....Sports like running, water skiing and snow skiing helped feed my hunger for the rush of adrenaline. I'm a good driver and I love to drive fast...when I'm alone and it's safe.
Open-wheel racing, like Indy, gives me a rush like very few things. I was raised on the thrill of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, thanks to my dad. There's nothing like the Indy 500! (Yes, I've been to other races)..Dad passed along his love of fast cars to us and I'm grateful for that gift. Come to think of it, he might just be an adrenaline junkie too...
Now, Periodic Paralysis is tricky business. Adrenaline happens to be a trigger for paralytic episodes.
I was reminded of that this week when my brother, Greg, came over with his new Corvette. What an awesome car!! So when he asked me if I wanted to take a ride, of course I jumped at the chance! (Not literally of course!) Yes, I know it's risky for me, but I calcuted the risk, chucked it and got into that car.
I was NOT disappointed! It was the greatest thrill I've had in years! He put the top down. The South Florida air was cool, yet tropical. He started the engine. If you're familiar with Vettes, there is no other sound like the sound of a 460 HP Corvette engine as it rumbles in the driveway before you ever put it in gear. He took off, peeling out of my neighborhood, much to the chagrin of my neighbors, I'm sure. But he put that car through its paces. And it performed! It hugged the road, riding lower and lower, as we flew around corners, racing up the freeway ramps, zipping in and out of traffic and
screaming down the 'straightaways' of I95 until we reached nearly 110 mph. He's a good driver too, by the way.
I laughed. I held my breath. I practiced meditation and deep breathing! I giggled. I screamed! I held on! I could feel the adrenaline flowing hard through my body! I looked over at Greg. His eyes were on the horizon, scanning back and forth like a laser. (He was looking for the police, I'm sure!) He was laughing too! Adrenaline junkie!! Who knew? Whoop! Whoop!
I documented the adventure by taking selfies of us along the race course--I mean along our drive. Of course I did. What else would you do? And, predictably, I posted them on social media! Sorry I'm not sorry about that this time!
When he pulled into the driveway, he ran around the car to get the door and pull me out. I didn't want it to be over. He pulled me out anyway and set me on my feet. He helped me walk, but I slowly crumpled to the ground like the wet Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz; my muscles unresponsive. "I'm melllltting....." But I was so happy...and still laughing! My aide, Rosalia, was
there too. Greg gathered me up to carry me inside. And that's when it occurred to me...
They weren't laughing....they were sort of pale and serious looking. Rosalia was running to get my wheelchair. Greg shouted to her, "It's ok. I'll just put her on the sofa!"
I should know by now that it's hard for the people in my life when I have these episodes. But sometimes I forget that for just a moment. The things I take in stride, are largely not easy for my friends and family. I was able to rescue myself out of the paralytic episode with medication. It took a few days to recover back to baseline but basically I'm no worse for the experience. Do I usually try and avoid these episodes? Of course! They can be dangerous and there's no guarantee that I won't be rendered weaker overall because of them.
Was it worth it for a little thrill? For me, Yes! Without hesitation. No regrets.
...and if you're out on the streets of South Florida, you may hear the rumble of a powerful engine mixed with laughter and see a blur that looks a lot like me riding in the passenger seat of a black Corvette! xx
