There in my mind, is no coincidence.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
I had noticed some swelling near my left ear for a couple of days, but seemed to be helped by Advil and said nothing. My husband left early for a planned week business trip to his company's home office. He is my support, my best friend, he had already missed so much time helping me, he needed to attend this meeting. And I kissed him goodbye.
Later that same day, my daughter, Sherry, and her family came to visit. I showed the now enlarging bulge by my ear to my son-in-law. I asked him to say nothing, but to please be aware I may need some help. I did not want to trouble my daughter since she just had surgery a few days before to remove a soft ball sized ovarian cyst. She was also diagnosed with Grave's Disease. She did not need additional drama.
I enjoyed this day with my children and grand-daughters and thanked God for His Blessings. I pushed back the pain.
Monday, March 24, 2014
When I awoke I noticed even further swelling extending towards my jaw. The pain was now a 6! I took more Advil and made a call to my former neurosurgeon's PA, Grace Bryan. I explained the changes to Grace. She asked if I knew about Dr. Hanel's leaving, and I said yes, but had not yet received a letter of a new assigned Dr. (of course she could not tell me where Dr. Hanel was) She stated that if I came to Mayo, they would need to do another Cisternogram. She suggested a "wait and see". With possibly needing the most painful test again, I agreed. I took more Advil and prayed.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
More pain...more Advil...and now I called and left a message for my new neurologist in Sarasota for some help. He returned my call around 4:30pm and gave me a name of a neurosurgeon in Sarasota to contact. I tried, but the phones had been having issues in that area from a very bad storm, so I could not reach them.
I called my son-in-law and now, my daughter knew as well. We were going to try and contact a neurosurgeon the next morning and I was staying overnight with them. I couldn't make it. Around 11:00pm the pain became so much more involved into my brain, the swelling increased, I had to go now. I felt bad having to ask my daughter to take me to the ER, but she was strong and determined to get me there.
At the ER, they immediately took me in after the history and seeing the swelling. A CT was performed, a call to the "on call" neurosurgeon was made, and a huge amount of purulent material was suctioned. An infection had occurred. I was admitted, given pain medication and then I met the Dr. He told me about the infection around the brain flap from the previous craniotomy and that surgery was needed. I was hesitant, concerned about the Mayo Clinic response, wishing for my Dr. Hanel. He left, and I prayed.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
I received a call from Mayo Clinic. I told them about my call to Grace, they said that was known. Then stated they would support the Dr.in Sarasota with any assistance needed, to have the surgery performed in Sarasota. The advice was that I really needed to take action. Still, I felt unsure. I contacted my neurologist, Dr. Madden, in Sarasota again and he said he would be used as a consult for the surgery. He increased my Keppra to protect me from possible epileptic seizures.
I had so wanted my neurosurgeon, Dr. Hanel to do this...I just didn't know where he was yet.
I called my husband and he made the arrangements to return for my surgery scheduled for Friday.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
This day was full of pain. The Dr. arranged for his PA, to perform another suction of the infection fluid. This helped immensely. I could "breathe" again. My nurses were so wonderful and supportive. Even my room mate patient, Robyn, and her family were helpful and wonderful believers of faith. We shared many good moments together.
And then my best friend arrived! My husband looked so tired, but his smile was ear to ear. Thank God he arrived safely and now we could move on.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Many calls were made before my assigned time of surgery in the late afternoon. Regretfully, I called my Mom (she is my step-mother, but has been my Mom for over 50 years, since my mother died when I was 9 years old..a blessing!) to let her know I would not be able to fly home (my hometown) as planned the next week. I also had to call my brother, Brad, to cancel his flight arrangements for me at Easter. Disappointments have always been a weakness of mine, and I prayed for His forgiveness and peace to all.
The time had come, I was being moved to surgery. The nurse, a man named Fred, greeted me. He was a "kindred spirit"! Always amazed! He was also a Celiac, and assured me that no medicines under his watch would be full of any gluten. I laughed and felt comforted. My anesthesiologist, came and listened to my request of no "push" on the IV too hurriedly. This always caused so much pain and seemed to be the norm in some of my previous surgeries. This time, I did not experience that pain as promised.
Awakening was difficult. I was so sick. How could I have anything to throw up. I had not eaten for over 20 hours, and yet, the nausea was constant. Perhaps I had swallowed some of the infection? My ICU nurse, Erin, was amazing! She knew just what would help, and the room stopped twirling around me.
Why is it, that we get so "nasty" from the drugs used at surgery? I asked my husband later, my best friend, if I was at least nicer to him this time....and he said, no. It hurts to know that I may have said something bad to him, even a fraction.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
I had to leave ICU in the afternoon...Erin tried to keep me, but I was now too well to stay. She was happy for my being so much better, but again she was another "kindred spirit". It was hard to say goodbye.
I was moved to a private room this time. And again, the nurses were the best! I was allowed to sleep untroubled and only awakened once for vital signs and pain medication. They were always surprised when I said no to percosette or oxycodone, but I told them it made me too ill. So they would give me my Motrin and a little duladin in between.
My day was full of visits and some alone time. The alone time let me continue to thank God in prayer for all of His Blessings, and to pray for others I knew were in need. Prayer is the unwritten prescription that works best!
Sunday, March 30, 2014
The Dr. and his PA came to check on me. We discussed the surgery, and made follow-up plans.
The testing on all of the infection came back as a Staph infection. Although a very difficult infection to treat, there is a good plan. I will need 3 doses of IV per day for the next 4 to 6 weeks. That being said, I have a PIIC line in my right arm to follow the process. It is also much easier to take blood tests along the way. (yes, the insertion of this line hurt!)
Dr. Madden came to see me after all my family and friends had left. Late evening, he was off, but wanted to see how I was doing. We spoke about my not having any additional seizures and now to go back to my normal dosage when I would be released the next day.
Monday, March 31, 2014
I will be going home tonight after my last infusion of antibiotics. I am feeling so well, and told the nurse if they had any filing or typing to do, let me know, I would love to help. She laughed at me and said "she wished".
My hubby brought me home, and I slept soundly all night.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
We had an appointment with the Infectious Disease Dr. who was handling my antibiotics and PIIC line. Actually, it was to be a lesson on how to perform my own infusions. I passed with flying colors and came home with everything needed for a solid week. Every week, I will be blood tested, and given more of the antibiotic for about 6 weeks duration.
I spent my day at home comfortably. Reading, writing, talking, and praying, but also resting. Do not pick up anything that weighs more than 5lbs was ordered....really??? My doggie weighs 7.5 lbs, I have to pick her up once in awhile. I will be careful.
It is good to be here. Our Father will keep helping me get this "fixed". The right places, the right people, the right time. He has a purpose in all of this. I have realized , He has needed me to meet some special people along this journey for His sake.
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