The Hospital! I was admitted last Friday after a series of tests and my 10th ct scan for the month. Here's the scoop. Saturday marked two weeks of me being home from the hospital in Spokane. Usually in that time I should have been able to start healing and gaining strength. The opposite had been happening with me. I got the flu that first week which was torture (imagine vomiting over 50 times with hundreds of fresh stiches in your stomach!!) It HURT...but also brough on a fever and increased pain. The fever continued over a week and the pain got to a point to where I was unable to get out of my bed except when necessary. Out of desperation, I went to the ER and got a full battery of tests run and another ct. It revealed that I had a large abcess below my incision from the last surgery. I had been on antiobiotics but they aren't able to penetrate the abcess, so the infection was making me very sick.
I was sent to a radiologist in the hosital who was supposed to insert a catether drain into the abcess under the guidance of another live ct. Well...HE MISSED and sent the catheter straight into my bowel. So...I ended up being admitted into the hospital and had to have emergency surgery to fix my newly perforated bowel.
Well, now I have had 7 surgeries since Jan of this year...plus chemo and everything else. Needless to say, the surgeon wasn't able to stich me up because my skin, muscles, and tissues were so compromised from all of the other trauma and wouldn't hold. So, right now I have an open wound in the center of my stomach (my core...that gets used constantly!!!). They put a "wound vac" on it which is a pretty amazing technology that keeps my wound tissues fresh and slowly suctions them closed in hopes that they will heal closed. It looks disgusting and requires a ton of home health care once I get released. I will have to wear it for at least a few weeks and will have to have the dressings changed every other day at my house. They have told me that it is very painful and I am dreading it. The first time for me will be tomorrow. The Dr. also had to repair my bowel where the drain was "accidentally" inserted...and it was also pretty compromised. I am in a high risk catagory for more complications, so please continue to keep me in your prayers.
I can't believe I am writing this... Actually, let me take that back. I can't belive I am living this. I pray that I can heal from this and that life will start to return to normal. I don't know if I even remember what normal for my family is anymore...
11 comments:
What a noble spirit in the premortal existence, Shanda, to have agreed to such a trial in this life. You have the "serenity to accept the things you cannot change, the courage to change the things you can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Your lot over the past year seems so extremely unfair to me but I continue to hold onto the faith that you have, that the Lord's purposes are far beyond our comprehension. May He comfort and make your burdens light. May you have reasons to smile every day!
Oh Shanda, just so want to hug you...but I know it would probably hurt, but we are si grateful that you have been able to endure these procedures and treatments thus far. This last mistake puncture has to be like over the top for you just when you're supposed to be getting better.
It is amazing though what they have to help with the process even though we wish the need was not there. You will heal and in a year or so you will look back and say I remember it hurt so badly, but thankfully I do not feel that pain anymore. Life will get back to normal and you will always be a champion to help fight "C" for the benefit of others. I predict you will be fund raising, walking, doing funs, and cheering those on who in the future have to fight these fights. May the Lord bless you in the coming weeks to heal quickly and start getting back to "normal." Ruth & Warren Geitgey
Well, there is no editing, but I sure made a bunch of typos I didn't catch. I'm pretty sure you can muddle through my mistakes and figure out what I meant. Thanks.
(((Hugs))) Ruth G
Wish I could take away your pain and suffering. Makes me feel like I will NEVER have the right to even think about complaining or feeling sorry for myself. You are an ultimate example. You are still in our prayers!
Just when we were breathing a sigh of relief...GOOD GRIEF! I mean...REALLY?! Really?! It reminds me of D&C 122 (I think?...) "...all these things shall give thee experience and shall be for thy good..." You are amazing! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my knees in continued prayer for you! I have faith in you, Shanda, so keep up the good fight and keep the faith! *smooches*
Bless your heart, Shanda! I found out from Bree that you had sugery on Friday and could hardly beleive why...we've been in constant prayer for you and will continue to do so for however long it takes.
Karen
You have been in our prayers!! Seriously!
I WAS SO HOPING TO MEET YOU WHEN VISITING MY SISTER THIS PAST SUNDAY. THEN SHE GAVE ME THE NEWS YOU WERE BACK AT THE HOSPITAL AND MY HEART JUST SUNK. YOU HAVE ENDURED SO MUCH AND SOMETIMES I WONDER IF THERE IS A BIGGER MEANING TO YOU GOING THROUGH ALL THIS. ILL CONTINUE TO PRAY!
Oh man. Keep your head up Shanda! You have been through a lot but it sure sounds like this new surgery and all that came with it kinda wiped you out. When you are up to it and your wounds heal I would like to treat you to some Azteca or whatever type of food you may be craving at that time. You are definatly an inspiration for ALL. When they tell you that things are going to be painful I always look back to your previous comments. I can't imagine that you would be in more pain then you already have been in. I think about you daily and wish you the quickest most painless recovery.:) Your old Begginer Tennis Classmate, Chrystal Hillis
Wow! I am speechless. I can't believe all that has gone on. Things have to go up from here! I wish I was close to help. You are such a fighter. Keep it up and stay in the positive! Tell your little family hi!
My dad had to have the wound vac a few years ago when, and it is amazing what they can do. For him, it was a long recovery because of his problems, but the wound vac worked, as I'm sure yours will work, too! Our family thinks of your little family very often. We are praying for you as well!
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