Monday, April 19, 2010

Returning Home.......

Saturday a week ago (April 10) I had to go to the emergency room of the local university hospital. To say I was sick would not begin to describe the condition I was in. I was coughing up blood, gasping for breath and quickly after arriving to the ER (where they whisked me right in, no waiting) I learned I had pneumonia completely in the right lung and seven huge areas of pneumonia in the left lung as well. I had a temp of about 103 and I was told by hospital personell that I looked horrible. At this time they called in a new team of pulmonologists and infectious disease doctors. I was just released this afternoon. I had another PICC line put in on Saturday. I will be on home IVs again for several weeks as well as some very potent oral antibiotics. I learned today that I am on the best one for lungs and that the cost was over a thousand dollars for the rx. Thank goodness for health insurance.
I am still coughing and will be for awhile. I am weak but at least aware of where I am. Last week I have no real memories of my first days of hospitalization although I had many procedures done to determine that the infection was not in my heart valve. They believe it is not there but are treating the infection as aggressive which it has been. This time they are going to do their best to completely knock it out.
I will write more later in the week. I'm still fuzzy.

6 comments:

TARYTERRE said...

Relieved to hear you are finally back home. Home will help you heal. I'm glad you have a NEW team of pulmonologists and infectious disease doctors. I know you're probably tired of being poked and prodded. I know from your previous descriptions how painful the PICC line can be... but you have to let the IVs and oral antibiotics, do their jobs and hopefully you'll be feeling better soon. Meanwhile... you rest and get your strength back. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

Cynthia said...

Just now catching up on blogs after days of being off line. I am so sorry to hear about the pneumonia but am glad you're home. You're in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, that sounds awful, I hope you are on the mend and I'm glad for you that you are home from the hospital. I hate being in the hospital.
Take care and be well.

Judith HeartSong said...

Oh Nelle.... we have been worried about you. This sounds like an awful time and I am so glad you got to the hospital and got help. Thank goodness for insurance indeed! Please rest and take it very easy and know that there are so many here who love you Dearly from far away.

Susan C said...

I've been offline for a few days too.

Sending love and wishes for renewed strength and clear lungs.

Virginia said...

Oh Nelle, we are so sorry to hear you are sick again! I hope you are headed toward healing and will have a gentle and wonderful and healthy summer. Rest and take care.

Peace, Virginia