I've been trying for days sit and blog but I'm not sure how successful I'll be at finishing. Still feelig tired and I'm thinking I may go take a quick break.
Two hours later. Body wanted a nap so now I'm going to try again.
Last Sunday I was feeling poorly. Thought it was the flu. Mary insisted on taking me to the ER (against my wishes) but man, am I glad she did. Now that I think about it, she probably saved my life. The ER was crowded but then aren't they always. I can't recall events or times but that doesn't really matter anyhow. I was admitted (much to my surprise) and after they took a fecal smear, I was put in isolation. Every time anyone came into my room they had to wear a gown, gloves, and mask. And then the fun started.
I had recently been on antibiotics at different times --- once for a UTI and once for sinus. Apparently, antiobiotics started a war in my gut and I got something called C-Diff. With this ailment, your gut explodes. Meaning you have no control over your bowels. This was one horrible experience. Not only was I very weak but I wasn't allowed up without assistance. If I dared try to get up on my own, all kinds of buzzers went off. Then the nurses gave me hell. Told me they'd just as rather I lay there and poop and it was easier for them to clean up. And you don't just poop now and then, you poop all day long and freqently. It smells and it's messy and I wanted to die!
One thing I'll say for Legacy Hospital, they're efficient. Not as far as ERs go but that's another story.
The nurses were so kind and that made a bad experience better. Plus the food was good. Unfortunately, I had no appetite and had to leave most of my meals. All stuff I like too!
Once they figured out I had C-Diff, they started me on a super antibiotic which I had to take orally. The pooping continued for a few days after I was released but I'm on a regular pill antiobiotic and will take that for 10 days.
I had Mary buy a bunch of candy for the nurses when I checked out. I left on Wed (still weak but very thankful to be home. The next day my right knee was red and swollen and I absolutely could not walk on it. The pain was horrible. Mary called my regular doctor to ask her opinion and she said to go back to the ER and get xrays, ultrasound, and blood work. She was worried I might have a blood count.
Big sigh...
From 8:30 to 2 a.m. we sat and waited for the results. No blood clot; probably arthritis. My knee did have some fluid in there too. They gave me an oxycodine and a prescription for ten more pills. That allowed me to get home but that wore off overnight and I was in horrible pain again this morning.Am waiting for Mary to go get my prescription. Thankfully, Mary had an oxy (she needs it now and again for her MS pain) Andy gave it to me as Mary was still sleeping. I could barely walk again this morning.
I have to depend on Mary to pretty much do everything for me...dinner, dish washing, taking out the trash, grocery shopping, etc. Jenni is coming down today to lend a hand. I have such good daughters.
Once the knee heals, I should be on the road to recovery. Still a little weak but at least that damn pooping is over. That was one of the worst experiences of my life. I was told that C-Diff is nothing to be taken likely as it could turn into sepsis. I know that word and it's a scary one!
And that's my horror story for Oct Not the first time that Octuber has been a hard month for me.
Thanks to all those folks who asked after me and I do appreciate the concern. Gonna go eat the mac and cheese that Mary just made me.
Here's a picture of my cousin, Linda, who is in a nursing home after having a stroke. I guess we're all getting older.
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