It's been 6 weeks since my first surgery, and probably the hardest so far psychologically. The have increased my Vancomycin dosage, which has left me nauseous and unable to really eat much. In addition, one of my crowns came loose. Visiting the dentist was not my top 10 things to do this week. They worked me in at the last minute, so I went while I was still hooked up to my infusion. They xrayed my mouth, found an infection under my crown. Thankfully, the oral surgeon happened to be in the office that day. Again, with what I have going on, they were more worried about the infection under the crown than the tooth itself, I chose to have the crown and tooth removed, the infection flushed and a bone graft inserted until they can do an implant. Since I am on Vanco, they didn't prescribe any other antibiotics.
My days always start great with coffee in bed. I am truly grateful for my amazing boyfriend Chris, and his wonderful support. After about an hour, I migrate to my couch in the living room and the infusion begins. It's about a 3 hour process, and during the last 30 minutes the nausea starts to set in- almost like a severe morning sickness. This lasts for about 4 hours. Sometimes I just sleep (or try), but it's a rough 4 hours to say the least. I try to get in my passive stretching for my TPF leg a few times, I force myself to do leg lifts (with my good leg), arm exercises (with the arm that doesn't have the pic line) and crunches. Sometimes, I just lay horizontal waiting for the nausea to pass. I was finally allowed to shower and again- thank you to my bf for installing grab bars throughout the shower. Usually, I am doing well from 4 pm until bed, when the whole infusion process starts again. This one isn't so bad because I sleep through the crappy nausea. One or 2 days a week I go to the hospital for blood work. They test to make sure there is a measurable amount of the Vanco in my system and they test my liver/kidneys. This process will go on at least until August, providing there aren't anymore complications with infection.
This Thursday, I visit Dr. Jack (the infectious disease guru) and my Ortho. Although I have a pretty crappy, stubborn infection, I am thankful I have a great surgical team that specializes in this injury. My hope for this Thursday is that the infection is under control and the bones healing. I plan to ask for the removal of my hardware as soon as possible. What I don't want is to need the hardware replaced before the bone is healed. Than will set me back to another 12 weeks of NWB and a minimum of an additional 6 weeks of infusions. I'm trying to keep my protien up with shakes so I don't loose too much muscle. I'm hoping for some great news on Thursday. I could really use it!
My days always start great with coffee in bed. I am truly grateful for my amazing boyfriend Chris, and his wonderful support. After about an hour, I migrate to my couch in the living room and the infusion begins. It's about a 3 hour process, and during the last 30 minutes the nausea starts to set in- almost like a severe morning sickness. This lasts for about 4 hours. Sometimes I just sleep (or try), but it's a rough 4 hours to say the least. I try to get in my passive stretching for my TPF leg a few times, I force myself to do leg lifts (with my good leg), arm exercises (with the arm that doesn't have the pic line) and crunches. Sometimes, I just lay horizontal waiting for the nausea to pass. I was finally allowed to shower and again- thank you to my bf for installing grab bars throughout the shower. Usually, I am doing well from 4 pm until bed, when the whole infusion process starts again. This one isn't so bad because I sleep through the crappy nausea. One or 2 days a week I go to the hospital for blood work. They test to make sure there is a measurable amount of the Vanco in my system and they test my liver/kidneys. This process will go on at least until August, providing there aren't anymore complications with infection.
This Thursday, I visit Dr. Jack (the infectious disease guru) and my Ortho. Although I have a pretty crappy, stubborn infection, I am thankful I have a great surgical team that specializes in this injury. My hope for this Thursday is that the infection is under control and the bones healing. I plan to ask for the removal of my hardware as soon as possible. What I don't want is to need the hardware replaced before the bone is healed. Than will set me back to another 12 weeks of NWB and a minimum of an additional 6 weeks of infusions. I'm trying to keep my protien up with shakes so I don't loose too much muscle. I'm hoping for some great news on Thursday. I could really use it!
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