I had my simple lymph node removal and biopsy friday. Because my immune system sucks from this mystery illness/cancer I got a rare and aggressive bacterial infection. Within 24 hours I was in the ER with a rash all over my upper body that looked like a sunburn and a fever of 102. The opened the incision and found a decent amount of necrosis so they rushed me to the OR. The cut out all the dead tissue and packed it with gauze. In the OR my bp dropped below 75/35 and I became takychardic(sp?). I was in the ICU for the first 2 days and the first 24 hours they didn't know if I was going to make it. I'm in the regular hospital now and I'm better-ish. The nurses are going crazy because they can't keep me still but moving is healthier for my muscles and I can't lay her all day. Lol I'm leashed to the bed by tubes though so I can't move far. I was septic when I came in so my body was shutting down. I was dehydrated so my normally healthy veins kept blowing. They blew 4 IV sites in my right arm and eventually put in a central line. I'm still on O2 while I sleep but I refuse to stay down too long. I was put in isolation today because it killed my immune system and is only contageous to other patients with awful immune systems. I got a sponge vac in open chest wound. I'll be up bouncing around in no time. The nurses and docs love me. Got to sleep, meds just kicked in. Sorry if this was all groggy and didn't make sense.
FormerMember
So sorry to learn you're fighting infection instead of cancer. You can and will get through this - your optimism is your greatest armour. Please don't think of the bigger picture, just take one hour/morning/afternoon/day at a time. I am thinking of you and sending lots of strength to fight this infection. You've managed to get this far, don't give up - I'm still here 4 years on and didn't think I would be. I am so happy to just be here. God bless you, please try to eat even if its awful as it's your best medicine and drink water as much as you can - these two things are true strengtheners so get it down you. I look forward to reading your next instalment so please let us all know on here so we can help send you strength. Oh, and if you can't sleep at night ask for zopiclone as a good night's sleep is better than none.
I don't think my reply got to you - just to say sorry you're fighting infection instead of cancer. Keep eating, drinking and ask for zopiclone at night to help you sleep. You will get through this - I'm here 4 years on and living the dream! Please keep us all informed and I send you lots of strength and love to fight this. God bless, take one day at a time and don't lose your optimism as it's your strongest tool. Ann
