[Catherine2]

Tomorrow afternoon I'll be having some "work" done on my right leg--the one I had a revision done from a failed TKR done on it.

Earlier this year, I had a tooth abscess that wasn't discovered until my checkup. Because of my TKR, I usually take antibiotics before any procedure, even a regular cleaning.
We don't know how long I had the abscess since I had absolutely no symptoms.
There is concern now that I have an infection in that leg...

Ortho doc will make several small incisions to take samples for culture. No results for a few days unless something grows immediately...
I will be sedated and that is a plus! With my spine surgeon backing me, I refused a spinal block.
Knee doc is upset about that...TS.

For being a tough old broad, I sure am getting nervous. This will be my ninth surgery in two years, one TIA, and one heart episode. I don't care that it is being done as same day; I hate being put to sleep again, getting cut on, pain meds, and etc./etc./etc.

I would sincerely appreciate it if y'all would send thoughts for strength/trust/less fear...

Darn, but I feel like running away
except running was taken away from me years ago
It's not like me to be sad/worried about another surgery, especially an easy one.

Thank you.
Catherine

[Miracle1986]

Catherine
You are in my thoughts are prayers.
Surgery is never fun. Easy or otherwise.

[notz]

Oh dear one, I will be thinking of you. I've been saving a pretty candle with a nice nutmeg scent - I'll light it just for you. Take good care, my friend.

[Fuzzybear]

((((((((((((((((((( Catherine ))))))))))))))))))))

((((Catherine2)))))))))))))))))))) my prayers and thoughts will be with you.
Its not nice what a tooth abscess can do. Im sorry you got a infection from it.
I take antibiotics before any dental procedure too.

Please know i care and i think you are a good person.
Surgery is no fun at all.
let us know how you are when you are home

[Catherine2]

Thanks y'all...

Sitting here with a BA, want some coffee, wondering if chewing my nails counts as intake...why is it that you get thirsty and hungry whenever you are NPO?

Catherine

BA==Bad Attitude

sitting with you if its ok ((((Catherine2)))))))
biting nails could be intake
praying all goes well

[pegasus]

Originally Posted by Catherine2

Thanks y'all...

Sitting here with a BA, want some coffee, wondering if chewing my nails counts as intake...why is it that you get thirsty and hungry whenever you are NPO?

Catherine

BA==Bad Attitude

I think the BA will get you through this. Hoping it's all over and done with now.

Sending healing hugs ((((((((((((( Catherine ))))))))))))))

[Catherine2]

Thanks y'all...I really do appreciate the thoughts and good wishes.

The procedure went well, path report in a few days...
This surgeon is my least favorite as far as people skills, but his technique is exceptional...he would not commit to any speculation about his visual inspection. RO. But I do understand why.

Fell asleep on the sofa and would still be zonked out but the Cat from Hades jumped on me--yes, she is still alive minus some fur.
I'm waiting for the pain pill I took 90 minutes ago to start working on me...it has 32 minutes to do its' job or I'll take a half of another one.

Please know that I truly am grateful for your caring thoughts!

Catherine

[nightbird]

(((Catherine2)))

I hope you have a smooth and speedy recovery ~ and feel less pain with each passing hour.

Keeping a good thought about the report!

Peace and Healing,
Night
xoxo

[Catherine2]

got back a bit ago getting the hep lock in, will use it until we figure out the best course of action

made a fool of myself in the ER...ortho sent me there to have the line in, they wanted me to wait the usual time of 6-8 hours...
I refused to wait that long and told them they could call the surgeon and explain why they couldn't take 15 minutes (at best) to do it...no, I don't feel I'm any better than anyone else but there are times when you do need to stand up for yourself...
the surgeon didn't want to wait until Monday anyway, told me I'd be in and out. held him to it in my own petulant way

rats! ya know? sometimes
sometimes it's hard to be brave or whatever
I'm more angry about this happening than sad...disappointed in a strange way, too.

FUBAR...for a few days
then I'll bounce back

[nightbird]

get some rest... and get a tape if that helps, I still use one a night, I luv 'em.

pm anytime.

I think your doing well, and I would have expected to be taken right away with a surgical procedure, no waiting!

Yup, I understand.

Be well, and pm anytime you need another friend or some support... more than happy to be there!

Peace an No-Waiting Please!!!
Night
xoxo

[Catherine2]

thanks everyone...

I had dinner tonight with a friend who is also a (retired) nurse.
Dinner was good and the conversation was healing and full of laughter, a very good combination.
My health care "team" will be working together again with the addition of an infectious disease specialist and a dietitian.
My companion reminded me of these things, that I was not going it alone, I've people who care about me and I can lean on them.
Life is good.

Monday I'll be requesting an insertion of a PICC line. It will make it much easier to do the ABX treatment.
I'm not fond of or comfortable with using a hep lock...it's frequently used along with a flush, but there can be some serious problems using it. PICC line has a better reputation, for lack of a better word from my fogged brain

What I hope will happen is the four weeks will take care of it. I've no desire to have the replacement removed then a spacer put in...
I've plans for the summer and I intend to keep them.
If necessary then I will of course change them. Maybe.

Y'all I deeply and sincerely appreciate the support...thank you for being there for me.
Your kindness will return to you tenfold...

Catherine

[Catherine2]

damn I can be so stupid
I'm putting it off, not having the line put in until I think about it some more.
I don't give a FF right now, either

feel better soon (((Catherine2)))))))))))))))))))))))

[notz]

Catherine,

You are not stupid.....ha......far from it!! Way, way, way far from it!

The choices in front of you are not easy. No one should have to make the choices you must consider. But your life and quality of life depend upon your choices and subsequent compliance.

I hurt for you. I wish I could alleviate your burden in some way. Please know that I support you in all the ways that I can. I embrace you and your spirit from afar.

[Catherine2]

...came to mind that I'd best talk with them at least. Don't know if the infection will affect the hardware in my spine.

went to the closet to get my shoes and there was my cat; glassy eyed and looking very sick. so I took her to the vet.
she was put to sleep...
he discovered she had cancerous nodules. due to her age, we decided not to subject her to surgery and treatment, the prognosis was not good even with aggressive treatment.

so I held her and thanked her for being my companion for so many years, for being so full of fun, sitting near me while I wept, asked her forgiveness for the times I was not pleasant to her, then said goodbye while he injected her...he also had tears in his eyes, he's done all my furry companions and knows this was the last pet I'll have...

later in the week I'll go for the conference on treating the infection

thanks guys for your kind support and encouragement
Catherine

{{{ Catherine }}}

Soft and gentle hugs for you.

[Catherine2]

I am not handling this well, actually I'm not even handling it.
Won't answer the phone 'cause I don't want to talk to them about it, which is foolish since I will have to sooner or later.

took the hep lock out myself
looks like my session with T on Friday already has a "topic."
if I keep the appt

thinking a long weekend away might help me shake off this rotten, belligerent attitude

[lynn P.]

Hi Catherine,
so sorry to hear about your serious health issues and I wish you a speedy recovery. Amazing how infection in the mouth can cause such serious illness. I also sorry about your cat - I know it's hard putting a pet down. I hope and pray you have a speedy recovery.