Too much IV meds, ya' think?

[Guest guest]

Good morning air family. I just read my post from last night after the ER and was I loopy or what? Yes, they do think the edema is "probably" being caused from my kidneys not working properly. I am now on my third dose of antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Lupus makes it a tough job for antibiotics. The funny thing is that I was severely dehydrated and had edema. That water just won't go where it's needed I suppose. The antibiotics should clear up the c-dif as well. They made me feel like I was an alien, a contagious alien at the ER. But they do look cute in their caps, gowns, masks, gloves and footies. I on the other hand looked like a giant blue suppository. Actually I am feeling better today since they gave me a round of antibiotics and mucho liquids in the ER. I will be seeing my cardio dude soon and we'll see if he agrees with them about the sweating and edema. I feel so sorry for the people who work at the ER because I have such a combination of illness'. They have to be super careful not to give me anything that will react with the other 11 meds I take. An interesting thing was imparted to me by an experienced RN last night. I have been having the IVs put in the top of my feet since that's the only place left that they can find a site. She said with my diabetes it is foolish to let then do that because if they screw up I could end up getting an infection and losing my foot. I guess from now on they will have to try harder but lately they been going in my neck and that hurts a lot. I also heard one pregnant nurse in the hall tell another nurse "I am not going in that woman's room!" Can't say that I blame her. Have you ever smelled c-dif gas. Whooooooeeeeeee! That's all I can say about that.

And again I must pass blame where it is due - Beth, Joyce, Mama Sher & others - you know who you are. Before you put a foot in my butt I would not have gone to the ER and just suffered through the night thinking it would pass. Well severe kidney (not bladder, it was way past that) does not just go away and neither does c-dif in a person with a compromised immune system. So, again, thank you guys for caring enough to get through my thick head that I am in charge and if I don't help myself no one else can. See guys, I am learning but I slow. The on-call neuro dude at the ER said the same thing the hospitalist said about my seizures. They feel sure (EEG doesn't show MS or anything that might cause them) that they are my bodies response to severe pain. I guess there are stress induced and pain induced seizures. The told me that if they can control my pain the seizures "should" stop. I believe I will get a second opinion on that too.

Peggy, I wanted to tell you that I have Chronic Aspiration and I also have those ground glass like nodules. Two years ago pulmo dude said he didn't know what they were but since they weren't causing any problems there was nothing to worry about. Hmmmm, maybe on second thought he could have stopped the deterioration of my lungs two years ago with this surgery if he'd cared enough to do a little research. Oh well.

The one thing they couldn't explain was why the entire inside of my mouth is peeling. It is not only yucky but ooky too. They did say they thought it might be the dehydration. I was proud of the fact that I stood up to them when they wanted to cath me for a urine since I was having trouble even getting a piddle out. I said no way with a possible UTI was I letting them irritate anything connected to my urinary tract. I told them to throw two bottles of saline at me and check back in an hour. That worked so neener neener boo boo on you doc!

I want to apologize if my humor offends anyone but it is my way of dealing with all of this. And in many ways it is hilarious. I was pretty arrogant about my physical condition before this all started. 14 miles on the bike daily, gym daily and was body proud. God humbled me and I thank Him for that. I took so much for granted before and led such a fast paced life now it's slow and steady with plenty of time for prayer. It's a proven medical fact that humor heals so I am laughing my butt off. It's not working cause that big ol' thing is still back there.

Thank you all for your prayers, love and concern. You are just about the only life line I have where I feel understood. Most think I'm off my nut cause I always try and find things to laugh about or to make others laugh.

Joyce, I am so hurt! I waved as I floated over and you weren't looking up. I knew it was you cause you were so beautiful just like I pictured you. So everyone look up, it might just be me. I am shooting for the Macy's parade this year but they say I have to grow a few inches. Darn. Rich swears he's putting a GPS locator on my butt just in case. Sorry this is so long. The short version - Sick - ER - little better - antibiotics - several regular doctor visits soon. Love you all! WHOA, IS THAT OHIO DOWN THERE? HI PJ!

Sunny 51 PF '09, Lupus/Sjogrens/Arthritis/Asthma '04, GERD '04, Barrett's Disease '08, Hyperthyroid '08, CAN '09, Hiatal Hernia '09, Idaho