Again, I'm so, so sorry.
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I can't believe how much of a hermit I've become! I have had a bit of a rough couple of months. It started in July out in San Diego when I discovered a crack in my line. But it was underneath the blue connection. So, I decided to switch the two lines since there was no leaking and my site was absolutely fine. (I have a double lumen Hickman line.) (This is NOT my chest. I'm much more "endowed")
There was no redness, or anything else so I wasn't concerned. I was suppose to stay out in San Diego for another 2 weeks.
But then, after a few days, I started vomiting. So, I decided to go home. I got a bit better but, then a couple of days later I was vomiting again. Eventually I agreed to go to the hospital and soon discovered that I indeed did have a line infection, I actually had both bacteria and yeast! We started antibiotics and anti-fungal medicines through an IV. Then, when the surgeon took out the"old" line it broke, causing all of the bacteria and yeast to leak out of the line. I soon had unbearable lower back pain that seemed to last several hours. (I actually doubt that it was that long. It just FELT like it!), Rod got in touch with the doc in charge of the ICU. He had a couple of tests done including an MRI which discovered a compression fracture in my lower back. We also discovered that the bacteria and yeast went to two weak spots, my lungs and my back where there is this fracture. I hurt my back two years ago while sitting in the back seat of my car, with Nick (driving) and Kara. I was stupid and didn't buckle my seat. Nick hit a very, very deep speed bump causing me to fly, hitting my head and then coming back down and hurting back. I went into back spasms. We had no idea how badly I was hurt.
The doctors told me on Friday that I needed to stay in the hospital and get my new line on Monday. So. after a 10 day stay in the ICU, I finally got to go home. I'm still trying to get my stamina back and all. Dr. Thompson (my pulmonary doc) told me it would take a couple of months to get back to where I was, prior to the hospital visit.
There is other crap that I could tell you. But, "For crying out loud!" Aren't you tired of all of this?
Let's take a break from this depressing news and look at this nice picture of the old Markins and the new Markins and one future Markin. Plus, I could never forget "my boys" Asa and Haver.
Well, I think I'll head off to bed. I'd like to thank each and everyone of you for hanging in there with me.
Thanks for caring.
Thanks for reading.
