Spoiler alert- LOTS going on! This week was full of twists, turns, and appointments. Some good news, some complications, and of course a lot of smiles!
Monday brought me to my second home, MUSC, for an appointment with a spinal specialist to determine what, if anything, can be done for my back and neck. It also served as a follow up on my L1 compression fracture. The doctor was excellent and had some ideas for all of my issues. He recommended a kyphoplasty for the fracture since, while it is still stable, it’s not healing well. If it is going to happen, it will be done at the main hospital by interventional radiology, but a consultation is necessary.
Monday also brought an unexpected ER visit upon the guidance of my home health nurse. The hematoma that I ended up with at my last hospital visit was looking bad and angry. The ER wasn’t super helpful but I managed to get an antibiotic as well as a referral for wound care.
Tuesday was a day of appointments at home. I had PT, OT and an appointment with my medical advocate. I also had a GREAT conversation with PAALS about next steps in regards of “my” service/assistance dog. I am ecstatic to see what the future holds for this area of my life!
Wednesday was a self-care day! I had my hair cut and colored by my favorite stylist, Amanda. I shared her a smile from Seeds of Happiness with her and she was super excited to share it with her son! I also made a TON of phone calls trying to catch up with scheduling new appointments and follow ups.
Thursday was a tough day, I really struggled to get up and shower, needing to sleep for two hours afterwards. I had an appointment in the afternoon with the nurse practitioner at my pulmonologist’s office. The appointment was intended to be a follow up for the nodule that was discovered on my lung and the follow up CT scan. The nodule couldn’t been seen because the scan showed pneumonia. I was put on an additional antibiotic (my third), nebs, and Musinex. The bright spot of the day was getting to see my nephew when my sister in law drove me home.
Friday afternoon was my long-awaited wound care appointment. I didn’t know what to expect and what would happen moving forward. I had a 1pm appointment and was taken right back. The nurse who started the process was amazing! She took my complicated medical history, examined my wound, and set me up for the doctor. Then, the doctor decided that the wound needed a full debridement. This process was probably one of the most painful experiences I have had despite the use of lidocaine. It was miserable, but necessary. He also recommended the use of a wound vac (to be started at my appointment next week). I will visit the wound care clinic weekly for the foreseeable future and then home health will touch base weekly as well.
Unfortunately, this week made me cancel a lot of plans because of not feeling well. I hate that sometimes it comes across as flaky. I hate even more that I miss out on good things. I used to say that at some point this will pass, but I’m not thinking that will happen. Until then, I will keep smiling, hoping, and praying!
