Noelle Update - July 31, 2005

Update - 6 days after I came home from the hospital (August 8) I was placed in the hospital again for 7 days. I had a massive infection in the Groshong catheter that I get my TPN through. I found out by running a temp of 100.8 and going back to the hospital (I was told that anything over 100 I needed to get back IMMEDIATELY). I was treated with various antibiotics (Vancomiacin is EVIL....makes me itch) After 7 days of every 4 hour Ampicillian and every 12 hours Gentimiacin, I was allowed to come home again with another 8 days following of IV antibiotics at home. I went back to the neurologist this past Monday (25th) and was told that since I had had such an infection and was off the TPN for 7 days (and regressed) that I needed to have a feeding tube put in my intestines. Surgery is scheduled for August 10 at 11:30. I am having either a J-tube or a Peg tube (haven't told me which one yet...yes, I am calling the doctor tomorrow). Thanks for all of you listening to me rant and cry and rail. I'm not going to say this has been easy, but I am doing the best I can to keep myself up and positive and happy. I hate to ask, but please, please, please continue to pray for me and my family. My mother has been staying with us and my husband is very patient, kind and tolerant but I think he is getting tired of it. (hehehehe...imagine a husband tired of his mother-in law...hhhmmm) As you can see I am trying to keep my sense of humor alive and it has helped. Thanks again Noelle

I'm so sorry to hear that you're still struggling. Since you were so diligent about pursuing medical help, I was hoping they had found a way to help you get through this and get back on the mend. Do they anticipate that the feeding tube will eliminate the absorption problem or is this a stop-gap kind of thing? Will it be permanent? If they absorption problem is corrected, will that help reverse the neuropathy? Lots of questions, I know. I've put your surgery on my calendar so I remember to pray; Please keep us informed when you get home and feel like writing. Until then, remember you're never far from our thoughts. I think your husband sounds wonderful...he's been a rock through all of this and with a mother-in-law to boot. What a guy! Julie

Noelle, Thanks for the update. I've been wondering how you are doing. I do keep you in my thoughts and prayers. And, like Julie, I will make a note on my calendar for the 10th. Thank goodness for your positive outlook and strong family support! Your husband does sound like a great guy. Wanda

Oh Noelle...I have thought of you often since your last post. Thank you for the update. I am very sorry that your complications continue. Your positive attitude will take you far. It's great too that you have supportive family. Probably your husband is just worried about your health and it seems to you that he is getting tired of it all. Is there a name for the problem you have? Sorry if I missed it and this is a dumb question. Yes, of course I will continue to pray for you and your family. I wish I could help you in some other way as well. Afterall I feel as if I am your sister in the February family. I'll be thinking of you and praying the day of your surgery Aug 10. You take care and keep up that humor!! Paula

Noelle, So glad you posted. Hope your recovery goes more smoothly. Mary