Gemma Rachal is BACK!!!!! Hurricane Katrina didn't get me after all...

Hello all, As most of you know I was caught up in Hurricane Katrina. Life got pretty weird for me since then. I have spent most of the last 5 months in one hospital or another. I spent 30 days in a rehab hospital, while they gave me antibiotics by I.V. Every 6 hours. I got seriously depressed while in the rehab hospital. But once I got home it all got better. It turns out my lung had collapsed after surgery and I spent my week trapped in the hospital barely able to breathe. Thank God for my Mom, who took care of me. When I finally got to Baton Rouge they figured out what was wrong and my chest cavity had to be drained twice. Then a quick trip home and high fevers and back to the hospital I went. I was miss diagnosed with a urinary track infection and sent home. Fever got worse and I got sicker and by the time 3 weeks had past since surgery I had lost 42 lbs. I knew something wasn't right, I couldn't eat. Every time I went to or in the hospital I was dehydrated, malnourished, and getting weaker and weaker. After Several admissions to the hospital and every test... MRI's, CAT Scans, tons of blood work. They found lesions on my Liver & Spleen. They decided to do a Biopsy on my spleen. Something went wrong and I ended have to have an emergency chest tube done. Imagine the biggest knitting needle you can find... Now shove it through your rib cage fast as you can... Nothing for pain. This was in Oct. My chest still hurts where it was inserted. Ok Now after all this ... They finally figured out I have an internal Staff infection that was attacking my liver, spleen, chest cavity, and working towards my heart. I was told another 2 to 3 weeks untreated and the infection would have been untreatable, there for fatal. I am home now and getting stronger every day. I am learning how to walk again. My therapist comes out to my house 3 times a week. She is very pleased with me. I still have spots on my spleen, but not any where else. So I am on antibiotics by mouth for the next 3 months. So I am finally eating again, and I am not losing weight as fast. Sill losing, just at a healthier rate. So far I have lost 128 lbs. Today is my 5 month anniversary date of my surgery date. Ok, I hope this catches everyone up, and you will never know how much ya'lls prayers meant to me and I need ya'll to still keep me in your prayers. Any Questions send them to me... Hugs Emm/Gemma

Wow Gemma.... nothing like being the one with the complications! We all know there are risks, but we all hope and pray it's not us that has the problems. I am so glad to hear you're doing better now.... I'm sending you positive vibes for health and happiness! hugs Kim

Wow Gemma what a recovery. Glad all is well Joyce Kim, You look great. I know you from the Yahoo Toronto Board. Long time no see. Take care

ohhhhh...Gemma! sounds like you've had it much harder than most of us. Not only complications that you've suffered through, but Katrina too. I hope you are on upswing now and I hope you feel much better and only conyinue to do so. Wishing you all the best in recovery and weightloss. hugs, Rita

My mother always said, "That which doesn't kill us, makes us stronger!" I don't think she meant literally "kill" us. But, if you can survive all of that, weight loss will be a cake walk for you. I am thankful that you shared your experience with us, to put all of our wimpers into perspective. I am very happy to hear you are on the road to recovery. My prayers and thoughts are with you today... Apryl 245.5/182.5/140