Gemma wasn't defeated by Katrina

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. The 26th was 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

I'm so glad your alright, I have been worried and so has everyone else here. Sorry you had to go through all that. If you need anything just let me know. Tina

glad you are home and better, take care of your self and post when you can. denise 250/206/150

hi girl, I was wondering when you would come back to the message board, remember me ? I came and saw you at the lake, I worked there..Tina and I were talking about you last week. I'm glad you are ok. Its unfortunate you had so many obstacles to go thru. thanx for posting and letting us know how you are... Hugs to you and your family,,, rhonda

WOOHOO! You have made my day!!! You don't know how many times I thought about you and prayed for you. I'm sorry we lost contact, but after Katrina, there was Rita (and a housefull of refugees) and then I had my sixth surgery since wls 16 months ago. I'm still hurting and crawling over here. I never stopped routing for you, Gemma. One day, it will be my extreme honor to meet you. Thank you so much for lifting the spirits of your friends and cheering squad here. All my best, Frances

Gemma, I'm so glad you're getting healthier. You don't know how often you were in our thoughts and prayers. I had my surgery on Aug. 9 with Dr. O at Methodist so I was recovering during Katrina and was glued to the TV and computer watching the tragedies unfold. I'm so glad that everyone's prayers worked for you finally. We've all been so worried about you! I know you were in the prayers of everyone in our support group. Anne

I'm so glad to hear from you Gemma, I'm glad you're doing better. I was worried about you too, and hoping that you'd return soon I'd love to come visit you sometime, if you're feeling up to visitors Kat

Thank you so much everyone, Frances i hope your surgery went well and you are in my prayers. Kat your welcome to come see me any time. Tina I cant wait to meet you. Rhonda my sneaky angel.. I have been trying to find you everytime I went back in the hospital. and the Rose is beautiful. I hope your surgery went well. Annie thanks for the prayers, BTW have you heard from Dr.O? Gemma

Actually just today I had my 6 month check up with Dr. O, Heather and Paula. Dr. O looks much better now, he seems to be recovering well. They just moved into an office in New Orleans since the old one was ruined. If you're interested we have a yahoo group forum for Dr. O's patients at OSSG-Renew I'm so glad you're getting better! Anne