KMCCRARY Checking In and Giving Thanks

Hello everyone,  I really wanted to thank God and everyone for helping me through this very difficult time.  It is really strange for how things happen and how we don't understand them at the time but it is always revealed.  As most everyone knows, I've been having a lot of shoulder pain and nausea for most of my 8 weeks since surgery.  I have had lots of x-rays and CT scans but they really couldn't find anything significant to explain the problem.  A couple of weeks ago, I went to the ER in Wichita thinking I was anemic enough for a transfusion.  As it ended up, I had a doctor whose mom had had the same reactions with her bypass and she prescribed me some meds that I mentioned in previous topics that helped tremendously.  Well that was two weeks ago.  On that Friday, (9-05), I was laid off.  Needless to say, my stress level skyrocketed and I started having more problems.  Last week I had to do a slew of heart tests because onr of my EKG's had a few funky lines.  That took two visits and a bunch of hours.  The funny thing is I would have majorally stressed out missing so much work but I didn't have a job so I only stressed a little not know what was going on and the fact that I couldn't devote a lot of time looking for a new one.  Then last Friday night, my shoulder was really bad.  By Sat morning I asked DH to drive me to the ER (which happens to be my favorite ER)  I had lost my insurance but was still on Rick's so that turned out to be a blessing.  They were wonderful and listened to me about everything, only poked me once (which is a Godsend) and they did a CT that showed a few air bubbles and an abscess. 

They wanted to admit me and have a surgeon try and remove them the following day but I told them I had to talk to DR. B first.  And as I expected he wanted me in OK.  That did stress me out because I doubt if my insurance will pay but once again at least I didn't have to stress out about staying and missing my job.  The rest is a bit fuzzy as I've been on a lot of pain meds,  The first thing they did was give me 4 units of blook which helped tremondously.  Next they dediced to send me to Mercy to try to aspirate the air and abscess.

My best girlfriend took me to Mercy but they did not feel it would be safe as it was right next to my spleen and lung.  So Dr. B did a laporascopic procedure and removed 5 cc of abscess and the air bubbles.  He left a small drain tube in to continue draining it and I think I'm probably going to be here until Friday at the soonest.  I do not quite yet know when I will be able to eat again because he said that you don't close the hole but it heals itself.  So no food or water for me.  Now for someone who has absolutely detested drinking lately because of all of the pain, of course I'm thirsty and very dry.  They are giving me fluids, TPN (food supplement), Lipids and antibiotics.  So at least I'm nutrionally balanced now even if I can't eat.  The only negative so far is the calorie content is so high to encourage healing that I am temporarily diabetic.  So I get the lovely finger pokes and insulin.  Aside from my ribs being sore though, my shoulder pain is much better and I feel like there is an end in sight.  I have definitely experienced my fair share of issues but you know I guess I'm just one of those lucky people.  I have had other issues with other surgeries so it is not Dr. B's fault or for that matter anyone's fault.  It is just how it is.  Worst fear for me now if how long I can't eat or drink.  I really need to go back to work right away as money will be very tight in a week or so, but I know God is going to take care of us and the most important part for me is getting better.  I really do appreciate you helping us out through this difficult ordeal.  I honestly don't know what we would do without you.  You have especially helped me the most when you calm Melissa down wasn't able to talk to her.  That means a lot.  I will update you when I have more but I promise it won't be a book like this one.

Hugs to each and every one of you!!

Kim,
It amazes me how you have kept such a positive attitude even after all you have been through. I hope that the leak seals itself soon and you will be back to eating and drinking again soon -- and working. You have had enough stress and hope it is smooth sailing from here on out!

Kim,
You are really such a positive person. I'm really glad to hear you are doing better.  I'm a baby and I know I wouldn't be as brave as you. 
You and Melissa (and the rest of your family) continue to be in my prayers. 
Thanks so much for the update and keep the updates coming!
Hugs
Kim J.

You are such a amazing women to have such a positive outlook on things.. God is keeping you strong and will help you during this difficult time.  Your doing GREAT by keeping your faith in tact and please know that we are all praying for a speedy recovery for you.. Hugs go out to you my dear one and your family.  Please let us know, if there is anything we can do for you..

Hugs,
Sheila

I am so glad they have finally figured out the problem and you are on the mend.  High blood sugar also is brought on by stress, so try to be calm and trust that God will take care.  My best to you.  Lynette

I can't believe what a horibble ordeal you have been through.  And through it all you have been very positive.  That is an inspiration to us all.  Your OH family has been keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers and hope that now you will recover quickly.  We all got together last night and wondered how you were doing.

Please keep us posted on your progress and stay positive!  You will get through this and have happier days ahead!

Wow! I would have asked to be put into a coma or something. That is a lot of crap to go through! I hope it gets all better sooner rather than later.

WOW!!!  You have been chewed up and spit back out!! Your experience is a nightmare!! I am so sorry that all of this has happened....Your attitude has remained positive and that is quite a testimony of who you are!  It's hard as a pre-op to read of the problems you have had, but I do believe you are one of those rare people who has had this much of a problem.

I am so glad you posted this to update us on all the details. I know your daughter has been a basket case, but still tried in all her fears, to keep us up on your status. I am sure you are proud of her anyway, but add that to her fine qualities!!

I pray that you will finally continue to heal. Don't forget to let us know how you are during this process....OHHHH By the way you also have a great best friend!! It is a wonderful thing to have a giving, caring, best friend. Your support system has been a life saver for you during this!!
Take care.
Sherry

BIG HUGS TO YOU!! YOU ARE SUCH AN AMAZING PERSON TO GO THRU ALL THAT AND STILL BE SO POSITIVE AND UPBEAT. KEEP YOUR CHIN UP AND KNOW THAT IT WILL GET BETTER. PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU!!

It's wonderful to hear from you and to know that you're on the mend. I'm glad you have the drain in place and hope that your leak heals quickly! I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers and am thankful you have had the care that you needed.

I'm sure they will let you have fluids as soon as your leak has healed. I hope you have some good TV shows, books, and handwork to help pass the time.

Hugs to you!

Shelly