Update

I'm still in the hospital but in a regular room now.  I'm bored out of my mind because I feel fine and want to go home, but they won't let me until tomorrow at the earliest.  On Friday, I had another test and it showed a faint leak so I'm still not eating or drinking.  I would have never believed that you could go for 5 weeks without eating or drinking but I guess you can.  I am still on TPN so I am definitely getting the nutrition I need and will probably be on it for a while.  The infection is gone but I'm still taking 4 IV antibiotics twice a day.  I am eager to detach from the darned IV pole.  I did talk the doctor into putting my TPN back to a 13 hour schedule instead of a 24 hour schedule when I go home.  That way I can try to look for a job without having to lug a backpack of TPN with me.  I can only imagine trying to explain that one to a potential employer.

I've been fighting depression the past couple of days but hopefully once everything settles down, I will be back to normal.  Melissa and Eric are moving back home with us the end of the month and I'm a  little stressed because I need to be home getting their room ready but I guess it will wait.  I'm very eager to have her there though because I think we can help each other out.  I really appreciate everyone's support and encouragement and don't know what I'd do without it.

Wow, it sounds like you have been through a lot. What do they do for leaks? I have never known anyone who had one before? I hope you get to go home soon.
Emily

Kim, I'm so glad to hear from you. I,ve been wondering about you. Are you in Oklahoma, or Wichita? I'm coming to Wichita tomorrow. I have to take my son to his Neurology appt. I would love to come and see you,  If  Beckys

They do not do anything about the leak but let it heal itself but you cannot have anything by mouth until it is closed.  It sucks but it beats getting the stuff in your belly which will make you sick as can be.

I am in Wichita at St. Francis. 

Hi Kim,
Thanks for keeping us posted!  I hope you get to go home.  I can't imagine being in the hospital for that long.  They would have kicked me out a long time ago!  I am a big pain in the A$$!  They would not want me there!  Talk about being a baby!  That would be me!
Please have your DD post too so we can help her out also!  How is she doing anyway??  She never posts anymore!  I've been worried about her too!

When you get to go home you take it easy!  Melissa and Eric can get their own room ready!  You let them be there to take care of you!  Just take things easy at first and get your strength back!  It will be nice for you to have them there, I'm sure!
You will be up and back to yourself in no time!  Take care and keep posting!  I'm happy you are feeling better!
Hugs!
Kim

Oh, Kim. Maybe it's silly, but I got teary-eyed just seeing the yellow smiley face by your post. I'm so happy to hear from you, to hear that you're just about ready to come home. I truly feel that this is the final complication you will have to deal with.
Please let Melissa and Eric take care of getting themselves settled in. You don't want to overdo, once you get home. Right?
Of course you're battling depression. Gee, who wouldn't, with all you've been through. You're ready to be home. Please rest. Even the job search can wait a bit. There is a perfect job out there for you, and it will be there when you're well enough to find it. It might even come to you!
I've been praying for you and will continue. God will take care of you.
Blessings,
Mary

Kim, my sister and I were just talking about you the other day and wondering how you were handling all this.  I cannot even imagine how hard this has been.  I am praying for you to fight the depression and to be able to see the end of this soon. -Amy

Well the battle continues.  I made it about 5 minutes into the test this morning before I puked up the Gastrograf.  I still have a faint leak somewhere on the back of my stomach and I have picked up a bug in my intestines and have yet another antibiotic to deal with.  I do not know if they will let me out of the hospital today or not.  I cried when I got back to the room because I felt like crap and was totally depressed.  I've since talked to my great support system, had a long talk with God and I'm going to beat this no matter what.  I don't know how or how long it will take, but I am going to win in the end.  I appreciate all the prayers I can get and words of encouragement.  It has been very tough but I guess what doesn't kill you makes you stronger

Bite your tongue, girl !  Everything in his time, not ours.  And on the room, it will still be there tomorrow and I bet they're big enough to handle it all on their own!  Keep the chin up.  You've got a huge force behind you wanting everything to be better for you.  Take care.  Lynette

Heal first.  The world will continue to revolve and you can catch up when you are feeling better.  It's both a sadness and a huge relief to realize the world keeps turning without us, but right now, step back and focus on yourself and your body, and nothing else.

Our bodies have a way of reminding us that they cannot go neglected forever.  I also truly believe that these big events in our lives happen for reasons of our personal growth-yes, we play a part in that too, but the really BIG things like this are lessons to be learned-and lessons do not mean punishment for past sins or whatever, just something we need to know so we can move on.

When it's something to do with the body, it often is a reminder to take better care of ourself and remember that we have meaning too-our flesh and our souls-we are not just pawns in some bigger game.  I think as women, we are prone to forget that.