Hi everyone. Yeah, it's me. I'm still alive, although one month ago, I wasn't sure if I would be today.
Oct. 6 I suffered an acute attack of appendicitis complicated by right lung pneumonia. I was hospitalized and had my appendix removed on my 54th birthday on Oct. 9. I returned home on Oct. 13 and began recuperating there.
On Oct. 16th, I began having stool-like drainage from my incision site. Back to the ER we went. The dr. said he had left only 1 stitch in my incision because he wanted "the nasty drainage to be able to come out." He gave me some IV antibiotics and cleansed the wound and sent me home to rest.
The next day, the drainage was still the same, except for more volume, and it was really irritating to my incision tissues and surrounding skin. We were scheduled for a followup appointment with my surgeon, so back to the hospital we went again. This time, he told me that I possibly had a "Fecal fistula" and that it was just a pinpoint hole in my colon that would heal all by itself. He wanted me to go home and rest, and I would be fine. I was skeptical about this, and I asked him, what about the irritation to my skin and tissues. I can't keep sopping it up with a towel!. So he rigged up a drain sealed with a huge transparent sticky dressing, which he called the "Davis Special". It wouldn't even stick to my skin long enough to get out to the pickup to come home, which meant the drain couldn't maintain proper suction. He wanted this irrigated 2 to 3 times per day. Daughter Becky and I tried for 1 1/2 hrs. that evening to get the dressing to seal long enough to irrigate it. Finally, in frustration, Becky said, Mom, I'm taking you to Manhattan to the ER. And she did.
I had another surgery on Oct. 19 to remove the right side of my colon and part of my ileus. I spent 4 days in ICU and received 2 units of blood. I finally was discharged on Oct. 28 and have been getting stronger every day, although I'm still not well enough to return to work yet.
I've been without income for almost 2 months. Thankfully, my insurance from working at Clay Co. Hospital was still in effect and since I had met my deductible, is paying 100% of the medical bills. After Dec. 31, I'm not sure what we'll do.
Anyway, you can hopefully understand why I haven't been on the forums much lately. Usually I check email only and then shut my computer down.
I miss chatting with everyone. Hopefully, I can get some writing done soon. My mind is still rather fuzzy at times and my concentration level is terribly short. So please have patience with me a while longer.

Got your PM. You were missed. Wow, you have had some trying times since you were here last.Glad you are on your way to better health. I'll include you in my prayers. Keep writing Countrygirl, your poetry is beautiful.
chick

Wow countrygirl,
I think it's time we activated the boomer prayer plan.
I'm saying a prayer for you right now. I hope others will as well. Hopefully you've been through the worst and are on your way to being all you can be.

Know our prayers are surrounding you.
smile

I'm happy to join that prayer plan. I am glad you and your family were persistent with your care. "A pinpoint hole in the colon that will heal?" I've never heard that before. I thought any hole could cause you to be septic. I am so glad you are healing. This sounds so serious.

Can you get an extension on your insurance?

Sounds as if you have been through the entire course.... unbelievable.
Glad to hear you are finally on the mend.
At least you were covered, which has to be a burden lifted.
Praying for your total and swift recovery.

[ November 22, 2005, 09:16 PM: Message edited by: yepthatsme2 ]

Countrygirl,

My goodness! What a time you've had. So thankful your daughter was on the nose about your care. You've been through a lot. I'll also add you to my prayer list. The prayers of this group really do land in Gods lap and he answers them. Will pray for your continued healing and renewed strength.

I am recovering from surgery, but thankfully mine was essentially without any real problems. Girl, so happy you are on the mend.
God bless!
Sandpiper

Countrygirl........Add me to that list that will be praying for you. I've had my share of surgeries, and mishaps along the way.
I wish you a fast recovery.
Lynne

What a story Countrygirl.....you've really had quite a time. Consider me "on board" with the prayer plan....let's hope you are back to 100% SOON!

Add my name to the growing list countrygirl. Bless your heart! Thank goodness your daughter was around to see first-hand the seriousness of it all and get you to another facility. You are in our prayers, from our lips to God's ears.

JJ

countrygirl51 I hope today finds you feeling a little better!

You have certainly been through a lot! You deserve a break now from all of this that you've had to endure.

Please try to post something at least once a day so we know how you are.

Hugs coming your way from me!