A Bit Of A Vent

This has been a tough day. Just to warn you, this will be a bit of a venting post. I am sharing the picture of the Yorkie because I'm really missing my Holly. I've really tried to be brave about losing her, but today, the tears flow because I miss my little friend. I haven't had time to really grieve because I've been dealing with so much but today it's really hit me.

I have had a horrible headache for two days because of the IV meds I'm on and add to that only 5-6 hours of sleep a night, and you have a basket case. Then add to that the fact that my home visiting nurse that is doing my wound vac really doesn't know what she's doing and I'm really a basket case.

She has done it twice and both times, there has been a problem. I called them last night to tell them that it wasn't doing anything. It's on and it's making noise, but there is nothing going into the canister, which is unheard of. I never heard back from the nurse! I had to call her again this afternoon and she's getting my nurse to come out here. I was quite annoyed that she never bothered to call me back and then acted like I was bothering her. I don't call unless there's an issue and I wouldn't be having an issue if the nurse knew what she was doing. She's very nice, but I don't think she has ever done a wound vac before. When she removed it on Friday, I had a black and blue ring completely around the wound which is something I've never had. I shudder to think what it's going to look like today when she removes it. I have had so many problems with this wound and just had surgery on it 2 weeks ago. I don't need someone to screw it all up!  (See, I told you I was going to vent!)

I guess I'm just feeling a bit sorry for myself today. I hardly ever have this but when I do, it hits me with full force. If you think of it, please say a prayer for me - I could sure use it!

Blessings - Julie

I Have My Own Circus, I Don't Need Someone Else's!

What a week - and it's only Wednesday! lol I've had a bit of a set back with my leg. It got quite swollen again and my wound care doctor was concerned enough to have me go and get another ultrasound. Unfortunately, the tech I had doing it, was totally confused by my wound vac and could never find my bypass even though I showed her exactly where it ran in my leg. She kept complaining about the tape on my leg, as well. I just had a ultrasound done with another tech in the same hospital and she was able to see everything just fine. I really feel like I totally wasted my time and energy going this time and I have a feeling that this ultrasound isn't going to tell my doctor anything. It really does matter who you get to do your testing!

I put in a call to my surgeon and my infectious disease doctor yesterday to let them know what's going on. I haven't heard from them, yet, but I'm not surprised as I know how incredibly busy they are. I do know they will get back to me, though.

I had my first nurse visit today for my wound care. Three nurses descended on my house - my regular nurse, her supervisor, and a trainee. There was a lot of paperwork to fill out and then they finally got down to the wound care. I liked my nurse very much and I think it's going to help me so much not having to go out three days a week to my wound care center. I'm not allowed to drive yet, so if I go out, that means someone else has to take me. Plus, it was really exhausting going out. I'm so happy that I'll have this in home care for now as I think it will help me in my healing and make things easier for me and my family.

Speaking of family, my poor hubby has hurt his back. This happened while I was in the hospital. We thought he had gout, but then I realized when I got home that the pain wasn't in his joints, but down the back of his leg. Boy, did that sound familiar! I live with that kind of pain all the time. We got him to the doctor and, sure enough, he probably has a herniated disc. This has put him out of commission for the most part, so having my home health care is going to help him, too.

I decided that I'm probably not staying off my leg enough and have been having it elevated and I also sent out the prayer requests on my FB page. I'm seeing a wee bit of improvement today and I'm so thankful! I have a hard time just staying off my leg, but I'm seeing it's a must or I'm going to have a relapse and I really don't want to do surgery again.

One thing I've come to realize through all this is that the Lord is showing me I was right about a relationship in my life. I was uneasy about this woman - she always made me feel rather stupid and she is very prideful and self-righteous - but I tried to be her friend and be kind. However, during this botched surgery and all the crazy health issues I've had because of it, it was truly revealed to me that this is not a good relationship and it was based on what I could do for her. When it was evident I couldn't or wouldn't do this thing, she has really shown her true colors. I had been praying about this situation and God has truly opened my eyes. Despite this, I still feel a bit of hurt and it's hard for me to accept that someone would act this way. I'm in prayer that the Lord would just help me to let this go.

I saw this the other day and I just loved it. I tend to get caught up in other people's stuff and this is a great reminder that it's just not something I want to do anymore.

On that note, I shall bid you adieu and pray that God's blessings will be upon you this week!

Blessings - Julie