My Miracle

As many of you know, I have been in the hospital (from March 8th to April 15th) with a very aggressive strep infection in my abdomen. A bit of the history as I know it...it took 4 days to find the problem because every test came back clean, and the doctors couldn't find a problem. So they decided to do abdominal surgery because my system was failing, and they weren't sure what they'd find. On Monday, March 9th I had my first surgery (of which I do not remember) to which they found was full of puss and infection. I was teetering on the edge of life for about a week and a half, it was really touch and go for awhile. At one time I weighed 200 lbs because they filled me with water trying to stabilize my blood pressure and keep my organs functioning.

I was unconscious until March 18th, I think... During recovery in ICU, I remember stuffing a wet washcloth in my mouth to sleep because my mouth was so sticky and dry I couldn't sleep. I remember a lot of noise and construction. I remember looking at words and not being able to read. I remember listening and not understanding. I remember not being able to keep hold of a single thought in my head. I remember re-teaching myself how to tell time. I remember people talking about me like I wasn't there. I remember hallucinating about domestic violence and childcare in the ICU nurses station. I remember not sleeping for 24 hours. I remember eating ice chips from a green sponge. I remember unquenchable thirst. I remember wanting pizza and a Wendy's Frosty. I remember loving to brush my teeth. I remember lots of cards, letters, balloons, flowers, and gifts.

After I was taken out of ICU things seemed better, but I still couldn't breathe well. I felt like I had a dozen bricks on my chest all the time, and I was always exhausted. I was always breathing like I'd been running a marathon. That's when they decided to do surgery #2, a thorocotomy. My right lung was so full of blood, blood clots, and inflammation that after draining it 3 times (by poking holes in my back to drain liquid out), they decided surgery was the only way to fix it. I felt so much better after that surgery, I couldn't thank Dr. Wertheimer enough for doing the surgery for me (see pic. red line goes from under armpit up my shoulder blade in back...) but I felt so much better afterward. I could breathe again!

I had several doctors working on me at different times. The source of the infection is a mystery. We still don't know where it came from. Every route, including vaginally was clean. Every doctor is scratching their head as to where the infection came from.

The trauma made my my fingers (to the first knuckle) and toes black. They were afraid I'd lose them, but thankfully they've pinked up and come back nicely. All the skin peeled off my hands and feet, so they are really sensitive. I wear bandages on my fingers all the time.

I've lost a lot of weight and muscle strength. I am completely starting over learning how to walk, write, etc. again. It'll be a slow process, but I am really wanting to get back to myself again.

My kidneys aren't working yet. I have dialysis 3 times a week. It wipes me out. They expect them to return to regular function, but it will take time. There is a possibility they won't which would require a transplant in the future, but they are optimistic mine will come back.

Since I came home on April 15th, my accountant brother-in-law, Matt, jokes that I cheated death and taxes. My body looks like a battle ground, though (see illustration.) My incisions are almost all healed now and am glad to be home and ALIVE!

Dr. Ott, Jr. left my belly button! Yay!

Most of my amazing doctors and surgeons: (I'm sure I've missed some)
*Peter Sakas, MD; Anesthesiology
*Warren E. Gall, MD; Cardiovascular Surgery
*Mark Wertheimer, MD; Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (my thorocotomy surgeon)
*Laura Neal, MD; Obstetrics & Gynecology, Infertility
*Roger A. Ott, Jr., MD; General Surgery (an outstanding surgeon, and known for it!)
*Mark K. Janes, MD; Pulmonary Medicine
*Honorio J. Caceres, MD; Infectious Diseases-Internal Medicine
*John Whalen, MD; Internal Medicine
*Thomas A. Sinsky, MD; Internal Medicine
*David Ringold, MD; Internal Medicine

A special thanks to all my doctors, anesthesiologist, nurses, PT, OT, dialysis nurses. I can't thank you enough for your all your expertise, compassion and all that you have done to get me back on my feet! Each one of you made a difference!

And thanks to the rest of you for all of your prayers and fasting. I know that they were the main reason why I am alive today. I've felt your love and concern for me. I can't believe how many of you have been so kind to offer words of encouragement and prayers. YOU are my miracle. Thank you so much, I love you all.

Most of all, I thank my Heavenly Father for allowing me to stay here; to be a wife, a mom, friend and sister. I will forever treasure each day and each moment I am blessed with.