If I had made it to today, I would have been out of the hospital for 7 weeks; but…I’m back.
We (mom, dad, me) finally had a chance to go to a concert in Arlie Gardens. It was raining but the event was on. We wrestled our lawn chairs, snacks and umbrellas in a sweet spot under a beautiful old tree. About an hour in, I started to feel feverish & (because everyone keeps a thermometer in their purse) I checked my temperature – fever! My heart rate was quite elevated as well.
Because the catheter in my arm (a PICC) is a central (the first C) line, I have to take fevers seriously. These central lines can harbor bacteria and create a big mess if left unchecked – i.e. sepsis . So, at the first sign of a decent fever, I have to go to the hospital for evaluation – check labs (for signs of inflammation, stress), draw blood cultures (gives bacteria a chance to grow in the lab from my blood so that if present it can be identified). Other possible sources of fever were checked too – lungs, urine, flu, strep. Once the blood has been drawn, we start antibiotics so that if there is bacteria in the bloodstream, we are fighting it off without delay. I also receive fluids to help with the fever & the fast heart rate.
So here I am, now in a hospital room (@ New Hanover if you want to visit). I’m struggling with general malaise, lightheadedness, nausea and pain – achy joints & belly pain. My labs were not too bad; the cultures are still pending. I’m getting a lot of fluid & some symptomatic treatment.
Feel free to leave comments or questions. & I’d love to hear ideas for future posts.
Thanks for reading & thanks for caring!