SandraL Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 but am home now after a long stint in the hospital. I don't think any of the docs are entirely clear what happened to me but I will try and explain. I went in for the bone cement procedure on the morning of Jan 20. I had been feeling more progressively tired and in pain and was hopeful that the procedure would help with all that. Well the procedure itself was quite painful (because I am younger apparently and pounding through my bones was more difficult)and I was in more pain after it with sharp pains down my right leg. They did a scan while I was still there and the doc who did the procedure basically said that he was sorry but it didn't seem to have worked. I took a hard fall coming out of the bathroom after the procedure. I was supposed to stay overnight but they weren't doing much for me there and they said I could leave if I felt able. So with help to the car I went home. The next few days were a bit of a blur. I was getting progressively more tired and unable to stay awake. After a few days of this my mom insisted I was going to the clinic. They did various tests at the clinic and found something very strange with my kidney counts/function. And my blood pressure was rock bottom. Before I knew it I was being wheeled over to the kidney unit at the hospital and being told by a kidney specialist that I was in very bad shape. And, that if my function didn't improve quickly I would need to be moved to ICU and be asked about recusitation orders, etc. I heard that...but the next few days were a bit of a fog. I couldn't even have told you what city I was in. They pumped various stuff into me and did every test in the book. Nobody knew why this was happening. I mentioned my fall in the hospital a few days earlier and that I had pain in my chest but that was ignored for a few days. Until, major stuff started oozing out of my chest. Before I knew it, at 9 pm one night, a surgeon came in with his asst, and along with the nurse they performed surgery and lanced my chest right there and then. A major infection had developed. I was finally getting a bit more coherent and my kidney counts and my blood pressure were getting back up to normal. So they moved me out of the kidney wing and onto the cancer wing. I spent the next few days there getting antibiotics etc by IV. I was finally released late this past Mon. I think I was there over 10 days. I am home now. My back pain is still as bad as it was. A home care nurse comes in to change my dressing. And I have lost more feeling in both legs and will be getting fitted for some orthotics on Friday (a dropped foot?). I can hardly get around the house but have good help as my mom winters here and comes to the house during the day. So nobody knows exactly what caused what in the scheme of things. I think I was getting sick even before the bone cement procedure. And who knows if any of this was directly cancer related or not. The doctors are still baffled as well. My med onc said I definitely used up one of my lives. But I am so glad to be home and am now just taking it one day at a time. I hope everyone here is doing well. Sandra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry's Wife Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Oh, Sandra. It sounds like you've been through the wringer. I'm praying things will improve for you soon. You are certainly due for a bit of relief. Love you, Lady. Lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patti B Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 ((((Sandra))))) So glad you are home and hopefully feeling better. What a story that is - that qualifies for if it wasn't for bad luck you'd have no luck at all!!! Seriously, I am glad your mom is there to help take care of you and PLEASE listen to the docs and do whatever they tell you to do!!! Sending lots of healing thoughts and prayers your way. Hugs - Patti B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlemike Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Geez Sandra,It sounds like you have really had a rough go of it!Im glad your home and hope you start feeling better soon.A lot of people around here have been wondering about you. Glad you checked in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce u Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Take it easy there B.C girl !!! You deserve a good rest after that ordeal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Slow and Steady Take it easy!! hugs and Prayers For ya!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bud Baker Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Dang, so sorry to hear you've been having such a tough time, Sandra. Here's hoping you get much better very soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyman35 Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Wow Sandra!! I am so glad you made it through that and get home. You are such a fighter. I am sending you many prayers and positive healing vibes for a swift recovery and pain relief. (((Sandra)))) Denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muriel Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Oh Sandra, what an awful and scary experience. I'm so sorry that you had to go through all of that. I hope you get the pain problems solved soon - you've been miserable for far too long. Thank you for posting. Many of us have been really, really worried about you. Please take it easy and follow your doctor's and mother's orders. Muriel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Yikes, Sandra! I was really hoping this was going to fix your back problems. When things settle down with all this extraneous stuff maybe they can take another look. Plenty of warm Aloha coming your way. Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LovesLife Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 My goodness Sandra - that is just awful that you went through all that. Like everyone else has said - good thing your mom is there to help and I hope that you are feeling better each day. Sending many positive thoughts and hugs your way. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellen in PA Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Hi Sandra. Mon Dieu, what a nightmare! Glad the worst is over and you're back home again. One suggestion: The pain down your leg and your falling sound like what I had after botched back surgery -- mine was from iatrogenic ('caused by a doctor') damage to the L4-L5 nerve root. When I was finally able to crawl out of the house with a walker, I spent 1.5 years in physical therapy, teaching the undamaged nerves to keep me upright in the functional absence of the screwed-up nerves. I still use a cane outdoors for stability but I haven't fallen more than 2-3 times a year in the past few years. (My back saga was in 2000.) Also, the intense pain gradually subsided and I was left with the plain ol' pain I had before surgery. So be very very careful about falling and, if the leg pain doesn't subside within the month, demand physical therapy -- it really helped me. Hang in there and try to be cheerful -- but do be careful. And good luck! Ellen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Sandra, What a scary experience. I hope your recovery continues and that you can find some relief from the pain. Those infections are very scary so I'm glad to hear that you've turned the corner on that. I will continue to keep you in my prayers for a full recovery. ((((sandra)))) Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharonjo Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Sandra, Sorry to hear about your experience with your back. I am sending lots of prayers your way! God Bless, Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 (((Sandra))), I have been looking for your update , but this is not how any of us , especially you , would have wanted things to go.. I'm am just so so sorry you have had to go through so much suffering for so long. I want you to know that you have my prayers and I hope to see a more positive update from you very soon. Take it easy and do what you are supposed to do. Hugs, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueeye Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 OOOOOOOOOOOh girl! I've been worried about you! I sure hope you're on the mend! Hugs and prayers, Leslie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 You've had a rough go of it! I know that you are happy to be home and so glad your mom is there for you. Prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ursol Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 sandra, So glad you are getting better. Sounds like your January is alot like my January was last year when I used up one of my lives too. Don't do things to fast, rest well. Lilly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb73 Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 Sandra, You have replied so often to my posts that I cannot count. I thank you so much for those replies. Your kindness has not gone without notice. May you be without pain, restored to better health, and enjoying some peace and comfort. I could not wish for anything better than to know that you are not in any discomfort. Thankfully, you are home, and your mother there to help you. Being an older Mom, I send you many (((HUGS))) and love, Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 Boy o' boy how scary. Hugs to you, Wendy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 Holy Cow Sandra! Another medical story for the books! I sure hope you'll be feeling better real soon. With your mom's care how can you go wrong? Mom's always make things better. Get Well Wishes coming your way. It's good to see your smiling face. You've been missed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 Hope you are on the mend, Sandra. You've been so missed here. For now, just take it easy and relax big time. What an experience!!!!! Let's have no more of that now, young lady. I'm sending many positive vibes your way. Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
photokakar Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 Sandra, I just read your story and wanted to tell you that Im thinking about you and am sending prayers and well wishes your way. Jenn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janette Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Sandra have been thinking so much about you, I pray your getting stronger each day. Please take care Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
famograham Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Sandra, You are one loved lady! And one of the toughest I've met. I'm so sorry that I didn't post sooner, but I want you to know that I am thinking about you every day and praying for the very best. Hoping today is a very good day, Tons of love, Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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