Friday, February 01, 2008

I'm Out!

After 11 days in Akron General, I'm out! The doctor's released me last night to the care of my father (which I thought was pretty funny - obviously they don't think I can take care of myself yet.)

I'm still pretty sick. One nurse told me that for each day spent in the hospital, you should spend at least two days in bed at home. "You come to the hospital it get medicine, not to get well," he said.

Still very weak, wheezing and exhausted with each breath, I'm taking it easy at my mom's for a about a week.

I'm back online which is wonderful, even though I had more than 100 messages from just one client to answer.

Thank you for all of your cards, calls and flowers. They all brightened the deary days.

So what's wrong you may ask? What's not wrong is a better start.

About a month ago, I started coughing, went to the doctor's and was told it was bronchitis. Ten days of meds didn't make me better and the diagnosis moved to pneumonia. Ten more days of meds. I saw the doctor on Jan. 18. I was feeling a little better, still coughing though. She decided to see how I did without new meds.

I felt good all weekend and thought I was getting over the pneumonia. Felt good Monday until 4 p.m. when I crashed. Fever spiked to 105 degrees, couldn't breathe, ached all over. Kevin took me to the ER.

The pneumonia was back. But something else was wreaking havoc throughout my blood. And no one could figure it out. I had a team of eight doctors working for more than a week to figure out what was making me so sick.

The determination: Pneumonia, acute bronchitis with complications from asthma, an atypical bacterial infection and an undetermined viral pathogen causing fluid to collect around my heart. I'm on antibiotics, antivirals, steroids, inhalers, antacids, etc. I take pills eight times a day and I'm always sick to my stomach.

I go back for new blood work Monday to see if my ever-rising white cell count has started to fall.

Again, thanks for checking in! I'll keep you all posted!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad your home! Get extra lovin from Isabella. Let her read the stories to you! Take care, Terri

Julie Madera said...

Jen,
I was SO glad to hear you were out yesterday. I couldn't stand listening to your roommate over the phone, I couldn't imagine laying right next to her! :-) You'll be glad to know that my sore throat is nothing and I'm fine...YEA, I'll be over to see you probably tonight. How I've missed you! :-) I'm glad we were able to at least talk on the phone during your down days. I don't know what I would've done for 11 days without you.
I'm sure now that your with the best caregiver (our mommy) and Bella, they will defiantly bring you back to great health! Get lots of sleep.
I love you and can't wait to see you up and out of bed!

p.s. I'm always a phone call away if you EVER need anything!

Our Family of 5 said...

My goodness girl! I guess you do it big or don't do it at all right? Glad your home and hope your feeling better asap!

The DeWater family said...

Jen-
So glad you are finally home-just take it easy and get plenty of rest!!!! I'm sure Bella is glad her mommy is home!

Anonymous said...

Welcome Home!
Continued prayers for your body to heal and regain strength.
Big Hug and Much Love,

Anonymous said...

We've been thinking about you. I'm sure it's nice to be back home and out of the hospital. Take care and hope you're feeling much better soon! Stay in bed and rest up :-)

Laura said...

Keeping you in my prayers... so glad you're getting good care from your parents. Please know that you're thought of often. I hope it's not too long before you're back on your feet!

Mrs. Eshbaugh said...

Yikes! It sounds like you are on the mend though. We'll keep thinking and proayer for you! Give your little one lots of squeezes!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jennifer and family

First time I got on your blog. Kept the beautiful Christmas picture out as a reminder to write. Thanks for the picture. you are a beautiful family. Read about your recent hospitalization. Hope you get better soon and will be back in the neighborhood. Would love to see you and Isabella walking in the neighborhood.
Take care
Joann (neighbor who livesin house next to Dawn.)

Hollyn Patricia Haynes said...

so let me get this straight...your DAD is in charge?! Oh my...

;-)

Anonymous said...

Good grief girl! You take care and really let yourself get better. I worry about you. Bet you are all glad to be back together but make sure you don't over do and get your rest. Fondly Carrie

Mindy said...

Oh I have been SOOOOO worried about you! I can't believe all that you have been through and I am really, really hoping that you are well on the way to recovery now!! I have benn praying for you everyday and was so glad to see this update that at least you are home in the comforts of your OWN surroundings. I know how tough hospital stays can be...even on our kids:-( Hang in there and of course let me know if there is anything at all that I can do for any of you!
Many Hugs

Anonymous said...

Hope the blood work today shows improvement!!!! Sending hugs and healing thoughts your way ~ Carrie