Okay, many of you are probably wondering what is going on with the health care situation?!!This is a REALLY long story... but the short of it is that I will be just fine in a few weeks! :)
Well, last Mon 8/11, we all went to the Doctor to find out what was going on with my health. I was spiking a fever all weekend from 102-103.4. Once in the Dr. Office, Dr. Gurney took one look at my stomach and exclaimed, "OH no! You have a skin infection!!" They decided to administer two huge antibiotic shots in my bum and sent me home with explicit instructions to go to the ER should I spike another fever.
Happily out of the Doc's office and out of the house, I was excited to be anywhere at this point... We ran over to Baby's R US to pick up some little things. While we were there, unfortunately I did feel my fever spike. :( But rather than rush too fast, we picked up some food, went home, I packed a bag, and was ready to take a shower when my incision decided to burst open all over our upstairs carpet. I calmly put the dressing back on the wound and called for Larry to come upstairs to help me. We were both in shock!! I asked Larry to call 911 for an ambulance, because I did not think we were going to make it in the car... plus it was about 10 PM and we were both so sleep deprived.
Larry also called my Mom to come down to the ER to pick up JJ so he would not contract any germs from the people down there... luckily they did not have to spend any time in the waiting room.
As I was brought into the hospital by the Maplewood EMTs, the ER crew were all surprised on how "impressive" my wound infection was. (Hmmm... I never do anything 1/2 assed...) I was pretty scared. I honestly thought I might die. I was pretty freaked out and sad, but luckily Mom and Larry were there to assure me I was going to be fine. I just could not take much more... honestly....
Next thing I know, I am being admitted to the hospital again. This time on the surgical floor. Who is going to take care of JJ? Who is going to help Larry? Well, Mom to the rescue again. Thanks Mom!
I was in the hospital from Monday 8/11 - Friday 8/15. During that time, my incision was cleaned up by Dr. Kim Fischer, the bacteria strain was determined to not be an MRSA, rather it was Citrobacter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citrobacter) which could be treated by more antibiotics. I was also outfitted with the Wound pump to assist with my healing.
After being discharged on Friday the 15th, I was so happy to be home!! But come Sunday, we found that I had broken out all over in hives from the oral antibiotics they had given me and there was another leakage along the incision that we needed to have looked at as soon as possible. The home care nurse that was over on Sunday to change out my wound pump suggested that we wet/dry pack the wounds for the night and get to the Doc in the morning. Okaaay... but I better not end up in the hospital again. I was really down again and felt that each week was bringing another set back... but I was hangin' in there. James was still happy and healthy! And Larry was not ready to sell me to the circus quite yet, so I had that goin' for me. ;)
As of Monday 8/18, we may have nipped Mommy's health problems in the bud, FINALLY!
I am on a wound VAC from the hospital that should enable my infected incision to heal up to 44% faster than if we were to simply wet/dry pack it.
This whole open wound care thing is very odd, yet interesting to me. I guess they leave this gaping hole open on your body to let the wound heal from the inside out. I have never had any health issues remotely related to this, so this is a foreign concept to me. It seems so unsterile, and yes, it is... but apparently it works out. I have a home health care nurse that comes out every 2-3 days to change the dressing in our guest room. Thank God for awesome health care insurance!! (Shout out to Blue Cross/Blue Shield - for now... we'll see when we get the bills)
If you would like to read up on Wound VAC care, here is a link:
It is pretty cool. Yesterday, I saw the doctor that originally cleaned out the infection and she was pleasantly surprised on how well the wound has healed so far. The only small draw back is that we found another leaking wound along the incision line that needs to be cared for as well. Luckily, the wound vac can take care of both wounds at the same time. The good news, is that I have been fever free for over a week and hopefully we are on an uphill swing and I can stop being home bound after about 2 weeks. :) I AM SO BORED!!! Luckily, James is trying to keep me busy! Visiting hours are back on, just call before you come, so we are ready! :)
James is PERFECT!! His umbilical cord fell off on Sunday. We can't tell if he will have an innie or an outie yet... there is still some minor healing for him to have there. I swear when he toots (farts) he smiles just like his Dad does... Doesn't have the acumen to say,"Oops!" quite yet, but I am sure that is coming. 
It is truly amazing how fast time is going! James is already 18 days old! WOW! He actually rolled over in his craddle today! I am excited to get him into his new room areas very soon, but for now, we are all staying on the main floor in thhe guest bedroom and living room until we can get the days and nights on track and Mommy's health is clear for take off.
Thank you all for your continued support and prayers!
Joy, Larry, JJ, Blue, and Chandler
Enjoy the Fun shots for this week! Larry got me a great camera of my very own!! :)
If you are interested in seeing James, we have established "visiting hours". If you could email us to let us know you are coming, that would help us gauge our time.
Tuesday 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
This way you folks don't feel like you are intruding and we can be prepared for you as well. :)
Oh and yes, here is a picture of this weeks installment of Cats and Dogs living in harmony:
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