Now Retired-and life's progress

2018 where have the years gone?
This is what I've been busy with since January 20-
-Entered hospital on Jan 20, spent 10 days in the hospital being treated for a bacterial infection.  During this time my husband's father passed away-I could not attend, so my Sister and her husband brought my mom over. It was a 2 hour drive, but they wanted to be there showing support for my husband-and a quick side trip to look at me in the hospital.

-Came home with Home health services-infusion 3 times a day.  I had to learn to do this or 13 weeks. I did it!  But I could not return to work (I loved my job!) until I was released from being home bound.(I was sleeping 18 hours a day.,plus the fact that I lost 70 pounds?) My doctor said most likely I would never be able to work like I had.  But I was  hoping that I would return to work.  Not to happen.  On March 14 I was terminated for excessive absences--I laughed out loud. I was in the hospital twice!  Yes, I had FMLA paperwork turned. in but  The "boss"continued to hold firm on the decision.  Yada Yal ew staff members seemed to have a connection to her. Yada Yada ya--something about days used up-how convenient for her. I knew she wanted to get rid of me, ( I was going to retire on Aug 10-hoping to bump up things at home -Like the refrigerator I really, really wanted. and a trip in fall to see the now Arizona family..)  The good news was that on March 19-I turned 65!!  SS will be there!

-On March 20th, I was back in ER and then transported to the hospital.  Same  bacterial infection found at the base of my spine--the doctors were very concerned  All kinds of tests-only at the one location.  But the real problem was in trying to culture it-4 days to grow and then it would change so the meds wouldn't work!!  Finally on day 9 it was treated with an antibiotic that was working! day 10 I went home, more home health-and this time a pump in a shoulder bag holder with the tubing coming  out administering the med 24/7--another 13 weeks. ( This trip I was septic--2 more days and I would be dead. But the drs were able to treat and save me.) After the 13 weeks it was believed that all infection was gone.

-On May 22 I went to my family dr-my prosthesis in the knee was hurting-so much so that I was unable to walk more than a few feet. He called the orthopedic dr and talked to him, DH and I waiting for something.  And SOMETHING it was! An appointment was made for as soon as possible-June 25.  my family dr told me that he believed I was a candidate for revision surgery.  We went home I thought my leg would be amputated above the knee..And surgery-always scary whether you will wake up.

-June 22 went to ortho dr-xrays-bottom portion of the replacement had turned within the bone!  Sitting at an angle!! So surgery was needed. Then ortho dr takes a fluid draw off the knee-infection in the knee-different from the previous illnesses. Yep a revision it is..

-So on July 31 checked into hospital to have my prosthesis removed.  A plastic antibiotic filled piece was inserted.  Only 5 days in the hospital this time.  Therapy needed to make sure I could get up the 5 steps into the house.  And a immobility brace form hip to ankle, no ending of the knee and not full bearing either. Home Health again. Infusion 3 times a day thru the PICC line. 6-8 weeks of this.-Sigh. The next surgery is October 9. Almost 8 years since the knee was replaced-sigh.

- I told the surgeon I wanted to be walking out only a cane by Thanksgiving-he believes that goal is reasonable!

- so here at home, I maneuver using a walker, no full weight on that leg and the undbending brace on-I am so happy we have air conditioning-
I haven't been in a store since January, can't drive, can hardly get in passengers side without some pain...trying to get around  the bump out things in the interior. DH has to help support me down and up the front steps if I have to go out.  I was able to borrow a transport chair for the car, a regular wheelchair -with DH's help I have gone to the community 4th of July parade and to see my sister and husband while they were camping. Oh and to various dr appointments or lab draws. I can not stand long so making dinner is hard..but I try.  Sometimes DH grills-so there is that.

-SO being home bound basically since January 20, but I have some yarn out to knit Christmas presents, a few cross stitch kits put together and since we cut the cable, going to a Roku there is much to keep me out of trouble!  Wow do I binge watch! And if I fall asleep, I can "rewind" to the last place I remember!  Still learning all the features, and trying to figure out how to get the networks-Fall shows are coming!!

-Until next time-Knit On!