September 26, 2024

Day 26, AYAT Most of the systems were either stable or improving. I was receiving Lovenox twice a day and my mood was listed as pleasant. The Lovenox stung like crazy but I got cleaver and asked the nurses to put it right along my midline. I couldn't feel anything there anyways and still have limited feeling so it worked. I no longer had to sit there cringing and the nurses didn't have a resistant patient. All wins around!!!

Today!!! Today I did something... I haven't had this for a while and I needed to do something about my horrible blond hair. It had grown out since December and all of the purple has washed away. In December almost 90% of my hair fell out. It was very humbling to see the bald spots all over my head. I started wearing covers as I was completely embarrassed and I was really cold. Today I had Hair Junkyz fix my blond and color the rest of my hair to match my new extensions. I think it works... What do you think? With or without sunglasses???

September 25, 2024

Day 25 AYAT. I woke up having tightness in my chest and felt like it was hard to breath. They did a CXR (chest X-ray) and found a pulmonary embolism. Reading the notes gives me heart palpitations so I won't go into that right now. However, I am still here so, there you go. They continued the medications for the clots and everything else was stable.

Today: I received something in the mail that I was kinda on the fence about but after looking it over, I think this will be a good thing. Tomorrow I will post pictures but as of today, I will only give a clue... Can you guess what it is???

September 24, 2024

Day 24 AYAT. Looking at the notes, everything was progressing but I started becoming nauseous which isn't completely hard to believe since I have other health conditions that can cause nausea. They were treating the VRE and my white blood count was going down. I was so excited and so ready to go home.

Today has been a very busy day and I have gotten to catch up with a friend from the past. The little chick is doing well and in a week a lot of my house will look completely different. SOOOOOO excited. I haven't had the chance to make these changes since we moved here because of all that has happened but if I have learned anything it's to seize the day!!! I also saw a notice that the Chaplin that helped me during my hospital stay has gotten a great promotion. He really helped me humble myself when I was struggling with my mental state during my hospital stay. By day 24 I was very sad and missing my home. If you could see my home, you would miss it too! People take vacations just to have a view that I do. Soon we will have snow every night which always calms my heart. I love the winter.

Image: Last winters bucks.

September 23, 2024

Day 23, AYAT. I had had some swelling in my right leg so they did an ultrasound on the 22. They reported on the 23 that I had a partial occlusive thrombus and a nonocclusive thrombus in my leg. I was already on blood thinners and they talked about doing lasix. I remember how much pressure was in my leg and how uncomfortable it was. Not to mention that my feet started to shed and it looked like a flakey croissant. Sorry if that ruins your appetite, I couldn't think of anything else to compare it to. The doctor prescribed a great hydrating lotion which helped the flaking and felt like the closest thing to a pedicure at the time. Oh how I missed them. Pedicures not nurses.

Today we had some excitement!!! I went out to the chicken hut and found one of our mothers had hatched a baby. This is our first and she hatched it in a place that was dangerous. Since there was only one and there is not a safe place for her right now I took it in and let it play with the silkies inside. They are so small that at two weeks they are just a little bit bigger then it and they all seem to be getting along. Momma moved on and got herself some nourishment. I absolutely hate the idea of taking a baby from a mother but I cannot justify letting this little one in with the mother when the mother put her nest too high. The little one would be in danger and it wouldn't be a good outcome. This is what is best but that didn't stop me from loving on the momma and checking on her repeatedly. I love having my animals but sometimes you have to choose things that break your heart.

Video is of the baby with the others.

My Babies

September 22, 2024

Day 22 AYAT from all of the notes, it looks like everything was progressing well and it looks like I had one of the first days that I had a positive positive intake. I had 166 mils in the positive I was in the hospital. I gained 30 pounds and then lost 70. It was a constant struggle to get me to eat and most of the time that had to do with my stomach just was so sick, that took out a lot of I couldn’t keep up with it but on that day, I had a little bit improvement.

Today marks two years from when we moved to this beautiful house. We celebrated by going and having lunch and then changing out all the cat boxes. It’s fun adulting! A little bit of celebration with a lot of responsibility. But I wouldn’t change it. I absolutely love my animals. A little update on Orange Julia… She looks like she’s doing well maybe just a little tired at times.

Picture is of the Mums that Chris bought me for my front porch. Now, I have to figure out how to keep the dogs from digging them up and the deer from eating all of the blooms.

September 21, 2024

Day 21 AYAT. Things were improving but I was still experiencing Tachycardia. They didn’t seem to know why. Other than that, it seemed like a pretty regular day.

Today however, was not as regular as we were getting ready for my nephew Dylan‘s celebration when one of our cats had a grand-maul seizure. We rushed her to the ER where they did test and found that she might be in congestive heart failure, and she has a bullet lodged in her chest cavity. I knew that she had had a hard life before she came to us, I did not imagine this. I was able to still go by Dylan’s celebration and we will be making an appointment for the cardiologist later this week for Orange Julia.

Found this image a couple of days ago and thought it was rather funny!

September 20, 2024

Day 20. AYAT. First day past the wound vac removal. This was the middle incision that they had used to open me up and wash out the infection. After removing the wound vac they did another washout and sewed me up. I remember feeling like I had just put on the tightest pants. Before the original surgery I had teased the surgeon about getting a tummy tuck, could he just throw one in. Needless to say he did not but coming out of this surgery sure felt like I had had one.

The hospitalist started to suspect hyperdynamics as he heard a heart murmur but I do not remember him saying anything to me or anything happening after this to suggest I have one. I will have to figure that out now. Maybe could be nothing... I also see the word Obese over and over. I realize they had to report on that but it's so hard to see it. I have tried everything I can think of and the weight just won't come off. In the hospital, I lost so much weight but that was due to the antibiotics making me so sick to my stomach that I couldn't eat much and the ostomy removing nutrient before I could digest it. I still think that if I hadn't had all of this extra weight, I might of starved. I still work hard at not overeating and I am usually a very active person but it's not working. I have tried the injectables, pills, diet plans and exercise but very little progress if any. It's one thing to see yourself and wish it away but its another to know that others see it and judge you, believing that you are just lazy or a glutton.

Today: I learned a new word today, afebrile which means to be without fever.

I am also applying to a special program that I am soooo excited about. They are asking for a complete resume, all of the places I have worked since I was 18. I am glad I have resumes from so far back as references. Not only have I changed career fields, but I have traveled to other countries and have got to experience so many different working conditions. The Denver Art Museum was one of my favorites.

Today might be a down day and that's okay. There is a time for everything.

September 19, 2024

Day 19 AYAT. Everything seemed to be improving. They removed the wound vac in surgery and they confirmed with me that I had VRE. Because of the VRE I was confined to specific places and the medical personnel had to wear PPE. A new doctor was brought on board and that started the 3 months of IV Antibiotics. I had had other antibiotics but this was specific for VRE. In my mind everything was going so fast. I wanted to go home but more importantly I wanted to be able to stay home. I missed my babies so much. They really do keep me going every day. The surgery went well and I was back in the regular room. Not much more to report.

Today: I ordered my medical records. The lady I spoke with was so kind but I could tell that she was a little overwhelmed with the size of the files. She said not only was it the biggest file she had ever dealt with but that she would always remember me. Funny, it was only a years worth of records for me. On a more exciting note, I worked more things like my story and such. I hope to have big news in the next few months. Art is everywhere, we just need to look for it.

September 18, 2024

Day 18, AYAT, a year ago today, things were improving although I was still having tachycardia. They were talking about removing the wound vac under general anesthesia. It was a quiet day.

Today I saw a friend that moved out of town shortly before last year’s events. It was so good seeing her and catching up. I also tried hair extensions that match my natural hair. I still love my purple and I might try my red hair next.

September 17, 2024

Day 17, AYAT would have been Day 17. I was doing better and they were going to remove the epidural. The anesthesiologist came in and said he was going to do it. So, they turn me around and he just pulls it out quickly. It was over in a millisecond. He said I didn't need anything on it and I just asked kindly, if he could sterilize it with the alcohol wipe. I said "Could we please clean it and put a bandaid on it for a couple of days since I have been dealing with a massive infection." His eyes kinda lit up and said "Oh yes, we can." So he cleaned it and put a bandaid on it. He then offered to take the bandage off of my neck that had covered the catheter that they used for dialysis. It was a good day.

Today I read some more notes on my initial surgery after watching a little bit of the Resident, which I cannot recommend either right now. All I can say is: Way too soon to be watching a drama like this. Decided to learn a few new languages! Oh that Pooh! I just love a man in a suit!

September 16, 2024

Day 16, A year ago today. I had officially spent my first night in the regular hospital room since going to the ICU. I had to request sleeping aids as I hadn't slept in 72 hours. I think I was too stressed out processing all that had happened. The doctors were wonderful and helped me with whatever I needed. I also was gifted a piece of cake for my birthday from one of the most kindest doctors. He bought a cake to share with the entire floor. Very generous and meant a lot to me. Over and over the medical personnel went above and beyond to treat me with understanding, compassion, and respect. (Picture is in honor of the cake)

Today: I had a great conversation with a friend from UH. It was so nice catching up with her and hearing how things had been plus we chatted about the future. I have been debating on ending this daily recount as it goes on for a long time. If anyone wants to see more, let me know. I know it's starting to sound like a dear diary. It has been therapeutic going through the notes and understanding where I was and where I am now.

Thought for the day: A duck cannot be surgeons.

September 15, 2024

Day 15. AYAT, A year ago today after a CT scan and Another drain put into my chest I was released from intensive care. They wheeled me into PACU where the nurses sang to me and wished me a happy birthday. There must’ve been 10 nurses in my room, dancing and singing. Not only were they celebrating that I got out of the ICU, but they were also celebrating my birthday and making it special. Those nurses went above and beyond And I am so grateful for each and everyone of them.

Today Chris and I decided to make the day special by going to my first official Broncos game. So I got to celebrate my birthday in style row 10 section 107 where I could smell the grass from the field we celebrated my birthday and we celebrated being out of the ICU anniversary. We had a great time and even though the Broncos didn’t win, at least they made it a little interesting. A little frustrated with all of the Butterfingers, but hopefully they’ll do better next time. This girl still loves the Broncos!

September 14, 2024

Day 14, A Year Ago Today (AYAT) it was day 14. I was still improving, some confusion but mostly there. I received a blood transfusion but before I would let them give me the blood, I made them test it twice to make sure they had the right type. I was sure they had it wrong but after they tested it another time and came up with the same, I gave in. This was the first transfusion of 4 that I had while I was in the hospital.

I remember trying to connect with the nurses so they would treat me kindly. I had had a few that I was not sure if they were nice. I know that at times I received a lot more attention when my family was there which thank God was a good deal of time. I also know that I was doing better so if they were breathing a sigh of relief I can understand their breaks. I do remember overhearing one of the nurses answering the phone and telling someone that it was not a worry that an alarm was going off. I was still on a lot of drugs so I am not sure if that really happened. I dreamed a lot of things.

Today I worked on things around the house. We are getting ready for my big day tomorrow. Picture is a hint of how we are going to celebrate my big day!

September 13, 2024

Day 13, AYAT would have been Day 13. After reading todays notes, I realize that I was extubated on the 12th but the notes from the doctors didn't reflect that until the 13th. I was also going through a lot of confusion and from what I can remember I was in and out of consciousness. I remember being anxious and suspicious of everyone so much so that I refused any medications other than Tylenol. I was sure they were taking my organs or doing medical experiments on me. I also remember dreaming that the doctor was angry with me. None of which really happened. They did put me on a by-pap as I was still having some issues but not enough to intubate me. Thankfully all of this started to resolve. I also remember sleeping off and on and thinking days had passed when in reality it was only a few hours. Time moved different in the ICU and the atmosphere was dark. Today I spent time with my mother and we planted some purple, pink, and orange tulips. Yes, I still do not like pink but in flowers, it's okay as long as it is surrounded by other colors. God created pink too so I guess there is a place in this world for it. I just don't have to be in love with it.

Funny thing happened yesterday: I was outside rounding up the ducks when I heard a duck quack to the side of me. I turned and the duck was no where to be seen. Then I heard it again but this time it was on the other side of me. I turned again and there was no duck. Finally I heard the duck again and realized that my phone was ringing. I normally keep my ringer off and forgot that I was expecting a call so while I was looking for the imaginary duck that was in "trouble" I was missing my phone call. Not the first time I forgot I have a duck ring tone. Still not going to change it.

September 12, 2024

Day 12. AYAT. I was still intubated and sedated. They had added an epidural to help with pain and I had been improving in the breathing department. Very similar to day 11. However, going through my medical records has helped me to understand what day 12 looked like. I had thought I woke up on this day but from the notes, I was still sedated. Today I have been a little more productive. Still not as much as I would have liked but at least there is improvement.

Image of a beautiful dragon fly.

September 11, 2024

A year ago today would’ve been day 11. Although I was making improvements in some areas, other areas were either staying the same or slightly worse. My white blood count was really high, but the fluid on my body was almost back to normal. They started talking about an epidural to manage pain when I woke up. It honestly looked like everyone was just waiting for things to continue to get better so they could wake me up. They had done some breathing tests to see if I could come off the ventilator, but I had failed that test so I stayed on the ventilator. Skip forward to today, I have had a very quiet day. I have not gotten the things I wanted to get done accomplished. I did however, come across this really cute video and coincidentally it’s one of the songs I played on the day of this most recent surgery. It has a lot of meaning to me in its regular form and today this form brought me some laughter. I hope it brings you laughter too! Love you all be kind to each other.

Singing Chickens

September 10, 2024

Day 10 AYAT, I was still in ICU, Intubated and sedated. Going through dialysis to remove the excess fluid, feeding tube and they were talking about an epidural to manage pain. Things were getting better. And I missed my dear nephews 16th birthday. Today I had a surgical follow up and I am doing well. Everything seems to be healthy and I have a good amount of energy. The follow me up was with one of the critical people who acted fast last year that contributed in saving my life. It was so healing to chat with her. So thankful for all of the medical support. Working on an art piece and watching the debate. Happy birthday my Dear Nephew Dylan. Love you to pieces!

September 9, 2024

Day 9, looking back at some of the notes it’s still catches my breath when I read high mortality risk. It appears that I Improved slightly on this day, but I definitely was not anywhere near out of the woods. Again, I am so thankful for all of the doctors and nurses that monitored everything about me to bring me back. You know there is doing your job and then there’s doing your job well and I’m so thankful that they all worked well together. I am still here because of these People who sacrifice their time and hearts for their patients. Today I did some running around and worked on a gift for one of the healthcare team members. Tried on another hair extension think it looks great It’s been a pretty quiet day.

September 8, 2024

Day 8 AYAT I was in serious trouble. After the washout and spending the night in ICU my breathing was not recovering, my kidneys were failing and they needed to act quickly. Chris says everything was happening fast, so fast that he felt like everything was a blur. He said when the doctor had intubated and sedated me as well as add several catheters in various places, one PICC line and another line straight into my jugular, it was so overwhelming to see all of the machine working to keep me alive. I cannot fully comprehend what he and my mother went through at that moment. As they were able to tell a few others what had happened the severity set in. I am so thankful for all of the fast acting doctors and nurses that helped me. I would not be her without there help.

Today I watched my Broncos do better in a season game than I’ve seen in a while. They lost but at least it was interesting. We also have some new additions to the family! 4 little naked neck sillies and 6 regular sillies. They came from the lady I had gotten Penny from so some of them might be related.

September 7, 2024

Day 7. This is when they did another CT scan and suspected the leak. I am so thankful that they were diligent and saved my life. I do not remember anything but from the medical records I know they performed a wash out, added a ilium stoma (hope I’m saying that correctly ) and put me in ICU. It was a scary time for everyone. Today I am sitting with this better than what I thought I would be. My last surgery was just over two weeks ago and I’m doing great. Every day you life changes, new opportunities, new potential journeys. Today I’m going to see some reptiles and enjoy the company of good friends. Enjoy your Saturday!!!

Pic of colorful snake. I do not have this snake but I wouldn’t mind meeting it. Snakes are beautiful!! Just legless lizards

Pic is not my pic…