Author Topic: Back Home (Read 5622 times)

Christine · « **on:** March 03, 2007, 07:15:39 pm »

Hi Everyone,

I am back home from the hospital. It was a really, really long week. Thank you so much for all your good thoughts and prayers. Chris printed out your replies and brought them to the hospital. My Mom read them, and started to cry, and said she was glad you were all here so I can have someone to talk to who understands.

I feel okay. The AZT in the Trizivir caused my red and white blood cells to crash, and because of that I became severely dehydrated. I was drinking lots of fluids, but my body was not absorbing them. I had a horrible neck headache, and the Doctor first thought it was meningitis. they did a MRI, and it came back normal, then all the blood work came back normal except the red/white blood cells, and the electrolytes.

So I got fluids and an IV antibiotic since my white counts were almost nothing. And of course with my great luck, I had a reaction to the antibiotic- rash, fever. Then I had a reaction to a pain killer - rigors - uncontrollable shaking of the whole body. Which didn't hurt, it was just weird feeling. A shot of Demerol stopped it.

I got 4 bags of blood without a problem to help bring my hematocrit up, which it did slowly. I think it is at 9.5 now. On bag number 5, allergic reaction again. Rash, fever. I didn't know you can get a reaction to blood.

For the white blood counts, I am taking Neupogen shots. I was at .4 and now it is at 1100.

But, the worst part of all of it was the ID appointment last Thursday. I was admitted though the ID clinic into the hospital after my appointment, but during the appointment the doctor had the talk with me that I knew would come some day, but I just didn't want to hear it.

She asked me where I was at in treatment. We discussed that I am in salvage therapy, and it will come to a day that nothing will work. Which I know. She asked me if I was able to continue the fight, if I wanted to continue the fight.

When I was first diagnosed, I remember thinking that I would fight as long as I could, and would stop when I felt at peace with the forthcoming end.

I don't have that feeling of peace yet. I still have that fight left in me. It's not as strong as it was, but it is still there.

So I told all this to the ID doctor, and went over my living will and durable power of health. My Mom was with me in the room, and I wish she wasn't. That isn't something any parent should have to see and hear.

I have a followup Tuesday, and an appointment in the Infusion room for fluids if needed.

Over all I feel okay, just really tired, and I still have some residual rash on my arms.

Thanks again for being so kind to Chris, and for sending all your well wishes. You may not think a simple post can mean much, but when you're in a hospital bed hooked up to IV's they meant more to me than I can ever tell all of you.

Christine

Alain · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2007, 07:19:07 pm »

((((((((((Christine)))))))))),

Welcome back and I am soooooooooooooooo happy you are back home.

Glad you are better.

Alain

Ps this is the best news ever!

Matty the Damned · « **Reply #2 on:** March 03, 2007, 07:20:22 pm »

Good to see you back with us Christine. I've been keeping you in my daily anxieties.

MtD

Lisa · « **Reply #3 on:** March 03, 2007, 07:35:42 pm »

I'm so glad you are back home.

All my love, and kisses,
Lisa

jkinatl2 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 03, 2007, 07:39:38 pm »

Christine, welcome home.

And as for your doctor... wow. You JUST walked out of the hospital after a horrific and depressing experience, and he chooses THAT moment to ask you if you felt like fighting? Hell, ask me that question three times in a given day and I am likely to give three different answers.

Get some sleep in your own bed, surrounded by the people who love you. Sometimes it's not even about the fight. Sometimes its just about that love.

Teresa · « **Reply #5 on:** March 03, 2007, 07:54:08 pm »

Christine,
WELCOME BACK!! So glad you are home! You take care and get plenty of rest
Hugs
Teresa

Andy Velez · « **Reply #6 on:** March 03, 2007, 08:11:48 pm »

Very, very glad to know you're safely back home Christine, after that very tough stay.

Fingers and everything else crossed for you to be on the mend. Best to Chris to as well.

Big. noisy and long cheers,

Life · « **Reply #7 on:** March 03, 2007, 08:26:57 pm »

Christine, all I can say is I am glad you are back home and can decompress after all of this "crashing" stuff.. I am a bit sad at your doctors timing and all. Lets hope for a better day and a clearer path...

You and Chris are just an amazing couple...

Love,

aupointillimite · « **Reply #8 on:** March 03, 2007, 09:01:15 pm »

I'm so happy you're back at home!

God, you've been through far too much... I really hope everything turns out OK.

dtwpuck · « **Reply #9 on:** March 03, 2007, 10:14:55 pm »

Welcome home, Christine. May your recovery be surprisingly vigorous.

Ann · « **Reply #10 on:** March 03, 2007, 11:25:36 pm »

((((((Christine))))))

It's so good to see you back here posting again! Keep on fighting hun, we need you here and we're right there beside you, urging you on.

Fingers, toes and eyes all crossed that things continue to improve for you.

Yay! I'm so happy you're home!

Hugs,
Ann
xxx

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #11 on:** March 04, 2007, 01:15:47 am »

I'm glad you are back. And keep on fighting!!!!

Robert · « **Reply #12 on:** March 04, 2007, 01:51:44 am »

Christine.

Fight on, lady. We're behind you all the way.

I'm so glad you're home.

robert

sweetasmeli · « **Reply #13 on:** March 04, 2007, 02:33:27 am »

Christine honey, I'm so glad to hear you're back home and to see you posting here again. You have been in my thoughts and I've been keeping my eyes peeled for an update.

You certainly have been through the wringer, girlie!

Just concentrate on resting and recuperating now. And know that you're being thought of fondly by someone on a tiny island in Greece. When you're ready I will look out for you on MSN...

Healing hugs
Melia

Longislander · « **Reply #14 on:** March 04, 2007, 03:51:38 am »

welcome home Christine! Wow, quite the ordeal you went through. Take good care of yourself, and I'm glad you're keeping up the fight!!

koi1 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 04, 2007, 10:42:41 am »

So glad you are back home. Hold on and don't give up because something will come along that will help you. That will help all of us. I admire your bravery. And this is what this website is all about, people like you who are inspiration to all of us.

rob

allopathicholistic · « **Reply #16 on:** March 04, 2007, 10:45:20 am »

Glad to see you up and running darling

Quote from: Christine on March 03, 2007, 07:15:39 pm

Chris printed out your replies and brought them to the hospital. My Mom read them, and started to cry, and said she was glad you were all here so I can have someone to talk to who understands.

That's us! Your forum family.

Fight HIV and to see what the future holds and we'll fight right by your side, every step of the way. Best wishes for your Tuesday follow-up. Fluids, ahhhhhh

Love you! Alex

penguin · « **Reply #17 on:** March 04, 2007, 11:01:33 am »

good news!

big hug - kate

bear60 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 04, 2007, 11:12:54 am »

You continue to be an inspiration Christine. Your words ring loud and clear. Welcome back.

Christine · « **Reply #19 on:** March 04, 2007, 04:06:56 pm »

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for the welcome back. I have been sleeping and snuggling on the couch with Chris and the puppies.

The ID doctor had 'the talk' with me before going into the hospital. She wanted to be clear on my wishes if I had become incapacitated while in the hospital. I went over my living will and power of health to make sure she understands my wishes.

I am glad to be back!
Christine

Nadine · « **Reply #20 on:** March 04, 2007, 04:32:41 pm »

Welcome back Christine.

Take good care of yourself and tell Chris he better be spoiling you!

Keep up the good fight Sweet Lady!

((((HUGS))))

Esquare · « **Reply #21 on:** March 04, 2007, 10:05:53 pm »

I'm glad to hear you are at home Christine. I did a huge fist pump when I saw your topic.

You are a trooper and a huge inspiration. Hang in there. I'll be praying for you.

ACinKC · « **Reply #22 on:** March 04, 2007, 10:09:27 pm »

Quote from: Esquare on March 04, 2007, 10:05:53 pm

I'm glad to hear you are at home Christine. I did a huge fist pump when I saw your topic.

You are a trooper and a huge inspiration. Hang in there. I'll be praying for you.

I trademarked the fist pump about 8 years ago. From now on please do the fist pump with an open hand to avoid any "legal entanglements!"

Glad to have you back Christine! We missed you!

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Author Topic: Back Home (Read 5622 times)