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February 2009: Hell month
17 years ago
General
I've been out of contact and not very active over the last month or so. There's a reason for that.
It all started the day after I returned from Further Confusion. A while back my father had surgery on his foot to correct issues which caused a diabetes-related pressure ulcer (the surgery involves modifying the toe bone so it won't put pressure on the skin). The day after FC, Dad had an appointment to check progress, and it turns out the foot picked up a serious bacterial infection (MRSA), and he had to go to the hospital immediately for treatment. After a few days of visiting my dad in the hospital, I noticed a swollen lump on my lower back, like a bad pimple or boil. soon after, it abscessed and was draining blood and pus. I had apparently picked up an infection as well, likely the same bug as my father, but I don't know for sure. I probably should have checked with a doctor right away, but I let my sense of responsibility (to my father in the hospital, to work, and to others who depended on me) get the better of me, so instead I researched my condition and tried to treat myself. While it seemed I was making progress, when one thing healed up, something else popped up, so there was little to no real improvement in the situation. When I started getting a fever as well, I knew I had to take this more seriously and contacted a doctor. Luckily I did not have to go to the hospital myself, though I was sent to a surgical resident to get cut up, lanced, and all the nasty crap drained out (really quite painful, I must say), as well as being put on antibiotics. I'm left with a couple gruesome open wounds, which I need to periodically pack and cover with gauze so they can heal properly and avoid further infection.
All said though, as March rolls in things are doing better. My dad finally is out of the hospital (and out of the "step-down facility" he was in for the majority of February) and while I'm still healing up, I'm feeling much better than I was at my worst (no pain or fever anymore, at least)
I'm not the type to burden others with my problems (which turned out to be a bit of an issue in this case), but I thought I'd let people know why I've been out of contact and/or not getting the work done that I've meant to. There's no need to worry about me, as I (and those around me) are well on the way to proper (or at least 'usual') level of health.
It all started the day after I returned from Further Confusion. A while back my father had surgery on his foot to correct issues which caused a diabetes-related pressure ulcer (the surgery involves modifying the toe bone so it won't put pressure on the skin). The day after FC, Dad had an appointment to check progress, and it turns out the foot picked up a serious bacterial infection (MRSA), and he had to go to the hospital immediately for treatment. After a few days of visiting my dad in the hospital, I noticed a swollen lump on my lower back, like a bad pimple or boil. soon after, it abscessed and was draining blood and pus. I had apparently picked up an infection as well, likely the same bug as my father, but I don't know for sure. I probably should have checked with a doctor right away, but I let my sense of responsibility (to my father in the hospital, to work, and to others who depended on me) get the better of me, so instead I researched my condition and tried to treat myself. While it seemed I was making progress, when one thing healed up, something else popped up, so there was little to no real improvement in the situation. When I started getting a fever as well, I knew I had to take this more seriously and contacted a doctor. Luckily I did not have to go to the hospital myself, though I was sent to a surgical resident to get cut up, lanced, and all the nasty crap drained out (really quite painful, I must say), as well as being put on antibiotics. I'm left with a couple gruesome open wounds, which I need to periodically pack and cover with gauze so they can heal properly and avoid further infection.
All said though, as March rolls in things are doing better. My dad finally is out of the hospital (and out of the "step-down facility" he was in for the majority of February) and while I'm still healing up, I'm feeling much better than I was at my worst (no pain or fever anymore, at least)
I'm not the type to burden others with my problems (which turned out to be a bit of an issue in this case), but I thought I'd let people know why I've been out of contact and/or not getting the work done that I've meant to. There's no need to worry about me, as I (and those around me) are well on the way to proper (or at least 'usual') level of health.
Seriously... The ides of March seem to have come early for a lot of people this year.
Also best wishes to your papa
Anyway, as I always say...Life goes on and what goes around comes around. Things will get better time.
P.S. Get well ^_^
to help everyone on FA with all kinds of troubles and strife. We're open to anyone!
~Otaku-Man
Also, on a brighter note, the latest slides on Sabrina Online kept me giggling for hours! Great job!
I'm glad your dad is doing better as well as you are. I'm glad you were able to catch that thing before it got to something very serious. I'll be keeping you both in prayer that recovery speeds up!
A few years ago my Dad had Prostate Cancer. They did the surgery and he's been fine, so far. I can tell you I have mine checked frequently - it's a condition that can run in a family. Last year he had to have a part of his colon removed: No cancer, but it was one of those better-safe-than-sorry issues.
It's always worrisome when a parent gets ill, and we never seem to think it can happen to us. I'm glad to read you're okay. From what you wrote it sure sounds like you did have the same infection.
I can sure relate to health issues, having had several since I was born; I've had two major surgeries (one on both my thigh bones at age 10, and surgery for a bad double hernia 10 years ago).
My best wishes toward your good health and speedy recoveries.
First of all, good luck to your father. That said, I must comment on this: "I probably should have checked with a doctor right away, but I let my sense of responsibility (to my father in the hospital, to work, and to others who depended on me) get the better of me, so instead I researched my condition and tried to treat myself."
Not seeing a doctor with the symptoms you described, and hoping to deal with it yourself, was anything but responsible. If you have the kinds of obligations to others as you mention, then your first priority should be to make damn sure you are hale and healthy, without suppurating, infected wounds in your back, so that you can meet those obligations!
It's good to hear you're getting better, though. Speedy and complete recovery to you both!
Well, here's hoping for a speedy recovery for you and your father as well.
the MRSA virus is a very nasty piece of work. in england we had a huge outbreak of it and many people died because of it and its pretty much immune to all antibiotics(hence that's why it's nicknamed the "superbug"). and an abcess in the lower back sounds painful as hell.
anyhoo its good to know that you and your father are getting better.
i wish you both a fast and effective recovery.
Tigermark
I know it seems trite but you aren't doing your dad any good if allow yourself to get sick. I'm just relieved that you had enough sense to finally get medical consultation before you really got into trouble.
Many guys have a hard time to admit they might not be able to handle a medical problem, thinking that they can do it a home and get over it on their own (given the cost of Health Care in the USA, I can see why) but sometimes they miss the important clues that something is seriously wrong and don't check in until its really bad.
Best to you an yours.
Cheetaur.