Well, I did manage to link up with one of the most qualified infection specialists in Northern Virginia. It turns out he also hails from Alexandria. (OK, no more, but he was among the very first to graduate from the newly integrated TC Williams High School of Alexandria.) This doctor also arranged for me to have a PICC (peripherally inserted central cather) line insert. In so doing, I would be able to self-administer intravenous antibiotics six times a day for about four weeks.
Which is exactly what I did. Thankfully, I still had no pain. During this period, the diagnosis was clear. I had pneumonia of the calf, which was becoming necrotizing fasciitis. The antibiotics were specifically aimed at eradicating the Klebsiella.
Which was about the time that we found out that this rare ailment had been 100% fatal up to this point. I’m guessing that being able to self-administer IV round the clock was the differentiation point between me and everyone else. And, that was when I finally told my kids about this disease. Because now I knew I was not likely to die on them, so I wouldn’t be burdening them with a bunch of calamities.
And, that was also the time, I was assigned a wound doctor. One that could help promote the healing and restoration of the damaged calf.
Except…
One of the casts that was placed about the wound became loose. (The swelling of my leg has dissipated.) And, when it fell, it dug a hole in my ankle. Which now requires a whole ‘nother sort of therapy.
Oh my, what an ordeal you have been through. And now the ankle!
Martha recently posted..Blog Post Roundup
It seems endless.
Oh, Dr. Ackerman, I’m reading this series with fascinated horror. What a cascade of awfulness! I’m guessing you dealt with it logically and cerebrally, with faith and fearlessness (mostly, anyway). I’m freaking out, just reading about it, and knowing you came through it.
Marian Allen recently posted..Benchmark #1LinerWednesday
Yes.. I survived the fatality of the illness. Now, I am trying to recuperate my calf tissue and the ankle injury.
I second everything Marian said! I’m so glad you’re still with us, and stunned that you’ve been going through this for months (though I get why you wouldn’t say anything, until you told the family).
Holly Jahangiri recently posted..Life, Uplifting
Thanks for your concerns, Holly. Hopefully, I will start mending soon.
Indeed! The words “necrotizing fasciitis” strike terror in my heart. I’m glad you’re at least out of the woods – please STAY in the sunlight!
Holly Jahangiri recently posted..I’m Confused by Facebook’s “Fact Checkers”
Let’s hope I can!
My brother in law survived what was most probably MRSA several years ago after two hospitalizations (one some three weeks in length) and a struggle lasting over a year. He came too close to losing part of a leg. So when I started to read this – I was also stunned. And relieved you are still with us, Roy, no thanks to your scientific instincts.
Alana recently posted..Commemoration 12 #AtoZChallenge
So far- now only if my body responds with full healing…