Archive | January 2012

Oh the places you’ll go!

Jan24

So, after my third dose of Cytoxan Chemotherapy on Thursday (1/19) I was feeling pretty crappy for a few days. Mainly just really run down and had an annoying headache in the shape of a halo around my whole head. I still have a bit of a lingering headache in the back of my head, but I am doing fine on the nausea factor! To be honest, I’m not sure if it’s because I took multiple nausea meds or not, but I haven’t really had that come up as an issue at all. The night of the Cytoxan I felt like a laptop running out of battery.

Yesterday, I was going to paint pottery for some relaxation time with my mom… but we ended up shoe shopping instead… DUE to the winter storm leaving slush all over the city- and me only having ONE pair of shoes (mesh sided sneakers) that fit over my KAFO brace. Shoe shopping sounds fun! …until you’re sweating bent over in a chair at Macy’s trying on your 12th boot that just won’ t fit over the damn ankle hinges and awkward brace. After a few hours in the shoe department, we ended up in a different Macy’s store altogether, which had the apparent sizes I needed of the shoes that might fit. End of story….I ended up with shoes! Shoes I actually love!!! I got essentially a pair for everything I need- but not too many pairs! I got one pair of sweater funny looking but mighty comfy boots, followed by a pair of super cute black and gray wet weather boots (Coach brand!!!<— by chance that brand was the only one that would go on over my brace! Promise.)
I wear a 7 shoe size. These are a 9. The brace boot fit great, but I had to go to an shoe repair guy to make the left shoe fit my 'baby' foot. In addition to those super functional rain/snow boots, I got one pair or black leather flats, and two pair of 'Sperry Top Siders' (one pair pink with plaid, and one patent black with houndstooth). So In addition to those I have my mesh-y black/pink sneakers that I have been wearing with it. Complete Set! That was hard work finding those shoes. Thank goodness my mom was there to help me out- since, in the process, but not because of it, my brace BROKE AGAIN. It started broken in the morning when I put it on I noticed the bolt that slides in the angle hinge was GONE. Therefore, I was luckily enough to have the screws come unattached from the hinge unit, making it near impossible to walk- but oh well, I kept on shoe shopping!

Then I got home to set up my nebulizer after being in the cold air for the day, and whilst on the floor trying to set it up, I sat on and shattered the medication dispenser cap. BUMMER. I got a new one today from the same guy who fixed my shoes though (@ a Medical Supply Store).

It’s an old school picnic basket! Except instead of picnic stuff, it’s make by Grey Goose! I randomly got it at the salvation army one day a while back, and it is so cute and perfect! It has little geese all over the inside lining. Apparently it was something like this but I think my usage is wayy better!!

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Today (Monday 1/23) I had an eye doctor’s appointment. I need bifocals…. I’m getting old!! I told my last eye doctor I needed them, but she didn’t think soo. This one said I definitely do. But I didn’t like the other doctor to start with, so… I guess go with your gut! Haha But I am excited to get my new glasses. They are Vera Bradley brand too!! Funny. I’ll include a pic when I get them, they’re pretty normal looking though just to warn you! No hot-pink believe it or not!!

Tomorrow morning I will take “the leg” the brace BACK to the orthotic device office and have them replace the part. Mike, the employee there said they will ‘blue lock-tite’ the rest of the screws so hopefully I get to actually keep it…..working. Because giving it back is getting really old. I’m not giving it back tomorrow. I’m waiting for them to fix it there. I like walking, so I’ll wait the extra 20 min. You never really know how much we take something as simple as WALKING for granted until you cannot do it. Talk about losing your independence!! My brace [my 'leg' as I call it] is a very important part of me now!!

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I am going to try to start this ’30 days of Truth’ thing I found on another blog soon (today/tomorrow). I think the only way I can do it is if I link it to the pages on the menu at the top, because you can’t really have two blogs– on one blog from what I understand.

THEN tomorrow (Tues 1/24)
My amazing hospital roommate from New Jersey, JUDY, whom I met back in November, is coming with her mom to stay for two nights while she has doctors’ appointments in Philly. I thought it’d be a great idea to have them over here. It will save them hotel money and we get to spend time together as actual FRIENDS outside the hospital setting!! I’m so excited. She is a great person, dealing with so much. I’m ready for some good conversation :) If anyone thinks I am inspiring or ‘strong’ for going through a lot, you should meet this young lady. Wow. She is an inspiration to me! I can’t wait to actually spend more time together and chat!!!

Ok, bedtime now, Talk to ya later

xoxo becca

Big Stuff Happening!

Jan17

I’ve had a pretty busy couple of weeks. I think I had something like 9 doctors’ appointments in 5 days, not including Physical Therapy!

♥ Doctor Visits ♥

Primary Care Physician- who seemed to be a bitoverwhelmed by my massive amount of ‘history.’

She recommended I see a Psychiatrist once or twice, to check in with my medications and that I’m dealing with all these life changes alright— which I saw him today– I am! I passed the psych test I guess, he was a nice guy. Graduated OVER 50 years ago, so he really knows what he’s doing.  I also saw my favorite (closest human comparison I could make of him is to Einstein- with maintained hair).

Neurologist- productive, scheduled 3x more plasmapheresis treatments scheduled 1x month until April. Hopefully that will kick all those evil auto-immune antibodies out of me!


Dentist-if that counts, which it does, because I was there from 11-5.

 [Long story short--- I had previous corrective upper jaw surgery, which as a side effect, cracked my vampire tooth root (inscissor?) and the one next to it, closer to the center, so I had to get them fixed big time.
♦◊♦  My actual pretty teeth sample -->   
But that is just temporary to see if my bite is aligned properly with the new sizing of the teeth.
Final draft=Valentines Day. Joy.
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And of course my favorite, Dr. Huppert- my Rheumatologist.

I went in for what I guess I was a scheduled 'check up' /how's your lupus/ hows your paralyzed leg working out appointment. It went so well. He is a jack of all trades I swear. I mentioned to him my knee had been sore on my 'hurt' leg, and he says "Well yes, there's f

luid in it Rebecca." So he pulled out a big turkey baster needle, swabbed it with some iodine, and jammed it in my knee a few inches.

 It really wasn't that bad. I was amazed he was pulling synnovial fluid out of my knee, massaging the fluid out into the syringe a bit. I believe he said it was 5cc's (or mL's?) which was significant, but he's seen way worse. Heck, I didn't even know it was in there to take out so I'm good with a drop coming out- because my knee doesn't hurt anymore!!! (for now). I guess it is arthritis- but not the old age type, the lupus type.

SO Yeah, I definitely wasn't expecting that today...but it was awesome. He said normally you want less than like LESS that 0.1 cc's in there, so it definitely wanted out.   (End result--> little bandaid -->swelling gone, and no pain!) Wow. The things this man pulls out of his 'hat'....he's amazing. I wonder what I'll get next time! Hehe.

AND!!!!  HE decreased my prednisone steroids another 10mg down to 40mg!!!!   That will be officially HALF of what I started at!!Woohoo- GOODBYE chipmunk face.   (Here's a pic tonight--MILD malar rash ("BUTTERFLY RASH"), in case people want to see symptoms. This is the minimum it ever appears, I can't even feel it at this level. One day I'll try to grab a comparison ''severe picture" just for those of you who are interested in seeing it.)


Physical Therapy. So, other than all those doctors, I got my KAFO Hydraulic $9000 [of insurance money :) ] brace back again today from the hydraulics screw cracking over the weekend. They fixed the screw but need to order a new hydraulic system for it so I will have to give it back to the Custom Orthotics man- Mike, once more at the end of the week :(  BUT THEN it should be fixed for good, and I’m going to be running like Forrest Gump in no time!!! (without the breaking the brace, and much pinker).—–

It also happen to have re-acquired my bronchitis [ Supposedly I gave my parents the virus while I was sick---> they suffered through it a few days ---> then I got it back I guess.] Being so immuno-compromised with the chemotherapy, prednisone steroids, etc  I guess this sick-er thing is to be expected. But  I managed to avoid being admitted to the the hospital this time, other than the x-rays Dr. Huppert had me magically admitted and xrayed on MLK day at 5pm in the Hospital across the street- which turned out well- no pnuemonia. I am just back on another run of bactrum antibiotics… and IF HE LETS ME/thinks I’m well enough, I will be allowed to get my chemotherapy on Thursday morning. He really had a problem with my cough. But my lungs are just loud and seal-bark sounding I guess. Sorry :/

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  • I also want to start expanding my blog- if that’s even possible. I would like to add a section for:
    • Recipes and Cooking with Lupus
    • Lupus facts/awareness <– You know, the things they don’t tell you in the books. In short sentences.
    • An awareness group??

Perhaps I can make pages…? (Like different sections of my blog?- gosh I’m so new at this! Teach me!

  • ANND I read a blog where a girl did something called ’30 days of Truth List’ where each day was a different question/topic.  (credit: http://hope.gr/30-days-of-truth)  I thought it was an interesting continual read each day, and could provide a lot of introspection. SOO I’m going to do that. Maybe starting tomorrow, since I just noticed it is 4am….I need to pretend to sleep and then maybe I really will!!!—————

But before I go, while I’m on randomness, two things….

1) I want to start my own (possibly join) a Lupus Awareness Group to get the word out there. I really want to be active and involved. People just don’t know enough about it. And the more info about it out there, the more research that can be done, and the more about the disease can be understood. So if anyone has any ideas about starting some sort of foundation  or non-profit? or just some other kind of group. I supposed I’d design a website, a logo, and tshirts, and information, as well as an open forum.
♦♦♦ Sounds like- and will be a lot of work- so anyone with any ideas or suggestions- please THROW them at me! :)  ♦♦♦

2) Completely random side note—I just started drinking this Body By Vi shake (powder drink mixed with milk, or substitute in one of those shakey blender bottles) which literally tastes like cake and it gives you basically all the nutrients you ever need (from foods) if you have a hard time eating healthy enough (like me) and I am in LOVE with the shakes. So much so I’m considering selling them. It’s one of those pyramid things, but it’s not a scheme… so I’m actually considering it. Otherwise I highly recommend you try it!!! OMG It’s amazing. I will do a post about it in a day or two, like a little advertisement I suppose. It’s amazing, seriously.   You WILL be hearing more about it soon!!!!!

February is going to be a big month for me. I feel lots of productivity coming on. It’ll take work, but come on- work is good for you!!!!

Have a great night/day/morning everyone!!!

XoXo Becca♥boo

Is that weird?

Jan9

Aaahhhh. Does it ever feel soo good to get in bed to you that it hurts? It’s almost like all the aches and pains try to come out once you hit the horizontal position?! That is me tonight.  Especially in my back…  all the evil little hurt monsters ooze out, and I can’t even move when I lay down because of the pain. I just have to sit there. But that’s ok, because then it feels so much better.

Is that weird?

Hospitals may suck, but at least they make you feel better!!!

Jan5

♥  2nd Lupus Hospital Stay – 5 days  (December 30th-January 3rd)  ♥ 

So, I probably did too much going out to Hershey’s Park and all the shopping around the city (outside)…. but I ended up with bronchitis. And so I went to the ER (because there are NO Urgent Care clinics in Philly) Friday the 29th, to make a quick stop for antibiotics, Xray, etc. They told me my Xray was good, I had bronchitis (not to mention a cough that sounded like a SEAL).  They ended up giving me a nebulizer breathing treatment, and a prescription for antibiotics and an inhaler.

The next day I felt a hundred times worse and since I had family in town, after Physical Therapy, I snuck a quick appointment into my primary care’s office.  They snuck me right on in direct admittance to the hospital….. I practically had a room and a bed ready for me before I crossed the street to get there. So that was fun. I had a nice view of city hall out my window, and NO roommate!

Once they saw me (and heard my SEAL COUGH)  they started me on 3 IV Antibiotics (Azithromycin, Vancomyacin, and Zosyn– in case anyone cares to know which) and pulled me off the Bactrum Antibioitic the ER had given me the day before. They also started me on nebulizer treatments every 4 or 5 hours, which was later changed to every 8 hours when they put me on a 24 hour masked 50% Oxygen cool mist humidifier. That was pretty much it the whole time I was there. Vital signs, pills for lung pain and coughing, other pills, respiratory therapist visits. The end. No, just kidding.Luckily I had given my sister and her family a big hug goodbye, because they were heading back home to sunny Florida that afternoon.  Anyways, I had a room and a bed on the Med/Surg floor really quickly, but I don’t think I saw a doctor or my nurse for probably 3 or 4 hours. Strange.

Other than my bronchitis, they were concerned about two things. 1) A possible blood clot in my lower right calf- which had been super painfully cramped for a few days — that turned out fine, after a 3 hour ultrasound and all. But they told me to watch it, because it was a little swollen and I had tiny leg veins for clots to hide in. And apparently lupus gives you a higher for chance for blood clots.   2) My ‘abscess‘ thing on my stomach.  It started out as a little white dot surrounded by a red circle like the size of a ‘big’ quarter, surrounded by a white circle. However by the time I was actually in the hospital it was a small black hole, surrounded by red skin, probably the size of  a large tablespoon spoon. [Check out the photo on the left] And some of  the parts in the ‘red zone’ were rock hard. Oh AND IT HURT LIKE THE DICKENS! The weird part was if you pressed on the side of my stomach, or way below the spot on my stomach, it still made me literally scream in pain–at the location of the red spot.

An infectious disease doctor came in, and touched it and stuff, and told me he thought it was a PHLEGMON. I asked if he could spell that, and he DREW me a picture!

So, here’s a picture of my re-draw that explains it a bit—>

But basically instead of an abscess or pocket of pus/infection  under my skin, most likely from an infected hair follicle, I just had infected tissue. Like, the fat skin, whatever tissues it touched were infected. But don’t worry, the surgeon came in my room all by himself with his kit, sliced me open and pulled it right out!!! Part of it had actually become necrotic [DEAD]. Fun, that’s probably why I had a fever.
[♦◊♦ WARNING - - - if you get grossed out easy, you might want to stop reading- and then I'm going to show you a picture of the incision- so stop reading here maybe? But really..... don't! It's not that bad. AND this IS a lupus blog ♦◊♦ ]

I got to watch the whole thing, thanks to local anesthesia. It was crazy- he cut it open, maybe an inch wide, but he went deep. INCHES deep. .  He cleaned it up and then reached in with his clamps and PULLED out gross, infected, interesting stuff. Not too much, but enough. It was rather amazing how he dug around in there so grotesquely His scissors were the clampy kind and he essentially reached in the hole he cut, and did this circle type thing feeling around in there under all the red stuff to make sure there was no more. And in the end it looked like a small stab wound,  next to the ‘folliculitis’ spot that originated the infection. Then he didn’t stitch it or anything because he said it needs to drain and heal from the inside out- wouldn’t want to keep any more infection in there! So he bandaged it up with a simple piece of gauze.
That was pretty much the most exciting part of my stay. Oh, and New Years Eve!!! LUCKILY, I was awoken to have my blood drawn at 11:55 pm, so I turned on the hospital tv really quick and watched. I even took a picture. I heard one or two fireworks, but being in center city, surrounded by huge buildings made it kind of hard to hear (or see) the show in South Philly.
I didn’t actually get my mini-surgery on my stomach until the next day, January 1 2012. Then after they determined I didn’t have the flu, my fever went down, and my blood cultures were alright, they let me go home late in the day on Tuesday the 3rd!!!!  They told me the blood work indicated I am NOT in a “lupus flare”! (Good news- however, this makes me realize how much I still don’t know about the technicalities of lupus- such as when you are in a flare, or remission, or just normal? )
The docs released me basically saying I just need to be careful with my skin and airways in general.  They wrote me prescriptions for Bactrum (antibiotic) 2 at a time, twice a day, 5 days. And, morphine pills. Only 14 pills, but I’m pretty sure my lungs and/or won’t hurt enough to need more. Hahaa.
Here is my ‘owwie’ now, looking pretty good. Smaller in size. I put a size comparison pencil for fun :)  I will make the two photos thumbnails in case you get grossed out. You can click them if you’d like to see bigger!!

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New Symptom?

On a separate note, I have a little  bad news. It’s a new symptom that started in the hospital. I didn’t think anything of it, it was maybe the last day or two I was in there that it started.  My right forefinger and thumb- at the very tip have sensation loss. It’s almost like I burned them, or shocked them or who knows. Or, it feels like I have superglue on the tips! [Really the tips, like you have to lift your hand and point your fingers directly downwards onto the table to feel the part I'm talking about.] I tried to ignore it, figuring it would go away, but now I have slight sensation loss in the tips of the rest of my fingers– on both hands. It’s most severe still on the first two. I called my rheumatologist and he said he’d like to see me tomorrow (even though I have an appointment in 10 days). So we will see how that goes.   I get to use my KAFO leg brace tomorrow again at physical therapy… I’m hoping I get to bring it home!!!!
That’s all for now.

XoXo BeccaBoo

“The more light you allow within you, the brighter the world you live in will be.” ~Shakti Gawain

KAFO Leg Brace at Physical Therapy!!!

Jan4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EEEeekk!! I got to TRY ON my brace today.

 

Long Time No See! [Family Visit--Holidays!]

Jan2


So, I’m pretty sure I ended the  my last blog saying how soon I’d be  back with information on my Cytoxin Chemotherapy treatment.

Ok, So lets start from the beginning I guess. But, fair-warning,- I am slightly medicated.

No, I didn’t die; Yes, it’s been over a week since I blogged! :( And I’ve been thinking about the poor blog every single day. Whether it was time one day or energy another, I just haven’t gotten around to doing it. BUT NOW, I’m back in the hospital and I have all the time in the world.

Wednesday (Dec 21)
I had my outpatient Cytoxin infusion Wednesday the 21st, four days before Christmas. All went well. Better than expected to be honest. I took one Phenergan (Rx nausea pill I had on hand).   I got there early in the morning around 8am, registered, and it was through the same room in the hospital as the plasmapherisis treatments- where I already knew most of  the nurses.  Then I got a comfy reclining chair, IV  fluids, and Zofran (nausea medication) all before the chemo was administered. The chemo took about 2 or 2.5 hours I’d say… and then they monitored me for maybe another 30 min. A very  nice nurse, Ashley, was in there the entire time, monitoring me and we chatted a bit. And it was over.

Then I went home, took another Phenergan (in case I got nauseous) and slept a few hours until around dinner time.  When I woke up I felt fine, I was bored, and wanted to go somewhere! So I called my mom up, and we convinced my dad we needed to go hang out at the casino because she had ‘free money’ vouchers.  I didn’t think it would be so bad since I had a wheelchair to be pushed around in all night. It really wasn’t that bad either. I got tired out pretty early into the night and went and hung out at the sandwich shop, but my problem was  loosing $100 my mom gave me in 20′s that I had in my lap as I went through the gift shop when I walked in. I even had security look for it with all their  ’ahhmazing’ camera systems- but nope-poof it was gone. There went  my first hour and fun of the night!! My parents ended up winning money, so it all worked out. But I was a bit bummed, ya know?

Pre-Holidays (Dec 22 -Dec 24?)

My mom and I pretty much spent way too much time and way too much money shopping for last minute Christmas gifts that we DEFINITELY needed… :)

We stayed out until pretty much all of the stores closed, which was actually too early. My dad started calling us the people “who used to live there”  …haha.   It was funny until the 3rd or 4th or 8th time.

Then my dad was soo kind to wheel me down to LOVE Park so I could get some warm “mulled wine” from the Christmas Village where vendors set up a little zone to buy fun things in.  I  absolutley love the city and history of Philadelphia.

Sunday (Dec 24th)

I believe I spent the first half of Christmas Eve in bed writing cards and relaxing in bed, the second half wrapping presents, and then that night my mom, dad, and I unwrapped our presents!!! :)

YEP! We unwrapped them on Christmas Eve! Luckily, Santa even got his presents there  in time. We didn’t get our GIANT stockings full of more goodies and gift cards and stuff until Christmas day, but that’s kind of how our (new-ish) tradition goes.  It started several years back with one present allowed to be opened before Christmas. Then as we got older (into our 20′s?) it kind of evolved into all the presents!!!! That way we get to sleep in really late on Christmas day, and enjoy more presents (stockings) when we do get up, we have a huge brunch, and just relax and enjoy the day :)   (with all our new stuff!!!)


Monday (Dec 26th)
This year, my older sister (Michelle) was finally able to get time off from work, and was able to drive up from Florida to visit for the holidays and introduced us to her long-time boyfriend Rob, and his son, Kolby, who were both amazing young men. Unfortunately they were only able to stay until Friday… but we had a great time while they were here!  We had our traditional “Christmas Dinner” on the night they arrived, followed by more present opening! Then we showed  them around the city- including visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, plus lots of other exciting tourist stuff while they were here!!


Tuesday  (Dec 27th)

I had Physical Therapy and found out that my orthotic leg brace was arriving on Friday (Dec 30!!!!)  OMG SoOoOooo excited!! I am so very ready to walk again even if I will look like a pink shade of Forrest Gump!!!

←  This is it!!!! I think I’m in LOVE!  ❤
From what I understand, it will let me bend my knee around 30 degrees forward and then when my foot/heel touch the ground, hydraulics lock my knee back into place, allowing my leg to push forward – aka – walk!!!! Hooray!In addition to my leg brace and P.T, my grandmother (Gran) was scheduled to arrive from Mississippi around dinnertime on Tuesday the 27th, but due to a series of ridiculous flight delays, she didn’t get in Philadlelphia until around 11pm, so she didn’t even get to seee Ron and Kolby until the next morning.
[Side note: I think I started developing a slight  this day...?]

 

Wednedsday (Dec 28th)

We took the entire family to Hershey Park, PA. We did tons of fun fun candy stuff! I was in the wheelchair of course, but it actually helped us cut in line once or twice at the attractions! (OOPS— I was happy/sad about at that at the same time). We designed our owned candy bars, fillings, wrappers and all- and watched the process of them being made from start to finish- which was pretty neat! We did lots of other stuff, a 3D movie, a ride simulating a virtual tour showing how everything was done and made, shopping, got employee badges, rode the trolley to see Hershey’s original house he built, which was turned into an orphanage for boys. By the end of the day I was definitely pretty beat up feeling.   But then we went out to eat at Houlihan’s Restaurant, which was delicious….


Thursday (Dec 29th)But that was pretty much the end of my excitement :o (   Towards the end of the night I felt general malaise- sick, and was coughing a bit more, and heavier. The extreme drop in temperature and sharp increase in wind speeds probably didn”t help my lungs feel any better though.

Back to the real world. I went to Physical Therapy early (at 9am instead of 11am) so I could hang out with my family for a bit longer, but my dad took my Michelle, Rob, and Kolby out to South Philadelphia to get their famous ‘CHEESESTEAKS’ which were  apparently delicious. And then they decided to take their own historic walk back to Center City (about 5 miles).

I was really starting to feel worse after P.T. sick wise, so my mom and I went to the  ’Drexel Convienient Care Clinic.’ It’s pretty much like a tiny urgent care in the city. They fixed my mom up with some medication (Oh, BY THE WAY, she has shingles). But they told me they thought I had bronchitis and I needed to go to the ER for an XRay, etc.  By the time that was all over, it was determined the doctor’s thought I had a strange abscess on my stomach, and bronchitis. They sent me home with a prescription for Bactrum (antibiotic), an albuterol inhaler, and liquid phenergan with codine (for cough).

Luckily, my dad took my sister and I out to walk out walking the city- so I didn’t ruin their day by being a BAHumBUG. We ended up getting home around the same time actually within a few minutes of each other- at that off time between dinner and lunch and we all went at ate at the local pub (best food ever-only half a block across the street from our front door). Then Gran and I went upstairs to go to sleep early/ I let Kolby hang out in my bed and watch movies with me have tickle fights etc until the adults got home from spending their last night hanging out at the local casino! Fun stuff.

Friday (Dec 30) — Sister leaves town//Hospitalization
The next day, feeling much worse,  I made an appointment with my primary care doctor’s office, but unfortunately on such short notice it was a doctor I had not met. Sho direct admitted me to the hospital [of which you ^above^ can see my truly great view of historic city hall, right outside my hospital bedroom window!]  .  The doctor said my cough was awful, didn’t want the bronchitis to progress into pneumonia (with me being so susceptible via the lupus), and the spot on my stomach looked awful.  Luckily, I had suspected this, and gave  my sister and her family big hugs, kisses, and I love you’s before I headed off to the doctor’s office just in case. But they (my family) were able to do some shopping and more sightseeing before they left- so it wasn’t a bother that I was gone :)

Monday (1/2/2012) –TODAY
I am still in the hospital, day 4, going on 5. Hopefully I will be released tomorrow. My rheuumotologist and I think I am well enough to go home, but he also wants neurology and cardiology to
see me before I go. So it may end up being Wednesday…?

I will write another blog on my actual hospital stay (Dec 30 to Jan 0?)  probably tomorrow. It’s not too exciting and eventful, but I took notes. In summary: I am currently still receiving 3 IV antibiotics to treat infection fromboth severe bronchitis (they said I sounded like a seal-boo) and also for the ‘phelgram’ (in the family of abscesses/folliculitis) on my stomach. They cut open my stomach and took out the infection, so that should be healing.  In addition to pain meds and all my lupus meds, I’m getting nebulizer breathing treatments ever 8 hours and a 24 hour cool mist 50% Oxygen mask to moisten my lungs. Bottom line, I look pretty awesome. NOT.

I will definitely be writing the long(er) story of my hospital stay very soon. Be excited!!!
Otherwise, facebook me, whydontchtcha??      [  facebook.com/livelaughlovelupus  ]

XoXo BeccaBoo