Renee Update

Ok all... I have been in the hospital since 3/28..I no longer have a pacer it was removed on Friday. All that swelling was a STAPH infection growing. I am recieving VANCOmyacin 3 times day thru IV. My "wound" is open and being packed and changed 2 times a day. Tomorrow i will recieve a PIC line and hopefully be sent home with visiting nurses. I will maybe recieve a new pacemaker in month implanted on the right side. I had to literally fight with my doctor to get this thing removed. I was in so much pain. FINALLY after being in hospital 5 days they removed it. OH and to make things worse i was ALERT for the whole surgery the sedatives would not work.
Well i missed you all. I have a long long way to recovery.
Keep me in your thoughts and prayers...
Renee

5 Comments

ouch!!!

by Tracey_E - 2009-04-06 08:04:20

Oh, you poor thing!!! I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this. Sending hugs and healing prayers.

Oh Dear...

by Pookie - 2009-04-06 08:04:26

Oh Renee.

I remember when you first posted that you were having problems...knowing me, I told you to go to the ER. I am SO glad to know that you are okay. My gosh, you've been through a lot. Sending you a huge hug!!!!

Did the doctors ever tell you how you caught a staph infection? Or is it one of those risks we take when we go into hospital for any type of surgery? I am glad you caught it when you did. I am sitting here just shaking my head because I never knew anyone could have such crappy luck (besides myself, of course). You must be relieved and a tid bit angry at the same time? Are you pain free now?

I am so sorry that you went thru all that you did. The worst is behind you now. Hopefully there will be nothing but better days ahead. I am cheering for you.

Thank you for keeping us updated as we tend to worry when we don't hear from any of the members.

Here's to a speedy recovery.

And if ever you just want to shoot the poop, please feel free to send me a message. I'm always around to help and support anyone if and when I can.

Welcome back.

Pookie

What terrible luck!

by BillMFl - 2009-04-06 10:04:54

Its a shame you have had to endure this. Good luck and speedy recovery!

New one in a month?

by bobad - 2009-04-07 09:04:10


You certainly are in my thoughts and prayers. I went though the same thing 3 times in 5 months, and know what you are going through. That packing business is not fun, is it?

My surgeon and EP docs say it's better to wait as long as possible for a re-implant. They say it's best to give the infection every chance be gone. I suppose flooding with antibiotics can speed the process along, and may be necessary if you are PM dependent.

Best of luck Renee.

i feel your pain

by verger - 2009-04-07 09:04:36

i had the same experience with an icd, they tried 3 months of oral antibiotics before realizing that they had to remove it. my beast of burden was having to be harnessed and carry an external defibirllator about the size of a purse for that month. gives me shivers just thinking about it all.
they finally figured out that the icd was infected from the factory, one of the screws, so they say,
well good luck for your second ordeal in the month to come and keep some pain killers handy.
i look at it this way, now i can drive without the seat belt rubbing on my ticking badge

You know you're wired when...

You need to be re-booted each morning.

Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!