Where have I been lately?

I’ve been in hiding. I had 1 week at Mayo in May and I came home with HOPE.

Even though I didn’t like any of the new diagnoses. The HOPE lasted about 4-5 days. My doctors advised me to push myself and so I did. Which then lead me to a huge flare up of pain – and then depression. It was so bad that I just slept as much as I could. I’ve been avoiding people and places. They only remind me of what I can no longer do – and I have not yet come to grips what my limitations are. Because I still have that HOPE niggling away in the back of my head that any day now I’ll be back to my ole self. ( and maybe I will be- who knows)?

But, once you end up down that hole – it’s so hard to pull yourself back up and out of it.

I’m down in the hole – HELP

In the time between my week in May and my week in June – the pain of transitioning from sitting to walking- and back again- was limiting. Without going into all of the details of my poor broken body – I will just say- I kept trying to pull myself out of the hole.

I was back at Mayo- this time I discovered the lack of blood flow during my Sepsis – had negatively affected my heart, lungs and added an essential tremor. ( that explains all of the stuff I’ve dropped and broken). But, I also had a SI joint injection and suddenly I could transition from sitting to walking with far less pain. But, alas- the steroid further comprised my immune system and for the last week and 1/2 – I’ve had bronchitis, laryngitis and croup. At least 2 nights I almost woke up hubs to take me to the ER. But- today, I’m feeling human again. I think I’m pulling myself out

I’m on my way out

Here I am in the proverbial 2 steps forward and 3 backward. I hope to reverse that soon. And yes, the sun, the birds and the warm weather help.

When I was at Mayo in May, I met with my infectious disease Dr – we had an hour long discussion – including the risks of having surgery to repair my torn tendons ( the risk is pretty high- but I think I’m going to push for it). But what surprised me – when my appt was over – 2 other ID Drs came into the room and asked me to help them. They said their hands are tied as far as developing post sepsis syndrome protocol because they are used to patients not making it and not used to having survivors. They gave me names and departments and asked me to push and become a patient advocate for post sepsis syndrome at Mayo. If the push comes from outside they will be able to address this. I’ve seen this all across the US, UK and Canada as they continue to save sepsis lives and then nothing to help us when we get home.

So, as soon as I’m up to the task – I will follow their lead and work with them. Because, really- nothing in my life has been as fulfilling as helping patients.

So – wish me luck!

Later

C

10 Comments

  • Michelle Posted June 27, 2019 3:13 am

    Carol you are the best if anyone can break the norm it’s you I’m not surprised.
    I’m always in your corner ❤️

    • mm
      Carol Miletti Posted June 28, 2019 6:41 pm

      Thanks Michelle

  • Karen Wheat Posted June 27, 2019 2:42 pm

    Oh Carol, you used our Hojo’s favorite word “ole” and it made me smile. You are one tough lady but it sounds like you have had far more than a person should be able to take. I’m glad to know you and I keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
    Love you, zebra sister❣️

    • mm
      Carol Miletti Posted June 28, 2019 6:42 pm

      I’ve used the word OLE ever since I met HoJo. Damn, I miss her

  • Randi Rodman Posted June 28, 2019 9:47 pm

    CRol, I have never met you, but admire your inner strength and writings. Thank you for sharing. Now,…get to Task …when you are able. Kindest Regards and Huge Respect- Randi Todman RN BSN and CVID Fellow Zebra

    • Vickie Spock RN Posted June 30, 2019 9:49 pm

      So excited for you to be able to participate in the post sepsis syndrome protocol. I am not only a CVID PATIENT but a nurse who takes care of many sepsis and post sepsis patients. Zebra hugs and prayers for a speedy recovery . God Bless you.

      • mm
        Carol Miletti Posted July 3, 2019 6:10 pm

        Vickie- I would really like to interview you and learn how you treat sepsis and post sepsis patients. Please advise
        ckmiletti@icloud.com

    • mm
      Carol Miletti Posted July 3, 2019 6:10 pm

      Thanks Randi

  • Linda Posted July 23, 2019 5:24 pm

    Sorry you’ve been thru so much. I as you know have had sepsis. For me, the new normal began 5 years ago.
    The essential tremor is something I had before sepsis, but became very pronounced.
    I take meds for it that seem to help. Propanol and primidone.
    Having a good neurologist has made a huge difference.
    I wish you the best….

    • mm
      Carol Miletti Posted July 26, 2019 6:09 am

      Last nite, I was carrying a box of glassware to donate. I started with tremors and dropped the entire box on dining room (wood) floor. Everything broke. Hubs came running up from man cave and cleaned it up. I felt so embarrassed. He was very kind and gentle about it. I know he’s worried – I’m pretty sure he things I’ll never fully recover. I’m a bit more optimistic about it – otherwise, I might be tempted to give up.

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